United Kingdom
Global metropolis London, rich history and cultural diversity. Post-Brexit stricter immigration rules for EU citizens, but strong economy and excellent universities. The NHS provides free healthcare for all residents.
Important Notice: No Individual Advice
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal decisions.
Key Metrics
Cost of Living
Cost Breakdown
Quality of Life
Taxes
Tax information for United Kingdom
Tax resident based on Statutory Residence Test (SRT): 183+ days in UK or sufficient ties (home, family, work)
2024/25
31st January after tax year end for Self Assessment. Tax year: 6th April - 5th April
No - worldwide income
UK Tax System: England/Wales/NI vs. Scotland
4 tax bands: Personal Allowance (0%), Basic (20%), Higher (40%), Additional (45%). Most employees pay 20% on income £12,571-50,270.
6 bands since 2024/25: Starter (19%), Basic (20%), Intermediate (21%), Higher (42%), Advanced (45% £75,001-125,140), Top (48% over £125,140). Higher tax burden than England.
In addition to income tax: 8% on £12,570-50,270, 2% above (reduced from 12% since April 2024). Employer pays 13.8% (from April 2025: 15%). NICs fund State Pension, NHS and benefits.
Personal Allowance reduced by £1 per £2 over £100,000 = effective marginal rate 60%! At £125,140 allowance is completely gone.
Pay As You Earn: Employer deducts tax directly. Tax code determines allowance. With correct code no tax return needed (only Self Assessment for self-employed).
From April 2025: Non-Dom status abolished. New 4-year FIG regime for new UK residents. Foreign income tax-free for 4 years, then normal UK taxation.
Income Tax
England/Wales/NI: Personal Allowance €12,570, then 20/40/45%. Allowance tapers above €100,000. Scotland: 6 bands (Starter 19%, Basic 20%, Intermediate 21%, Higher 42%, Advanced 45%, Top 48%). NICs since April 2024: 8% (€12,570-50270), 2% above.
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €12,570 | 0% |
| €12,570 | €50,270 | 20% |
| €50,270 | €125,140 | 40% |
| €125,140 | Unlimited | 45% |
Pension Tax
State Pension from age 66 (~€11,500/year). Private pensions taxed as income. 25% tax-free on withdrawal (Pension Commencement Lump Sum). Contributions up to €60,000/year tax-deductible.
Capital Gains Tax
Annual exempt amount €3,000(2024/25). Since 30 Oct 2024: Unified 18% (basic rate) or 24% (higher rate) for ALL assets including shares and property. Business Asset Disposal Relief: 10% up to €1M.
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €3,000 | 0% |
| €3,000 | Unlimited | 24% |
Dividend Tax
Dividend Allowance €500(2024/25). Basic rate: 8.75%, Higher rate: 33.75%, Additional rate: 39.35%.
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €500 | 0% |
| €500 | Unlimited | 39.35% |
Wealth Tax
No wealth tax. Council Tax on property (€1,200-4000+/year depending on value and region).
Inheritance Tax
40% above nil-rate band (€325,000). Spouse transfers tax-free. Residence nil-rate band: additional €175,000for main residence to direct descendants. 7-year rule for gifts.
VAT
20%Important Notice
This is not tax advice. UK taxes are complex (Scotland different, NICs, PAYE). Consult a UK-qualified Chartered Accountant or Tax Advisor.
This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change frequently and can be complex. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a tax advisor licensed in United Kingdom for your specific situation.
Healthcare
Healthcare in United Kingdom
National Health Service (NHS): Universal, tax-funded system. Free treatment at point of care for all legal UK residents. Dental and eye tests have co-payments.
No insurance needed for UK residents. Visa holders: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) €1,035/year per visa year paid upfront. EU citizens: No automatic EHIC access post-Brexit.
Expat Access
Full NHS access after IHS payment. GP registration required (residence-based). NHS 111 for phone advice. A&E for emergencies - long wait times common.
Well developed, especially in London (Harley Street, BUPA, AXA PPP). Faster access, shorter waits. Private clinics often within NHS hospitals. Costs: €150-300 per visit.
NHS sufficient for most needs. Private supplement (€100-300/month) optional for faster specialist access. Dental insurance recommended (NHS dentist waitlists long).
Costs
Education & Childcare
Education system in United Kingdom
The British education system enjoys worldwide reputation: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial are among the global top 10 universities. State schools are free, private schools (Public Schools) are elite. GCSEs at 16, A-Levels at 18.
Childcare
Childcare available but expensive. 30 hours free childcare for 3-4 year olds (working parents). Waiting lists in London and major cities. Childminders and nurseries as options.
Primary & Secondary School
International schools
Higher Education
England: £9,250/year for UK students (loan available). International students: £15,000-45,000/year. SCOTLAND: Scottish students pay no fees (SAAS covers them). Rest of UK pays full fees. EU citizens since Brexit: International fees (no home fee status).
For Expat Families
State schools accept all children with legal residence. Catchment areas important - address determines school place. Good state schools highly sought after. Private schools require entrance exams (11+, 13+).
