How to Move to England If You’re American

Moving to England can be an exciting change of pace. But even if you’re thrilled at the prospect of living across the pond, you’ve likely got some questions—and maybe even a few concerns—about the transition.

First, you’re probably wondering whether it’s even possible for a U.S. citizen to live in the U.K. The short answer is yes. The long answer? You may need to jump through some administrative hoops first.

The U.K. offers visas for different purposes, including travel, school, work, company transfers, and beyond. The government offers a handy online tool to help determine if you need a visa and, if so, which one you should apply for. You can stay in the U.K. for up to six months without a visa, but after that, you’ll need to make it official.

No job? No worries. Generally speaking, you can move to England without a job for up to six months, since you’re technically just visiting. 

That said, it’s important to take a hard look at your finances to make sure you can actually afford to move to England without a job. If you need more time, don’t hesitate to stay in the U.S. a little longer so you can pad your savings account.