Preparing for your move

As far as life-changing experiences go, it’s hard to beat moving to the USA from the UK, but it can also be a daunting task. There are many things to consider when preparing for your move, from ensuring you have the correct documentation and travel documents to sorting your finances and finding a new home. Having a packing plan and preparing well before your departure date is also essential to avoid unnecessary stress or issues. Let’s look into some key things to consider as you prepare to move to the USA, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive.

Researching your destination

Researching your destination is a crucial first step in preparing for your move. Familiarising yourself with your new home’s way of life, especially your potential new neighbourhood, town or city, and state, can help you adjust quickly and feel more comfortable in your new surroundings.

Take some time to research the area you’ll be moving to, including the local housing market, schools, healthcare facilities, and local laws and customs. You should also look into the cost of living, job opportunities, and transportation options. By doing your research upfront, you’ll have a much better understanding of what to expect and start planning for a smooth transition to your new life wherever you go in the USA.

Finding a place to live

Finding a place to live is critical to preparing for your move. Whether you plan to rent or buy, it’s essential to research the housing market in your destination city or town. Start your search as soon as possible before leaving, so you have enough time to find the right place for you and your family.

Even though renting may be a temporary stopgap while you look to buy somewhere, think about factors such as location, size, and amenities. And with many rentals coming with a 6 or 12-month lease, you can give yourself the time you need.

But when you’re ready to buy, the process can differ from what you might be used to in the UK. Finding a real estate agent who can help you navigate the buying process is essential, and they can guide you through the process of getting a mortgage and help you find the right home for you.

Arrange your finances

Whether you’re arriving in the USA to work or not, arranging your finances beforehand is vital. First, open a US-based bank account to make things much easier when you arrive. While you can do this from the UK, some US banks will require a US residential address, so look into which major banks will help you do this before you leave.

If you can set this up, you can immediately transfer money into your new US account. Remember, doing this through a UK bank can be slow and expensive. So for a faster, cheaper alternative, use a specialist money transfer company, but compare their rates before you do anything. And don’t forget about paying taxes. Unless you can completely sever ties with the UK, you may still be liable for UK tax and National Insurance through property rental or inheritance tax, for example.

Getting your essential travel documents

First, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before your departure date. You can’t leave home without it, so get a new one in good time if necessary. Second, moving to the USA requires the appropriate visa to stay long-term. These will fall into two categories:

Non-immigrant visas

A non-immigrant visa is needed for any temporary visit. So think holidays, business trips, or extended study or work situations. Most non-immigrant visas are valid for 90 days, and you need to head back to the UK when or before it expires.

Immigrant visas

You’ll need an immigrant visa for permanent residence anywhere in the USA. It’s much harder to gain than a non-immigrant visa, but once your application is approved, it will be valid for one year and allow you to get your green card, so you’ll have the same rights as any US citizen and a chance to get a US passport.

Make a packing plan

Packing can be the hardest part of starting a new life in another country. But organisation and planning are the best ways to deal with a potentially complicated and certainly time-consuming task. You should start looking into international moving companies, arranging storage (if necessary), and filling boxes well before your move date.

Start with underused rooms first, as these will generally have fewer items and ones that aren’t needed daily. Try not to do too much all in one go and ensure you have enough time to thoroughly review each room, deciding what you want to keep and what you can sell, recycle, or throw away along the way. And keep all your personal and home essentials to one side, so they don’t get packed by mistake!

Coping with a new way of life

Moving to the USA from the UK will be challenging, bringing a new way of life. But with planning, there are certainly ways to cope with it. To help ease you into your new life, we’ve gathered some suggestions on how to settle your nerves, avoid homesickness, and prepare ahead of your move and after you arrive.