EAL (English as Additional Language) support in state schools. International schools often offer mother tongue classes. German School London for complete German curriculum.
For integration: State school with good Ofsted rating. For international career: IB curriculum. German School London for return to DE. Research catchment areas BEFORE moving!
Pros
- •World-class universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE)
- •English as teaching language - no language barrier
- •Free state schools of high quality
- •A-Levels internationally recognized
Cons
- •High tuition fees for international students
- •Childcare very expensive (up to £1,400/month)
- •Catchment areas = address determines school quality
- •Private schools very expensive (£15,000-40,000/year)
Notes
The British education system is globally recognized. State schools vary greatly by area - check Ofsted ratings! Private schools (confusingly called 'Public Schools') are elite institutions (Eton, Harrow). For expats: German School London offers Abitur. UCAS for university applications. Student Finance only for UK residents after 3 years.
Language & Communication
Communication in United Kingdom
English is the native language - the UK is ideal for German-speaking expats without language barrier. Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish have regional status. Accents vary greatly (Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Glaswegian).
English Proficiency
English is native language for ~95% of population. The UK defines the standard for British English (RP, BBC English). Regional dialects and accents can be challenging at first.
No difference in language competency. Accents vary greatly: London (Cockney, Estuary), Liverpool (Scouse), Newcastle (Geordie), Glasgow (Glaswegian), Birmingham (Brummie). BBC English/RP is standard for media/business.
Government Services
All government services in English. Gov.uk is the central platform for all government services. In Wales bilingual (Welsh/English).
Excellent: Gov.uk is exemplarily digitized. Visa applications, taxes, NHS registration, driving license - all available online. HMRC, DVLA, Home Office all with self-service portals.
Daily Life & Communication
Everything in English. Multicultural cuisine reflected in menus (Indian, Chinese, Polish). Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Lidl, Aldi with clear English labeling.
Announcements and signage in English. London: Oyster/Contactless, TfL app. National trains: Trainline app. Regional accents in announcements may take getting used to.
NHS entirely in English. GP practices, hospitals, pharmacies. NHS 111 (phone advice) available. For non-native speakers: Translation services available on request.
Major banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest) all in English. Challenger banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) with excellent apps. Account opening often possible online.
Work Environment
British English is the global business standard. Politeness important: 'Would you mind...', 'I was wondering if...'. Understatement and indirect communication typical.
London is one of the most global business centers. FTSE 100 companies, global banks, Big Tech (Google, Meta, Amazon). Tech hubs also in Manchester, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Bristol.
Expat Community
The UK has one of the largest and most diverse expat communities globally. London: 37% foreign-born! Strong German community (~300,000). Expats from EU, Commonwealth, USA, Asia.
Numerous groups: German-British Chamber, InterNations, Meetup.com, Xing UK, LinkedIn. German schools in London. German Embassy social events. ESOL courses for partners.
Learning the Local Language
Since English is the language: Focus on accent comprehension and British-specific expressions. British Council for English refinement. Welsh courses available in Wales.
English is the national language - already present or easy to improve. Regional accents can be challenging initially (especially Glaswegian, Geordie, Scouse).
Tips
- 💡British English differs from American English (colour, behaviour, lift, flat)
- 💡Politeness important: 'Sorry', 'Please', 'Would you mind' are essential
- 💡Regional accents: BBC/YouTube videos for practice (Scouse, Geordie, Cockney)
- 💡Small talk about weather isn't just a cliché - it's culture!
Pros
- •English as native language - no language barrier
- •Perfect destination for improving English
- •All government services in English
- •Huge international community
Cons
- •Regional accents can be difficult to understand at first
- •British understatement and indirect communication takes getting used to
- •Slang and idioms ("taking the piss", "cheeky Nando's") can be confusing
Notes
The UK is the perfect destination for German-speaking expats: English is everywhere, no language barrier in daily life. The only challenge is regional accents and British-specific politeness forms and idioms.
Climate Change & Future Outlook
Climate risks in United Kingdom
The UK shows moderate climate risks with increasing tendency. Main risks: Increasing floods (river + coastal), warmer summers with more heatwaves, and more intense winter storms. As a highly developed country with long coastal protection experience, the UK has high adaptive capacity (ND-GAIN Rank #12).
Climate Scenarios
Switch between IPCC SSP pathways
SSP2-4.5
Current policy trajectory – ~2.7°C warming by 2100, moderate mitigation.
Values are approximations relative to our SSP2-4.5 baseline. They illustrate directional change, not exact national projections.
Overall Climate Risk
Projected risk index (0 = low risk, 100 = extreme risk)
Risk Categories
City-level climate outlook
Localized projections for the key expat metros in United Kingdom.
London is the UK's hotspot for urban heat islands and flood risk. The Thames Barrier protects from storm surges but will need upgrading by 2070. 2022 heatwave brought 40°C for the first time. Water supply strained.
