United Kingdom - Settling in United Kingdom
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United Kingdom

Europe

The United Kingdom remains a top destination for international expats, especially London which hosts one of the largest expat communities in Europe. Despite Brexit and the end of the non-dom status in 2025, the UK retains a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, a strong job market and competitive taxation on lower brackets.

Top income bracket
45%
Corporate tax
25%
Capital gains
0%
Cost of living
1 800 €/mois
FR treaty
Yes
Last verification: January 15, 2025

Taxation

Income tax brackets

BracketRate
0 € 12 570 €0 %
12 570 € 50 270 €20 %
50 270 € 125 140 €40 %
125 140 € unlimited45 %

Corporate tax

25 %

Capital gains

0 %

VAT

0 %

Tax treaty with France
Territorial taxation
Wealth tax

Visa options

Skilled Worker Visa

skilled-worker

Duration: Jusqu'à 5 ans, renouvelable

Cost: 719 à 1 420 GBP selon la durée + IHS (healthcare surcharge)

Requirements: Offre d'emploi d'un sponsor agréé. Salaire minimum de 38 700 GBP/an. Niveau d'anglais B1 minimum.

Innovator Founder Visa

entrepreneur

Duration: 3 ans, renouvelable, résidence permanente après 3 ans

Cost: 1 036 GBP + IHS

Requirements: Projet innovant, viable et évolutif validé par un organisme agréé (endorsing body). Pas de montant d'investissement minimum fixe.

Global Talent Visa

digital-nomad

Duration: Jusqu'à 5 ans

Cost: 716 GBP + IHS

Requirements: Etre reconnu comme leader ou talent exceptionnel dans la tech, les sciences, les arts ou le numérique. Endorsement par un organisme agréé.

Living in Royaume-Uni

Popular locations among expatriates

London, Tower Bridge
London, Tower Bridge
London, City
London, City
Édimbourg
Édimbourg

Cost of living

Comparison with the French average (vertical line)

Currency : Livre sterling (GBP)Exchange rate : 1 GBP = 1.16

Single person

Monthly budget1 800 €/month
Difference / France+850 €/month

Couple

Monthly budget2 900 €/month
Difference / France+1 380 €/month

City center rent

1-bedroom apartment1 600 €/month
Difference / France+750 €/month

Outside city center rent

1-bedroom apartment1 000 €/month
Difference / France+350 €/month

The cost of living is high, especially in London. A single person should budget around £1,800/month excluding rent in the capital. London rents are among the most expensive in Europe. Outside London, cities like Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh are noticeably more affordable.

Settling in Royaume-Uni

Practical indicators to prepare your relocation

Safety & stability

Safety5/10
Political stability8/10
Healthcare system73/100
Corruption index71/100
Democracy index8.54/10
Government typeMonarchie constitutionnelle parlementaire

Procedures

Residence permit6 months
Bank accountModerate
Public healthcareAccessible
Health insuranceIncluded

Start a business

Setup time5 days
Ease of business#8 worldwide
Effective corp. tax25%

Since Brexit, settling in the UK requires a work visa (Skilled Worker, Global Talent or Innovator Founder). Procedures became more complex and costly for Europeans. London hosts a large international community with French, German and Spanish schools and dense social networks. Daily life is entirely in English, which facilitates professional integration.

The NHS provides free care to all residents but suffers long waiting times for specialists and non-urgent emergencies. Visa holders must pay an annual IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge). Private care (Bupa, AXA PPP) offers fast specialist access but is expensive (£150-300/month). Dental and optical care are only partially covered by the NHS.

Quality of life

The UK offers a dynamic job market, world-class universities and a rich cultural life. The international community is large, especially in London. The climate is humid and grey, which can weigh on daily life. The NHS is free but often congested.

11°C
Avg. temperature
100 Mbps
Internet
UTC-3h
vs Paris
Anglais
Language(s)

Pros and cons

Advantages

  • World-class entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem
  • Large international community, especially in London
  • Personal allowance at 0% up to £12,570
  • Eurostar links to Paris (2h15) and Brussels

Disadvantages

  • Very high cost of living in London
  • End of non-dom status in 2025 (less attractive for foreign income)
  • Humid and grey climate year-round
  • Post-Brexit: more complex administrative formalities

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Sources

Verified on January 15, 2025

All data on this page comes from public and institutional sources.

FAQ

What is the tax rate in United Kingdom?

The top marginal income tax rate in United Kingdom is 45%. The corporate tax rate is 25%.

What is the cost of living in United Kingdom?

The monthly cost of living for a single person in United Kingdom is approximately 1800 EUR (excluding rent). City center rent costs around 1600 EUR per month.

Is there a tax treaty between the United Kingdom and United Kingdom?

Check HMRC for the current status of the tax treaty between the United Kingdom and United Kingdom.

These results are estimates.

The data presented are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. Consult a professional for your personal situation.