Understanding the cultural differences

While we share a language, there are plenty of cultural differences between the USA and the UK. So, to help you ‘fit in’, here are a few things to remember:

• Public holidays are a big deal and often very patriotic, especially Thanksgiving, which is bigger than Christmas – and that can be limited to just a few days.
• In the UK, our retail prices include taxes (VAT), so what we see on the price tag is what we pay. In the States, taxes are always added at the point of purchase, so you’ll pay more than the advertised price.
• The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol in the UK is 18, but in the US, it’s 21. Plus, any penalties for getting caught can be hefty.
• If you’re a sports fan, then it might be time to let football, cricket, or rugby take a backseat. Americans are big into sports, but you might need to focus on American football, baseball, or basketball now.
• Although it’s becoming more popular in the UK, there’s no need to leave a tip when you eat out if you don’t want to. But in the US, it’s expected. You should always tip your server up to 20%, and it’s seen as a bit of an insult if you don’t.
• Be aware that guns are legal in the USA. This is one of the biggest culture shocks for many people from the UK – especially when you see them for sale in a supermarket! Almost every household will own at least one, and you may even see people carrying them around.
• In the UK, most workers can expect anything from 4-6 weeks of paid leave. But in the US, most workers get an average of just two weeks of paid vacation time. So if you plan to work there, prepare to have less paid holiday available.

Creating a support network

Finding new friends can be tricky at the best of times. But a good place to start is to connect with ex-pats from the UK who are already in the US and can become good friends and a source of support as you find your feet. Look online for apps and local resources to help find ex-pat groups with social events. But get to know local people in your neighbourhood, too – they may be able to support you in different ways as you settle in.

Keeping in touch with people back home

Though you’ll be busy living your new life, always keep in touch with friends and family in the UK using free Skype, Zoom, Teams, or Facetime apps. These vital connections will help you stay grounded, despite the distance, and you’ll get to catch up with life and events back home.

Finding your way around

While you’ll have researched your new town or city, you’ll need to get to know your local neighbourhood and find your bearings. So take some time to know where your nearest convenience stores are, and larger supermarkets, shopping malls, banks, doctors, and dentists.

And if you’re planning to drive anywhere, your UK driving licence won’t be valid in the US, so you’ll need to take a new test. And if you don’t intend to drive, it’s helpful to have up-to-date timetables for public transport to help you go further afield.

Settling into life in the USA

Once your move to the USA from the UK is complete and you’re slowly settling in and getting used to things, it’s time to get some of the more critical life essentials sorted out too. Here are some things you might need to understand sooner rather than later.

Enrolling in health insurance

Being from the UK, you’ll be used to ‘free at the point of care’ healthcare from the NHS. Unfortunately, such a thing doesn’t exist in the US. But health insurance does – and it can be expensive. All medical costs must be paid for, so health insurance is essential when moving to the US. If you’re going to work, your employer might offer an employer-sponsored healthcare plan. They’ll cover a percentage of the premiums, and you make up the rest. This option is probably the most affordable one.

Other healthcare options include individual healthcare plans, where you pay all the premiums, which can be the most expensive depending on the cover you require. Government-backed plans such as Medicare are also available, but generally, this is available for people with low incomes or disabilities. Always speak to a specialist healthcare advisor for help before signing up for any plan.

Finding employment in America

If you already have a job lined up, perhaps with your current employer in a US-based office, this will make your entry into the US and immigration process much easier. If you’re starting your job search from scratch, a great place to start is to seek out other UK companies with US offices.

However, employment prospects are high in the US right now, particularly if you’re qualified in telecoms, engineering, or finance. But even if you’re not fully qualified in a specific area, there’s demand for UK workers to take up construction, web design/development, or retail opportunities if you have good experience in these and other fields.

Understanding the tax system

Before you move, you should have an understanding of how taxes work in the US. It’s a very different – and probably even more confusing – system to the UK. As a US resident, you must confirm your global income (using a system of foreign tax credits) and file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

To register with the IRS when you arrive, you’ll need to fill out plenty of paperwork, including:

• Form SS-5 to apply for a social security number
• Form W-9 to inform any employer of your details for salary payments
• Form 1040 to complete your tax returns
• Form 1040-ES to estimate your tax liability and make quarterly payments to the IRS
• Form W-4 for your employer to work out the correct federal income tax from your pay

Needless to say, there’s a lot to cover, and you may even have more forms to complete depending on your situation, such as if you’re self-employed. Research beforehand to find out as much as possible, but seek advice from a financial adviser as soon as you can.

Registering for school education

If you have kids, registering for a school is a priority. The US education system has high standards, with children starting their education at pre-school and kindergarten, before moving to an elementary school, middle or junior high school, and finally, high school.

Children will likely go to different schools for each stage of their education, but they should be within your local catchment area. Teaching standards and the syllabus can differ from state to state, so it’s best to research and contact schools to see how well your child will adjust to their system before enrolling anywhere.