Urban Heat Island +3-5°C vs. surroundings
1.4M people in flood zone
Per capita like Morocco
- •Thames Estuary 2100: Long-term flood protection plan
- •Urban Greening Factor mandatory for new developments
- •Flood Risk Check before buying (especially Zones 2-3)
- •AC rare in older buildings - summer nights can be unbearable
Manchester has the UK's highest rainfall among major cities. Floods along Irwell and Mersey are regular. Moderate heat risks due to northern location. Industrial heritage = many sealed surfaces.
Intensity +20% by 2050
- •Greater Manchester Resilience Strategy: £1B for flood defenses
- •Salford Quays as showcase flood protection
- •Avoid basement flats near rivers (Irwell, Mersey)
- •Rain jacket essential - it rains on average 150 days/year
Edinburgh has moderate climate with lower heat risks than Southern England. Main risks: Coastal erosion (Forth), storm surges, and increasing heavy rainfall. Historic Old Town vulnerable to extreme weather.
Rarely above 30°C due to coastal location
Leith harbour affected
- •Edinburgh Adapts: City-wide climate strategy to 2030
- •Leith Flood Prevention Scheme £85M
- •Wind is common - especially at Arthur's Seat and in Old Town
- •Dark winters (7 hours daylight in December) - consider SAD
Personal climate risk assessment
Tune the analysis to your health profile and comfort level.
Age group
Sensitivity
Risk tolerance
Personalized risk index
Current level: High
Priority risks
Floods & Coastal
Base 68 → Personal 68
Economic Impact
Base 65 → Personal 65
What to prioritize
- •Prefer elevated districts and buildings with flood-mitigation infrastructure.
- •Budget for higher insurance/utilities and diversify income streams against climate shocks.
- •Prioritise shaded neighborhoods, AC-ready apartments, and early-morning routines.
Adaptation Measures
- •Thames Estuary 2100: Long-term flood protection for London
- •Flood Re: Insurance pool for risk areas
- •Net Zero 2050: Climate neutrality target legally binding
- •Environment Agency: £5.2B for flood defenses 2021-2027
- •Property Flood Resilience: Water barriers, pumps
- •Heat protection: Shutters, fans (AC rare)
- •Flood Risk Check before property purchase
Climate Resilience
High adaptive capacity thanks to strong institutions (Environment Agency, Met Office) and long coastal protection experience. Weaknesses: Aging infrastructure, slow building regulations adaptation, NHS under pressure.
Tips
- 💡Check Flood Risk Map before buying (gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk)
- 💡Southeast England: Plan for summer water scarcity
- 💡London: Air conditioning becoming more important (not yet standard)
- 💡Coastal areas: Check erosion risk (East Anglia, Yorkshire)
Pros
- •Strong institutions for climate adaptation
- •World-class weather forecasting (Met Office)
- •Moderate temperatures (no extreme heatwaves)
- •Flood Re makes insurance accessible
Cons
- •High flood risk (5M people at risk)
- •Water scarcity in Southeast England increasing
- •Houses poorly insulated for heat (historic stock)
- •NHS overwhelmed during heatwaves
Notes
The UK has moderate climate risks by European standards, but flooding is a serious problem. The Thames Barrier protects London but will need upgrading by 2070. For expats: Flood Risk Check before property purchase essential. Heatwaves becoming more frequent - air conditioning not yet widespread. Environment Agency and Met Office provide excellent information.
Data sources
Scientific Disclaimer
Climate projections are based on models with inherent uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ. We present mainstream scientific consensus (IPCC) but acknowledge uncertainty ranges. This is not financial advice. Consult climate scientists and experts for specific decisions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Crime in United Kingdom
Safety Indicators
Comparison with DACH Region
For comparison: Germany (CPI: 78), Austria (CPI: 71), Switzerland (CPI: 82)
Notes
Police are generally helpful and professional. 999 for emergencies, 101 for non-urgent police enquiries. Comprehensive CCTV coverage in cities enhances safety.
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Options for United Kingdom
Visa Options
Skilled Worker Visa
Main route for skilled workers with job offer from licensed sponsor. Standard minimum salary £41,700/year since April 2024.
Global Talent Visa
For leaders in science, arts, culture, digital. No sponsor needed
Innovator Founder Visa
For innovative business founders. Endorsement required
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
For graduates of top global universities. No sponsor, no job offer needed
Graduate Visa
For international students after UK degree. 2-3 years work without sponsor
Ancestry Visa
For Commonwealth citizens with UK grandparent. 5 years residence/work
Youth Mobility Scheme
For 18-30 year olds from certain countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, etc.). 2 years
Path to Permanent Residency
Post-Brexit points-based system for all (incl. EU). Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) possible after 5 years legal residence. Citizenship earliest 1 year after ILR. Requirements: Life in the UK Test, English B1, no prolonged absences. Costs: ILR ~£2,885, Citizenship ~£1,580.
Important Notice
Visa and immigration regulations change frequently. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult the official government website or an immigration attorney for current and accurate information.