For generations, the United Kingdom has been one of the great rites of passage for New Zealanders, if for an OE, a longer-term career move, or reconnecting with family. It is our second-largest overseas destination behind Australia, and we are proud to offer one of the most regular shared and sole-use container services to the UK available from New Zealand.
A relocation this far from home takes more planning than a move across the Tasman. This guide outlines key basics – visas, healthcare, shipping, and getting settled – helping you plan your move to the UK confidently and with clear expectations.
Why Kiwis Choose to Move to the UK
History, culture and access are the primary drivers. Many New Zealanders hold, or are eligible for, UK ancestry visas through a grandparent, which makes the UK one of the more accessible long-term moves outside of Australia. Add to that world-class career opportunities in London and beyond, easy access to the rest of Europe, and deep family and cultural ties, and it is easy to understand why the UK remains such a popular destination for Kiwis of all ages.
Visa Options for New Zealand Citizens
Unlike the arrangement with Australia, New Zealanders do need a visa to live and work in the UK. The most common pathways include:
- UK Ancestry visa – for those with a UK-born grandparent, allowing you to live and work in the UK for up to five years.
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa – for New Zealanders aged 18 to 35, allowing up to two years living and working in the UK.
- Skilled Worker visa – for those with a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Family visas – for those joining a partner, spouse or family member already settled in the UK.
Visa rules and eligibility criteria change regularly, so we always recommend checking the current requirements directly with UK Visas and Immigration well ahead of your planned move date.
Living Costs in the UK vs New Zealand
Cost of living varies enormously depending on where you settle. London remains one of the most expensive cities in the world, particularly for rent, while cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Belfast offer a noticeably more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing career opportunities or culture. Public transport is generally more extensive and can reduce the need to run a car, which is worth factoring into your budget alongside rent, groceries and utilities.
Choosing Where to Live
The UK offers a huge range of lifestyles within a relatively small geographic area. Popular destinations for New Zealanders include:
- London – unmatched career opportunities and culture, at the UK’s highest cost of living.
- Manchester – a thriving northern city known for its music, sport and more affordable housing.
- Liverpool – strong community feel, rich history and a growing job market.
- Glasgow – Scotland’s largest city, offering big-city amenities with a lower cost of living.
- Belfast – an increasingly popular choice for affordability and quality of life.
We have supported Kiwi families and individuals relocating to all of these cities and more, and our team is always happy to share what to expect in each region.
Healthcare, Banking and Settling-In Essentials
Healthcare in the UK works differently to New Zealand, so it’s worth understanding the basics before you go. Most people moving long-term will pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application, which then gives access to the National Health Service (NHS) once they’ve arrived, in the same way a UK resident would use it.
Beyond healthcare, there are a few tasks worth prioritising in your first week.
Opening a UK bank account and registering with a local GP surgery should both sit near the top of your settling-in checklist, as both take time to set up and are needed for almost everything else, from renting a home to picking up prescriptions.
If you’ll be sending money between New Zealand and the UK on an ongoing basis, it also pays to arrange this in advance: NZ Van Lines has partnered with XE Money Transfer to give our customers access to competitive exchange rates and tailored currency advice, which can add up to a meaningful saving on a move this far from home.
Shipping Your Household Goods to the UK
Given the distance involved, sea freight is the most common and cost-effective way to move household goods to the UK, and early booking matters, particularly with ongoing global shipping capacity and congestion issues.
Shipping to the UK from NZ
We offer sole-use containers for larger households, shared containers for a more cost-effective move, and airfreight for smaller consignments, with a full door-to-door service.
Our team will also talk you through UK customs documentation requirements to help your shipment clear smoothly on arrival.
Moving With Pets and Vehicles
Relocating a pet to the UK is achievable with the right planning around documentation, vaccinations and quarantine requirements, and it is worth starting this process early given the lead times involved.
We can also assist with vehicle shipping and secure storage.
Getting Started
An international move to the UK is a big step, but it doesn’t need to be an overwhelming one. With over 40 years of experience helping New Zealanders relocate across the world, NZ Van Lines is well placed to guide you through visas, shipping, storage and everything in between, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Ready to start planning your move to the UK? Request a free, no-obligation quote from NZ Van Lines today, or get in touch with our team on 0800 362 236.