Let UPakWeShip help move you to the USA

There’s plenty to consider before and when you move to the USA from the UK. But, as your world heads west in readiness for your new life, UPakWeShip will make the journey as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

From moving pallets to the USA to a large container for a major family move, our team will help you find the best service that covers everything you need at guaranteed, affordable prices. Even our competitive shipping insurance will do its bit to make your life easier and less expensive. Contact us today at 020 3004 9700 or +31(0)6 21 61 76 19, email move@upakweship.uk.com to get your free quick quote, or book now to get started.

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Get yourself prepared

While an amazing experience, moving abroad alone can be just as stressful as moving with a partner or family, but it may also come with additional challenges. One of the surest ways to help your process along smoothly is to ensure you’re prepared well in advance of when you leave.

When moving abroad alone, keeping an open, calm, and positive mindset is essential. Get used to being on your own so you feel comfortable, and visit your new country beforehand if you can. And learn some basic language skills if the native language is different from yours. You’ll learn more over time, but make sure you know enough to get by.

But getting any necessary paperwork and documents in order in good time is among the top challenges of relocating internationally. You’ll need essentials like your passport, driving licence, medical certificates, and birth certificate. But check with your destination country well ahead of your move regarding any visas. And check all the visa requirements – mistakes can cost you time and money.

Research your new country

Researching your new country is a must if you’re making your life there, and it can make the whole moving process much easier. There’s no way you can learn everything, but researching a range of different things will give you a good grounding for the most important areas for you and your new homeland.

Finding out about your new destination country is a great start, but don’t forget to look deeper into the district or area you’ll be living in. While it’s tempting to look up where the best restaurants, bars, or clubs might be, remember: you’re not going to be a tourist. Look into the cost of living, cultural norms, and any potential safety concerns in the area you’ll be moving.

Understanding your destination’s culture, customs, and laws is important before you move. Doing this will help you feel more prepared and comfortable in your new home.

The pros and cons of moving abroad alone

Moving abroad alone definitely has a lot of perks, but it can have its downsides too. Here are some more common pros and cons to consider beforehand.

Pros

Independence and freedom

You’ll have complete control over your life and can make decisions on the fly without having to check in with anyone else. This can be very freeing and allow you to do your own thing – things that you might not be able to do with a partner or family.

Personal growth and self-reliance

The experience can be an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself, develop self-reliance skills, and focus on your career. Taking you out of your comfort zone, flying solo can be a chance to learn more about yourself and your strengths and weaknesses.

Meeting new people

Moving can also be an opportunity to meet new people, new colleagues, and of course, meet the locals. You may find that you can start conversations and make new friends or connections much more easily when you’re on your own.

Cons

Loneliness

Moving abroad alone can be a great chance to do exactly what you want, but you might sometimes feel lonely or isolated. Having left the support network of your friends and family behind, it could take time to make friends.

Doing everything on your own

It might take some time to adjust to being alone in your new country. Finding accommodation, buying a car, and generally adjusting and adapting to a new way of life in a new country can be hard, especially if you have no one to share the burden with.

Vulnerability

Though you might be excited about moving abroad alone and settling in, it will take some time before you get a proper feel for the area you’re living in. At times, you may feel more vulnerable or unsafe, especially in unfamiliar places.

Top tips for moving abroad alone

Moving abroad alone is challenging. But despite that, and with some proper planning, it’s definitely something you can achieve. To help give you some peace of mind, we’ve pulled together a list of top tips for moving abroad alone, which should help to settle your nerves and prepare you ahead of your big move and when you get there.

Find local expat groups

Connecting with expats from your home country can be a great way to find new friends and support when you’ve moved abroad alone. Check apps and local resources online before you move to find groups and organisations to join that may have regular meetups or events.

Get friendly with the locals

It’s easy to rely on expat groups in a new country to help you feel comfortable or supported as you settle in. But you should also make a real effort to make friends with the locals too. Work colleagues and neighbours, and attending local celebrations or events, can all help you integrate more quickly into your new surroundings.

Research housing and accommodation

Unless you’re moving country for a job with a company that’s relocating you completely, you’re going to need to research your accommodation options. Finding housing abroad can be competitive, so it’s crucial to be proactive and start your search as early as possible. Remember to be flexible and open to different options.

