Sometimes you find yourself facing a decision that will change your life — driven by ambition, necessity, or simply the desire to see the world through different eyes.
In February 2016, I arrived in London with a suitcase full of dreams and desires. Back then it was much simpler: finding work, opening a bank account, settling into accommodation. Difficulties were not lacking, but those were the last days of entering the London reality without too many hitches.
Soon after, the UK's exit from the EU would be formalized, and many things would change. I can consider myself fortunate.
Today, ten years later, I see friends and countrymen who want to follow the same path I did. But the rules are completely different. It's no longer enough to arrive with £500 in your pocket and look for work — you need visas, sponsors, £15,000 in savings, and months of preparation.
This guide is based on my direct experience and that of dozens of people I've helped navigate the new post-Brexit system. If you're thinking of moving to London in 2026, here's what you need to know.
What is Settled Status? (And Why You Probably Don't Have It)
Before we dive into visas, let's clear something up: if you see people talking about living in London "Brexit-free," they likely have Settled Status.
This scheme was available to EU citizens who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020. I applied in 2020 and received mine in early 2021. It essentially froze my pre-Brexit rights:
- ✓ No visa needed
- ✓ Can work anywhere
- ✓ Free NHS access (no surcharge)
- ✓ Can leave and return freely
- ✓ Path to British citizenship
The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021. Late applications are only accepted if you were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 and have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. Otherwise, you're in the new system.
This means that while I can move jobs freely and travel without worry, anyone arriving now faces a completely different reality. Let's look at what that means.
Visa Options: Your Routes to London (2026 Edition)
Since Brexit, EU citizens need visas just like everyone else. Here are your main options:
1. Skilled Worker Visa (Most Common Route)
This is how most people move to London now. You need a job offer BEFORE you apply.
Key Requirements:
- Job offer from UK company with sponsor license
- Minimum salary: £41,700/year (increased from £38,700 in July 2025!)
- Job must be on skilled occupation list (RQF Level 3+)
- English language: B2 level (IELTS or equivalent)
- Maintenance funds: £1,270 in your account
Costs Breakdown:
- Visa application (over 3 years, applying from outside the UK): £1,519 per person
- NHS surcharge: £1,035/year × 5 years = £5,175
- English test (if needed): £150-200
- TB test (certain countries): £80-120
TOTAL: about £6,700-7,000 just for the visa
Home Office fees go up almost every year: check the current fees on GOV.UK before you budget.
Processing Time: 3-8 weeks (priority service +£500 reduces this)
Validity: Up to 5 years, can extend or apply for settlement
Path to Settlement: Currently after 5 continuous years. The government has proposed making most people wait longer (up to 10 years), so check the latest rules on GOV.UK.
📖 Real Story: Marco (Italian, Software Developer)
"I accepted a £40,000 job in London. After visa costs, flights, deposit, and moving expenses, I spent nearly £13,000 before I even started work. Thank god I'd saved!"
2. Graduate Visa (For UK University Graduates)
If you studied in the UK, this is your golden ticket.
- 2 years to live and work (3 for PhD); the government has announced this will drop to 18 months for applications from January 2027
- No sponsor needed
- Can switch to Skilled Worker later
- Cost: the application fee plus the Health Surcharge (£1,035 a year, so £2,070 for 2 years)
3. Health and Care Worker Visa
Special route for doctors, nurses and other health professionals, with major benefits:
- Lower salary thresholds than the standard Skilled Worker route
- NHS surcharge WAIVED (huge saving!)
- Lower visa fees
- Family members can join
Since 22 July 2025 this visa is no longer open to new care workers recruited from abroad. If you're a nurse, doctor or other NHS professional, the route is still open.
