Working in London
Thousands of overseas professionals – especially Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans – make the move to London every year. It’s fast-paced, full of opportunity, and packed with culture. Whether you’re here for a working holiday, a few career-building years, or something longer-term, we’ve helped hundreds of candidates settle in and hit the ground running.
If you’re thinking of making the move, here’s what you should know before you get on the plane.
Important considerations
When planning your trip to the UK the most important considerations you need to make will be regarding your visa, bank account and accommodation.
Visas
Sort your paperwork before you pack your bags
If you're planning to work in the UK, you’ll need the right visa before you jump on a plane. What you need depends on your passport, your plans, and how long you're staying.
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa (YMS/Tier 5)
No sponsorship needed. Available to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India (via ballot), among others.
You can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years – or 3 if you're Aussie or Kiwi.
Youth Mobility Scheme visa details - UK Ancestry visa
Got a UK-born grandparent? This one’s for you.
Lets you work in the UK for up to 5 years and is ideal if you're planning a longer stay.
UK Ancestry visa info - Skilled Worker visa
You’ll need a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence.
Works for qualifying interim or permanent roles and usually lasts up to 5 years.
Skilled Worker visa info
- Partner or Dependant visas
If your partner already lives or works in the UK, you may be eligible to join them – and work too.
Family visas guide
Rules can and do change - so double-check on the UK Government site or speak to a registered adviser.
Join the right social groups
London can be a big, lonely place if you don’t know anyone – but it doesn’t have to be. There are loads of expat groups and socials where you can meet people, get advice, and start building your network.
Start with:
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Kiwis in London (Facebook) – packed with job leads, housing posts, travel tips and the occasional meme. Great for Aussies too.
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Aussies in London (Facebook) – slightly more laid-back (go figure), but full of helpful posts and social events.
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South Africans in London (Facebook) – a strong community group, especially for flat shares and finding a familiar accent.
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Meetup – search for anything from fintech meetups to pub quizzes or Aussie BBQs.
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Eventbrite – useful for both professional networking and social events.
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InterNations – a bit more corporate, but good for longer-term expats looking to build a professional network.
Banking
Digital banks are a faster, simpler option. Popular choices include:
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Monzo
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Revolut
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Starling Bank
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Wise
Accommodation
London is huge and your commute will depend heavily on where you live. For short-term or interim roles, planning where you stay is critical.
- Flatshares – Spareroom is still the gold standard.
- Longer lets – Check Rightmove, Zoopla, and OpenRent.
- Short stays – Airbnb or hostels via Hostelworld.
- Budget crashpad – Hostels work well for your first few days or weeks while you search for something better.
Top tip: Check your commute on Google Maps during rush hour before signing any contract. What looks like a 20-minute trip can quickly become an hour or more.
Landing tips
- Grab a UK SIM card as soon as you land – it makes everything easier.
- Get your UK-style CV ready – we can help you convert it if needed.
- Join expat groups on Facebook and LinkedIn – it’s a great way to get local tips and meet people.
- Contact us when you're in the UK – we can offer advice on accommodation, banking, or CV tweaks.
- Dive into London life – try local sports, explore weekend trips around Europe, or enjoy a proper Sunday roast in a cozy pub.