Politics, health, and education

Look into the political climate and government of your new location. This can help you understand any potential risks or challenges you might face while living there. Take time to learn about the local laws and customs, such as restrictions on speech or behaviour that may differ from what you’re used to.

And research the local healthcare system and what access to medical care you’ll have. It can help you understand what to expect regarding availability and medical costs. Also, consider health insurance to cover you while you’re living abroad, just in case.

And while it’s unlikely you’ll need to know too much about the local schools in your new area, you might consider further education while you’re there or taking language classes to help you adapt to your new environment. Research the education system to understand what options are available.

Keep in touch with people back home

When you’re enjoying your adopted country, it can be easy to get swept up in your new life and forget to keep in touch with friends and family back home. But doing so will help you keep your feet on the ground and give you a chance to catch up with what’s happening. And it’s so easy to do these days – Skype, Zoom, and Facetime apps are all free. Keeping in touch can also help with any feelings of homesickness you might have.

Expect the unexpected

No matter how much preparation or research you do before you move abroad alone, you should always hope for the best, be prepared for the worst, and be unsurprised by anything in between when you’ve newly arrived! There will always be times when the unexpected will happen – good or bad. But they’ll be things that can happen wherever you are, so just try and enjoy them if you can, deal with them however you need to, and give them a positive spin.

Plan your shipping needs

Before you start your new life abroad, you’ll need to pack up and ship your belongings out to you. That could be the one thing you’re looking forward to least, as it can be a daunting process. Once you’ve decided what’s coming with you in terms of household items, furniture, and belongings, you’ll need to arrange for shipping everything to your new home.

The most common and cost-effective way to do this is by shipping container via sea freight, with costs including hire and transportation costs, and usually shipping insurance too. It’s wise to make enquiries into this a few months before your planned departure date to give you time to find the company that can best suit your needs.

You don’t have to move alone with UPakWeShip EU

Whether you’re moving abroad alone out of choice or necessity, you need to find an international removal company you can trust with your possessions and move them to your new country as quickly and safely as possible. At UPakWeShipEU, we take that responsibility seriously.

With moving and shipping services from Europe to the USA, Canada, the UK, and anywhere else in the world, UPakWeShip makes shipping easy. We offer guaranteed affordable rates with no hidden fees and an excellent reputation for saving customers like you time and money.

Find out more and contact UPakWeShip EU today. Call us on +31(0)6 21 61 76 19 or email move@upakweship.eu.com to get your free quote. You can also check out our ‘how to…’ video guides for expert info for moving abroad alone too.

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Moving to the USA from Europe

The USA is a vast country made up of nearly 330 million people across 50 great states, each with its own personality and way of life. With so much choice, diversity, and opportunity, the USA is one of the most popular destinations for any European tourist. Not only that, it’s why European emigrants favour the USA when they look to leave their home countries and start a new life.

So what’s stopping you? Well, moving country and continent isn’t quite as easy as it seems for good reason. But nothing is impossible. With the right advice, guidance, and preparation on how to move to the USA, the whole process will be more straightforward, including how to ship your possessions to your new home. So let’s look at some of your main priorities.

Things to keep in mind

The USA has plenty of stark contrasts compared to Europe. Making the cultural shift can be confusing depending on where you choose to live, as many things change from state to state. But other considerations are the essential legal documentation you need to help you move to the USA from Europe. Let’s break it down into more detail.

Where are you going?

Where you move to in the USA might depend on whether you’re moving there for work. Alternatively, you may be moving there to be closer to family or friends. In both cases, it means your state destination is already chosen for you, and you’re likely to live in the same state for ease and proximity.

But you might also be moving there with a blank canvas, choosing a state because you like east or west coast city life or the vast open space and rugged terrain of the mid-west. With over 3,796,742 square miles, you have a lot of choice – and a lot of variety in weather, law, culture, and traditions. This is why you should consider each region and state to understand what it will be like to live there.

But whatever state you live in, you probably won’t have an exact new home address at this stage. So when it comes to arranging your shipping services to move your possessions across the Atlantic, you can always get booked in and update your actual address later.

Visa regulations for the USA

When you move to the USA from Europe, you’ll need a visa to suit the reason for your stay and whether you’ll be a temporary visitor or a permanent resident. There are around 185 different US visa types, but these are split into two main categories:

Non-immigrant visas

These visas are required for any temporary visit, including holidays, business, family, study, or work. They allow you to stay in the USA until the visa expires, when you’re expected to return home. There are waiver schemes, but most non-immigrant visas are only valid for 90 days.

