How much does it cost to move to the UK in total?

The total cost varies hugely depending on your visa route, family size, and circumstances. For a single Skilled Worker visa applicant, expect to budget £3,000-£6,000 for visa fees and IHS alone. Adding a partner and child could double or triple this. Solicitor fees, flights, deposits, and living costs while settling add thousands more.

What are the biggest hidden costs of UK immigration?

The Immigration Health Surcharge is often underestimated — it can cost over £3,000 for a 3-year visa. Other hidden costs include translation and certification of documents, priority service fees, travel to biometrics appointments, and the cost of English language tests.

Should I budget for a solicitor?

It depends on your case complexity. Straightforward applications can be done yourself, but complex cases (refusal history, gaps in documentation, exceptional circumstances) benefit from professional advice. Solicitor fees typically range from £1,000 to £5,000 depending on the visa type.

How much money do I need to have saved before moving?

Beyond visa costs, plan for at least 3 months of living expenses (rent, food, transport, utilities). In London, this could be £5,000-£8,000 for a single person. Outside London, £3,000-£5,000 may be sufficient. Having a financial buffer reduces stress during your first months.

Budgeting for UK Immigration: True Costs and How to Plan

The true cost of UK immigration goes far beyond the visa application fee. This guide breaks down every cost you are likely to face, from government fees to settling-in expenses, so you can plan a realistic budget and avoid financial surprises.

Government Fees

The first category of costs is the fees you pay directly to the UK government:

Visa Application Fee

This varies by route. As of 2026:

Skilled Worker visa: £719-£1,420 depending on duration and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list
Spouse visa: £1,846
Student visa: £490
ILR: £2,885
Citizenship: £1,344+

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The IHS is payable for most visas and covers your access to the NHS. The current rate is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for students and under-18s. For a 3-year visa, that is over £3,000 per adult.

Priority Services

If you want faster processing, priority and super-priority services add £250-£1,000 to your application. These are optional but can be worth it if timing is critical.

Professional Fees

Many applicants use an immigration solicitor or adviser. Typical costs:

Straightforward spouse visa: £1,500-£3,000
Skilled Worker visa: £1,000-£2,500
ILR application: £1,000-£2,000
Citizenship application: £500-£1,500
Complex cases (refusals, appeals): £3,000-£10,000+

Our guide on DIY vs solicitor can help you decide whether professional help is worth the cost for your situation.

Document and Test Costs

Do not overlook these smaller but cumulative costs:

English language test: £150-£200 for IELTS or equivalent
Life in the UK test: £50 per attempt
Document translation: £20-£50 per page for certified translations
Certified copies: £5-£20 per document
TB test: £50-£150 depending on your country
Postage and courier: £20-£50 for secure document delivery
Biometrics: Included in most fees, but priority appointments cost extra

Settling-In Costs

Once your visa is granted, the spending does not stop:

Flights: Budget based on your origin country. International flights can range from £300 to £1,500+
Rental deposit: Typically 5 weeks' rent (in London, this could be £1,500-£2,500)
First month's rent: Paid in advance
Furniture and essentials: If your rental is unfurnished, budget £1,000-£3,000
Transport: Oyster card, bus pass, or train tickets while you get set up
Phone and broadband: £30-£50 per month

See our guide on best cities for immigrants for cost-of-living comparisons across different UK cities.

Family Costs

If you are bringing dependants, multiply many of these costs:

Each dependant pays their own visa fee and IHS
Flights for the whole family
Larger accommodation (higher rent and deposit)
School uniforms and supplies for children
Childcare costs if both parents work

A family of four on a 3-year Skilled Worker visa could easily face £15,000-£25,000 in total immigration and settling costs.

Creating Your Budget

Here is a practical approach to budgeting:

Phase 1 — Application: Visa fees + IHS + solicitor + documents + tests
Phase 2 — Travel: Flights + shipping or luggage
Phase 3 — Settling: Deposit + first month's rent + essentials + transport
Phase 4 — Emergency fund: 3 months' living expenses as a safety net

Add up each phase and compare it to your savings. If there is a gap, consider whether you can start earning in the UK quickly (check your work rights) or whether you need to save more before applying.

Related guides:

Check the latest official fees on the GOV.UK visa fees table.