Moving to England?

Barclays Wealth International offers bank accounts and banking services for people moving to England

Many people move to England to take advantage of the opportunities available in a country within the European Union and with strong commercial links across the world.

England is one of the world leaders in finance and commerce, and is on the leading edge of scientific and technological development. Recent decades have also seen it move to the fore in fashion.

Oxford and Cambridge universities are two of the world's top academic institutions, but there are many other top-ranking universities that specialise in medicine and technology. No wonder so many people move to England to study.

Whether you are moving to England to work or study, there may be benefits in obtaining non-resident domiciled status. A UK resident non-domiciled is someone who lives in the UK but has their roots elsewhere (or wishes to). However, a person's domicile status is a complicated legal issue. To help determine your status, and for all your tax-planning needs, we can introduce you to Ernst & Young, our preferred partners for tax advice.

Whatever your status, there are major benefits in arriving with a bank account that is set up to take care of all your day-to-day banking and other financial needs.

At Barclays Wealth International we offer people moving to England banking that fits around their needs. Accounts can be in sterling, euros or US dollars, and can be based onshore or offshore to allow you to take advantage of your status as a UK resident non-domiciled.

Our bank accounts make it easy for you to transfer currencies up to a maximum of £50,000 (or currency equivalent). And by choosing to make your international payments online, rather than by letter, fax or face-to-face, you will get to enjoy discounted tariffs.

Apply for a Barclays Wealth International bank account before you move to the UK.

You can also call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986^†, or use our call back service.

How to move to England

Before you buy a plane ticket you have to ask yourself: "Can I move to England?" This is not as strange as it sounds, because recent changes in immigration law mean the answer may not be as straightforward as it used to be for people from outside the EU.

For example, the UK has now introduced a points-based system for people emigrating to England to work. This means there are only a certain number of people allowed within areas such as 'entrepreneurs' and 'skilled workers'.

Also, visa requirements differ from country to country, so check on both these aspects with the local embassy or consulate of the UK long before you plan to arrive.

Things to consider

Having a bank account with Barclays Wealth International before you arrive will resolve some of the problems that can face people relocating to England - for instance, getting the advice you need to settle your tax status in advance. Also, we can help by enabling you to open a bank account without the need for an existing financial footprint in the UK. You just need to provide proof of identity and confirmation of your overseas address.

But there are more things to consider. Finding somewhere to live before you arrive may mean finding a home to rent through online lettings agents. We can help here because agents will usually require a deposit - and international money transfers are a key part of our service.

Healthcare is another important area. To access the UK's National Health Service care and social care in the UK, you need to be ordinarily resident, which means you are present and settled in the UK. In order to use regular NHS services you will need to first apply for a national insurance number before registering with the NHS. However, if you need emergency care you will be treated free of charge regardless of whether you are ordinarily resident. If you are seeking hospital care you may have to pay if you can't prove residence in the UK. You can find out more on the Department Health website.

Moving back to England

If you have been working and living abroad and move back to England, don't assume things will be the same when you return. There may be good reasons to leave some of the wealth you have accumulated while you were abroad in an offshore account.

This is another good reason to use our services. We can offer places such as Jersey, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man to locate such accounts, as well as providing you with day-to-day banking in England. We can also introduce you to our preferred tax-advice partner, Ernst & Young, to help you with personal tax issues¹.

Our services in England

Our main branch is in Knightsbridge, in London's West End, and is in easy reach of the main London airports. Here you can arrange face-to-face meetings with us.

But having bank accounts that can be operated through the telephone or over the internet means that many of your needs can be met without having to travel. Aside from this we also offer a fee free² Relationship Manager Service, designed to help affluent clients maximise their wealth.

Apply for a Barclays Wealth International bank account now.

Buying in London

When moving to London, you may want to buy property. Our mortgage specialists can offer you a wide range of mortgage choices for property buying. Whether interest-only, repayment, onshore or offshore, or in a choice of currencies, we will find the mortgage that is right for you.

As an alternative to a mortgage, a loan can be raised against the value of long-term savings and investments you hold with us. So, you can finance property purchase while not disturbing your investment plans. Security over your savings and investments will be required.

Moving around in London

Apart from having somewhere to live when moving to London, you will want to know the best way to get around the capital. London has a large underground rail network as well as buses and taxis.

But if you want to drive, don't assume that your current driving licence will permit you to drive in London. Check the requirements with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (www.dvla.gov.uk). In most cases you will have to take the UK driving test after 12 months.

Studying in London

London's universities are attractive to anyone wanting to study. But as a student living on a grant for most of the time, you will have to use your money wisely. So we have developed an account specifically aimed at your needs, the iBank Student.

This is a low-cost banking solution designed for students' banking needs both in the UK and abroad. Entry requirements include £1,000 (or currency equivalent) minimum opening balance, and acceptance into a recognised institution in the UK for at least nine months, full or part time.

Apply for a Barclays Wealth International bank account before you move to the UK.

You can also call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986^†, or use our call back service.