Immigrant visas

This type of visa is required for permanent residence anywhere in the USA, either individually, for employment or investor reasons, for example, or as a family. While much harder to obtain, once you get stamped approval, the visa is valid for 1 year and allows the processing of your green card, which gives you the same rights as any US resident.

Moving to the USA with your pets

The USA is a fantastic, pet-friendly place, and your pets are welcome as part of your family. But it can take some planning to make it possible for your cats, dogs, or other pets to join you. You’ll need to make sure that:

• Your pet is microchipped
• You hold a valid, certified health certificate (and an English translation) detailing breed, weight, age, sex, and overall health
• You hold a valid, certified vaccination record with proof of rabies vaccination

Some pets might not be able to travel with you as some states can have laws against allowing certain animals in. You should speak with your local vet to get more information about animals that might not qualify as pets, such as snakes, ferrets, and birds.

If you have all the relevant paperwork and clearances for your pet, you should check if they can fly on your chosen airline. Some flight operators may also need the above information, plus a photo. They’ll also decide if your pet can be with you in the cabin or will need to be in the plane’s hold.

The US healthcare system

The US operates on an insurance-based system, similar to much of Europe. Unless your healthcare is covered by your new employer when you move to the US, you’ll need to pay as much as you can afford for healthcare yourself. While healthcare insurance isn’t mandatory, medical bills can be incredibly high, even for minor treatments, so it’s best you apply for it straight away.

The US education system

The high standards of the US education system are a significant reason why so many students travel and study in America. But US education starts at pre-school, kindergarten, and elementary school until age 10 or 11, through middle or junior high school until age 14 or 15, and high school until age 18.

Children generally go to separate schools for each period of their education, but each should be within your local area. However, standards can differ from place to place, so, like in your home country, it’s best to research before enrolling anywhere.

Buying or renting a property in the USA

When you first arrive in the US, temporarily renting a home or apartment until you feel settled enough to buy your own property is usual. Many rental leases are fixed for 6 or 12 months, so you can sign whichever option suits your needs, but prices will differ from region to region.

When the time is right to buy a suitable property, usually when your job has started, and you can apply for finance, you can enter the housing market. US estate realtors are extremely helpful and can give you all the help and guidance you need.

How to move to the USA from Europe with UPakWeShip EU

Moving to the USA from Europe can give you plenty to think about. But moving your world with UPakWeShip EU will make your journey much more manageable. As the only company specialising in international self-pack shipping, we can save you money with cost-effective international moving rates for crates and containers.

We even have a range of customs forms, other essential documents to help get the ball rolling for you, and a cost calculator to see the latest prices on all our shipping services. When you move your life to the USA from Europe, we’ll help you find the service that best suits your needs and competitive shipping insurance to cover you. Contact us today by calling +31(0)6 21 61 76 19 or emailing move@upakweship.eu.com to book now or get your free quote.

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USA Immigration options for Dutch nationals

When moving from the Netherlands to the USA as a Dutch national, you’ll first need to choose a residence permit type based on whether you’ll be a temporary or permanent resident. This goes beyond the standard 90-day tourism visa.

Commonly known in the USA as a Green Card, this document gives you access to use a whole range of institutions and facilities. There are other immigration options available depending on your circumstances, but they have certain requirements and conditions. These include:

• A relocation through a family reunification visa (with different options available)
• A sponsorship visa through your spouse or fiancé who must be an American citizen
• Business investment, indicating you have sufficient financial funds to invest
• Applying for the Green Card lottery which allows “citizens from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States”

Moving from the Netherlands to the USA for employment

Dutch citizens are often highly skilled and qualified in various industries and sectors, many of which are a good fit and highly attractive to US employers. Skills in IT and tech are particularly sought after, and having a Green Card based on employment can be a better option for many Dutch nationals looking to relocate to the US for work purposes.

Getting a Green Card for employment can be fairly straightforward and is based on being offered a role by a US employer and completing the paperwork on your job acceptance. You can then apply for your residence permit, and once approved, you’re free to move to the USA. Gaining residency this way will also allow your spouse and young family members to move with you.