Brexit Changes: Before vs After
Here's what actually changed (and why everyone's frustrated):
BEFORE BREXIT (pre-2021)
- ✓ Freedom of movement - arrive anytime
- ✓ No visa needed
- ✓ Find job after arrival
- ✓ Start work immediately
- ✓ NHS registration free
- ✓ No salary requirements
- ✓ Total cost: ~£0
AFTER BREXIT (2021+)
- ✗ Visa required BEFORE travel
- ✗ Job offer needed BEFORE visa
- ✗ Minimum salary: £41,700
- ✗ NHS surcharge: £1,035/year
- ✗ Processing: 3-8 weeks
- ✗ Sponsor license required
- ✗ Total cost: £7,000-15,000
📖 My Experience: 2016 vs Today
What I did in 2016:
Arrived with basic school English. Went to Jobcentre, got National Insurance Number in days. Started job hunting immediately. Found work as dishwasher → waiter → security (with training). Struggled to open bank account with ID card (no passport), but my employer helped. Moved from hostel to hostel, then found proper accommodation.
Total cost: Maybe £2,000-3,000 including initial months
What you need now: Job offer before arriving (£41,700+ salary), visa costs (about £6,700 minimum), 3-8 months processing, £15,000+ total budget. The freedom I had doesn't exist anymore for new arrivals.
Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take?
Be realistic. This isn't a 2-week process.
Complete Timeline:
- Phase 1 - Job Search: 1-6 months
- Phase 2 - Application Prep: 2-4 weeks
- Phase 3 - Processing: 3-8 weeks
- Phase 4 - Arrival & eVisa setup: 1 week
TOTAL: 3-8 months from job search to working in London
When I moved in 2016, I went from arriving to working in 2 weeks. Today, expect 3-8 months.
Costs: The Full Breakdown (What Nobody Tells You)
Let's talk real numbers. Moving to London post-Brexit is expensive.
| Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Visa Costs (5 years) | £6,700-7,000 |
| Relocation Costs | £3,350-7,400 |
| Living Costs (first 3 months buffer) | £3,780-7,210 |
| GRAND TOTAL | £13,830-21,610 |
Reality check: Budget £15,000-20,000 to be safe.
I arrived with £500. Today you need £15,000 minimum.
Tips & Tricks: What I Wish Someone Told My Friends
After watching 10+ friends navigate this process, here's what actually helps:
Before You Apply
- ✓ Check sponsor license first: Go to gov.uk/check-sponsor-licence and verify the company can actually sponsor you
- ✓ Negotiate salary above threshold: £41,700 is the MINIMUM. Ask for £45,000-48,000 if you can
- ✓ Get documents translated now: Use certified translators. Costs £30-100 per document
- ✓ Take English test early: IELTS for UKVI costs £190-215. Book 2 months in advance
Financial Survival
- ✓ Open Wise or Revolut before moving: UK banks need proof of address. This gives you a UK account number immediately
- ✓ Bring 3 months buffer: First salary can take 4-6 weeks. Have £3,000-5,000 minimum
- ✓ Consider temporary housing first: Airbnb for 2-4 weeks while you apartment hunt
I struggled to open a bank account with just an ID card - all banks wanted a passport. Today, use Wise/Revolut to avoid this problem.
Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗ Don't assume tourist visa can convert: You CANNOT come on tourist visa and switch to work visa. You must leave and apply properly
- ✗ Don't book flights before visa approval: Visa can be delayed or rejected. Wait
- ✗ Don't underestimate costs: "I'll figure it out when I get there" = recipe for disaster
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
Moving to London after Brexit is harder, more expensive, and more bureaucratic than it was in 2016.
Is it worth it? That depends on your goals.
For me, London offered:
- Higher salaries (even accounting for cost)
- International environment
- Career opportunities
- Cultural diversity
- World-class city
But it cost me (and my friends) significant time, money, and stress.
What You Need:
- ✓ At least £15,000 in savings
- ✓ 6-8 months of patience
- ✓ A job that meets the £41,700 threshold
- ✓ Resilience for bureaucracy
- ✓ Research and preparation
The UK immigration system is strict but transparent. If you meet the requirements and prepare properly, you WILL get your visa.
Start planning now. Research your visa options. Build your savings. Polish your CV. Connect with recruiters.
London is still achievable post-Brexit. It just requires more planning than before.
Good luck!
About the Author: Written by Tonio Viva. This guide is based on personal experience living in London since 2016 and helping friends navigate the post-Brexit system. I hold Settled Status (obtained 2021). Immigration rules can change - always verify current requirements on gov.uk before making decisions. Last checked October 2026.