Depending on somebody’s nationality, one might need a visa, residence permit and/or work permit.
European Economic Area Citizens do not need entry clearance to enter the UK. The European Economic Area (EEA) includes all EU countries plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Swiss nationals also fall under this category. Websites, e.g. www.justlanded.com, give detailed advice on how to manage all the bureaucracy and which laws need to be taken into consideration. Generally it can be said that citizens from the European Union do not have many difficulties to be allowed to stay in London.
To become a British citizen one needs to fulfill certain conditions:
- Having been a permanent resident in the UK for at least one year
- Having legally lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 complete years (with no more than 450 days spent abroad, and no more than 90 days on the year leading up to the application)
- Intend to continue living in the UK
- Have adequate knowledge of English, Gaelic or Welsh
- Be of “good character” (i.e. have no criminal record)
It is also possible to apply for naturalization if one is over 18 and married to a British citizen, as long as one is allowed to live in the UK as a permanent resident, and has lived in the UK legally for at least three years (with no more than a total of 270 days spent abroad, and no more than 90 days on the year leading up to the application).
As it is necessary to own an account in order to receive salary and pay bills, it might be better to open an account at a British bank (e.g. HSBC, Barclays, Halifax, Abbey, Lloyds TSB) as they have branches all over Britain and – in return to foreign banks - do not require additional charge for international transactions.
Not to forget to close bank accounts in Germany or in other countries unless one thinks that they will still be used. In addition, it is important to inform the tax authorities that one is going to leave.