Moving from the Netherlands to the USA for investment

If you’re looking to move from the Netherlands to the USA for reasons other than employment, one of them could be for business investment. Dutch citizens can apply for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program to invest in the US and run a for-profit business. Again, the requirements for this option come with caveats, including that you’ll:

• Set up or invest as a sole trader business, partnership, holding company, limited company, corporation, or other business, either publicly or privately owned
• Create full-time jobs for at least 10 US citizens
• Invest a minimum of US$1,000,000

What documents do you need to move to the USA?

Much like moving to any new country, when you move to the USA from the Netherlands, there’s a list of official documentation you’ll need to submit at various stages for different things. Beyond your residence application, you’ll need some or all of these to get a driving licence, a credit card, open a bank account, or healthcare. These documents can include:

• A valid passport
• Certified translations of qualifications and/or credentials, especially for professions including teaching and healthcare
• Certified translations of birth and marriage certificates and similar documents
• An international driving licence
• Translations of financial, insurance, and similar documents
• Translations of medical records

Life in the Netherlands vs the USA?

While living in the Netherlands is what you’r used to, America is a diverse country with plenty of pros and cons. Here are a few to think about:

︎ Living costs can be up to 30% cheaper than in the Netherlands
︎ There’s more variety in the weather to suit you
︎ Exceptional healthcare and medical treatment
︎ Excellent education and universities
︎ A sound economy for career opportunities and higher wages
︎ Plenty of space to live and over 200,000 sq. m of national parkland to explore

✘ The USA has a higher crime rate
✘ You’ll typically only get 1-2 weeks of paid holiday from employers
✘ You need to pay for healthcare in the USA through insurance
✘ Public transport can be an issue, and a focus on driving

Much depends on where you live in the USA, but some things will be the same wherever you live, like paying for your healthcare, for example.

How does moving to the USA work?

Moving home is a big task wherever you’re moving to. But when you move from one continent to another, your task just got a bit bigger. That’s where UPakWeship EU can help you with your world’s safe, easy, and stress-free international shipping.

Our experienced team members are knowledgeable in all areas of international shipping and have the expertise to help you with any questions or concerns – there’s nothing we haven’t been able to deal with on behalf of our customers. Beyond that, you just need to select the shipping service that best suits you, then pack up using the specialist shipping equipment we send you.

You can drop off your shipment at one of our terminals or request a UPakWeShip EU pick-up. We’ll then deliver everything overseas to your chosen location in the USA, giving you complete peace of mind.

The cost of moving from the Netherlands to the USA

The exact cost of moving from the Netherlands to the USA can be challenging to pinpoint as plenty of variables are involved. But we’re confident that UPakWeShip can save you thousands with our cost-effective, international moving rates and options.

To help get you started, visit our shipping rates page, choose your destination state, and use our cost calculator to see the latest prices using our pallet, U-crate, self-load containers, or shared container services. And, of course, you’re welcome to call our international shipping experts at UPakWeShip EU to find out more, get further details, and get your free quote.

Let UPakWeShip EU help move you to the USA

There’s plenty to think about before and when you’re moving from the Netherlands to the USA. But, as your world moves from the EU to the US, UPakWeShip EU will make the journey to your new life as smooth and easy as possible.

Whether you’re moving pallets to the USA or in need of a large container for a family house move, we’ll help you find the best service with guaranteed, affordable prices. We can even offer you competitive shipping insurance to cover your move. Contact us today at +31(0)6 21 61 76 19, email move@upakweship.eu.com to get your free quote or book now to get started.

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No matter how much you know about the other land down under, moving to New Zealand from the UK or Europe is a big deal. So if this long-term, one-way trip is on the horizon for you, this guide will give you all the information you need to know about the place, the life, and moving there with the help of UPakWeShip EU.

New Zealand

Across its two islands in the South Pacific ocean, 1,300 miles from the east coast of Australia, New Zealand has a rich and diverse culture with sweeping landscapes of forests, mountains, lakes, and fjords. And, being home to just over 5 million people in a country only a little larger than the UK, there’s certainly no shortage of space. Besides this big difference, New Zealand shares many similarities with the UK and the EU.

New Zealand offers a fantastic, progressive way of life, focusing on a good work/life balance. It has plenty of housing choices, comprehensive healthcare, enviable school and education systems, incredible job opportunities, an excellent environmental policy, a booming economy, and a low crime rate. And while there are things you cannot ship and take with you, New Zealand will have everything you need to start a new life for you and your family.

The essentials you need to know

What about the crucial, practical things you need upfront before moving? Let’s look at some essential documents necessary for you to move to and enter New Zealand in the first place – your visa.

Visa requirements for British or European citizens

While British or EU citizens will not need a visa to visit New Zealand for up to six months, if you intend to live and work there any longer, there are different immigration rules. A range of different visa options is open to you depending on your circumstances, each with its terms and conditions.

Visa options

Until your new life is more settled, you’ll need to be granted a visa to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months – and beyond. Here are just a few visa options:

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

If you’re 55 or under, this visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and you can include your partner and any dependent children (aged 24 and under) in your application.

Parent Retirement Residence Visa

If you have adult children who are New Zealand citizens, this visa allows you to live in New Zealand indefinitely if you meet certain financial conditions. But you can include your partner in your application.

Working Holiday Visa

Available to anyone aged 18-30, this visa allows you to study or train for up to 6 months in total or to work for up to 12 months.

For more information on different visa options, visit the New Zealand Immigration website.

Life in New Zealand

So when you’re ready to make the 11,500-mile leap from the UK to New Zealand, what’s it like when you get there? For any UK or EU citizen, life in New Zealand can be a culture shock while having a certain degree of familiarity. Let’s look at some of the things you’ll encounter in day-to-day life and what you can expect.

The Māori culture

With a history going back around 700 years and almost 20% of the population being of Māori descent, Māori cultures are evident everywhere. Because Māori history influences everything from language and place names to food, sport, and lifestyle, once you’re in New Zealand, it’s a good idea to learn more about Māori culture and history by visiting a local museum or marae (a Māori meeting ground).

The weather

Despite a mild, temperate climate, weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable and different depending on where you live. While the North island will maintain its warmth, the South island can see temperatures drop. But generally, the country has warm, dry summers (December to February) and wet though moderate winters (June to August).

Cost of living

The larger cities in New Zealand can be more expensive than smaller towns and cities around the islands, but generally, costs are similar to the UK or EU. If you’re moving from a large city such as Paris, Madrid, or Berlin, you could even see your living costs decrease.

Best places to live

Where you choose to live may depend on your job or where your family are based, but it’s usual for many immigrants to be attracted to larger cities. The country’s capital, Wellington, is renowned for being safe and friendly and has plenty of bars, cafés, restaurants, and its famous red cable car.

The two-harbour waterfront city of Auckland on the North Island is the most densely populated but offers an excellent mix of food, culture, beaches, and watersports. And Christchurch on the South Island is known for its English heritage and beautiful mountainous surroundings.

But New Zealand is home to many UK and EU nationals, so wherever you choose to live, you shouldn’t be far from a thriving community willing to show you around.

Healthcare

New Zealand has an excellent universal public healthcare system. Funded by taxes and the government, it allows free or low-cost healthcare at the point of access. Although there are options to take private healthcare, many find public healthcare more than adequate.

Education

New Zealand takes great pride in delivering a high-ranking, world-class education system available to everyone. Primary and secondary schools are state-funded, but the school can ask for donations while parents usually pay for uniforms, exam fees, and course-related materials.

Activities in New Zealand

New Zealand doesn’t disappoint on activities and things to do either, with something for every age and ability. Given the natural beauty and idyllic surroundings, New Zealand is an exceptional place for water sports, including kayaking, white water rafting, scuba diving, and canoeing, plus on-land activities like hiking and cycling with trails to suit everyone.

For more information on the practicalities of life in New Zealand, visit the InterNations website.

Let UPakWeShip EU help your relocation

When you’re moving to New Zealand from the UK, there’s plenty to think about beforehand. But, as your world turns upside down, UPakWeShip EU is here to make the journey to your new life as smooth and easy as possible.

Our shipping knowledge and experience go hand in hand with our competitive rates for your chosen shipping options. So whether you’re moving pallets to New Zealand or in need of a large container for full, family house moves, we’ll find the best option for your needs with guaranteed, affordable prices. And for extra peace of mind, we even have your back on shipping insurance cover for New Zealand.

Contact us today on +31(0)6 21 61 76 19, email move@upakweship.eu.com, or book now to start your UPakWeShip process – and don’t forget to get your free quote.

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