Moving to India from the UK: The Ultimate Expat Guide

TL;DR: Moving to India from the UK is possible but requires a visa. British citizens can live in India as long as their visa allows, which can range from one to ten years depending on the type. The cost of living in India is much lower than in the UK; rent is over 500% less expensive, groceries cost 144% less, and restaurant meals are almost 300% cheaper. You will need to register with local authorities within 14 days of arrival.

Are you thinking about a big change and starting a new life in India? Many British citizens consider India for work, study, or simply a fresh start. Imagine enjoying a vibrant culture and much lower living costs than back home. However, moving to a new country like India involves careful planning. It’s easy to overlook important details like visa requirements or local registration rules, which can lead to delays or problems. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about moving to India from UK, covering visa options, cost of living India, top expat destinations India, healthcare, banking, and more.

Can British citizens move to India from the UK?

Yes, British citizens can move to India from the UK. You can make this move as long as you meet the specific rules and hand in all the required documents on time. We will now walk you through the process and explain how to move to India from the UK.

What are the requirements to move to India?

British citizens need a visa to enter and stay in India. The exact documents you need will change based on the type of visa you apply for. However, here is a list of the main things you will generally need:

• A passport that is still valid.
• A visa that matches your reason for moving.
• Proof of a valid address in India.
• A copy of your employment contract, if you plan on working in India.
• A copy of papers showing you have been accepted into a school or university, if you plan on studying in India.
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself.

How long can a British citizen live in India?

As a British citizen, you can live in India for the period that your visa permits. Visa lengths can vary greatly, from one year up to five or even ten years, depending on the visa type and your situation. In some cases, you might even be able to apply for Indian citizenship later on. However, getting Indian citizenship would mean giving up your UK passport.

How to move to India from the UK

There are different paths you can take when moving to India from the UK, such as moving for education or employment. If you plan to work in India, here are the steps you should follow to prepare for your move:

What research should you do before moving to India?

First, look into the job market in India. Research how much people usually earn there and find out which jobs and skills are in high demand. Doing this will greatly improve your chances of getting a job and successfully getting your visa. If you are thinking about a Business visa, explore ways you could invest money or start your own business in India. This early research is crucial for a smooth relocation. You might also want to consult guides for a broader relocation overview, such as a general moving abroad checklist.

How do you secure a job and get documents ready for India?

Once you have done your research, try to find a job in India and sign a work contract. This contract is very important because it will allow you to apply for an employment visa. You will need this, along with other documents, to legally work in the country. This step makes sure your right to working in India is secured.

How do you find a place to live in India?

While you are waiting for your work permit to be approved, you can start looking for a place to live. You can search for homes online using websites dedicated to property listings, or you can get help from a local real estate agent. An agent can offer professional advice and help you find the right place quickly. This will ensure you have accommodation sorted before you fully settle in.

What should you consider for healthcare and banking in India?

Take some time to look into private healthcare choices in India and see what medical facilities are available in the area where you plan to live. It’s also a good idea to research Indian banks and international bank accounts to see if any allow you to apply online. Understanding these services beforehand can save you a lot of hassle once you arrive.

What are India’s customs rules for bringing items?

Before you start packing, make sure to check India’s customs and import rules. This is very important to avoid bringing items that are not allowed or going over the limits for duty-free goods. Knowing these rules will help you pack smart and avoid problems at the border. You can also learn about what happens to your phone number when you move abroad by checking guides like what happens to your number when you move abroad.

Should you hire a moving company for your move to India?

It is always a good idea to pack your important documents and valuable personal items yourself. For everything else, you might want to hire a moving company. They can handle the packing and transport of your belongings, making your moving to India from UK much easier. This can reduce stress and ensure your possessions arrive safely.

Moving to India with pets

If you plan to bring your pet with you when moving to India from UK, your pet must meet certain health requirements. These include having specific vaccinations, a microchip for identification, and an import permit. It’s also crucial to know that India has rules about which dog breeds are allowed. Some breeds, like pitbulls, Japanese Tosas, and Rottweilers, are banned from being imported into the country. Before you travel, make sure to double-check if the list has changed.

For more detailed help on meeting all the health and paperwork rules, it’s a good idea to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK and the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service in India. These agencies can provide the most accurate and current information. Pet Relocation also provides useful resources for moving pets to India.

Visas and residence permits in India

All citizens of the UK need a visa to enter India, unless they hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. There are many different types of visas you can get, but most people who plan to move to India from the UK for a long time usually choose one of these main categories:

• Employment visa: For those who will be working in India.
• Business visa: For people who want to do business activities or make investments.
• Study visa: For individuals who are studying in India.

Other common visas include the medical visa and the tourist visa. However, these are not suitable if you want to move to India permanently.

Visas usually last for different lengths of time, ranging from one year to five years, depending on the type. For example, an employment visa is typically valid for either one year or for the length of your work contract, whichever is shorter. You can get this visa if you are a highly skilled or qualified professional and your annual income is at least USD 25,000.

Business visas, on the other hand, can be issued for up to five years. However, with a business visa, you can only stay in India for six months at a time before needing to leave and re-enter.

One way to get permanent residency in India is through the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) program. If you invest between 10 million and 25 million rupees and create at least 20 jobs for Indian residents, you can be granted permanent residency for 10 years. This offers a more long-term solution for visas and residence permits India. The Immigration Advice Service provides further details on these complex immigration routes.

How to apply for residency in India?

If you are moving to India from UK with a long-term visa, there is an important step you must complete soon after you arrive. You need to register with the closest Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRO) within 14 days of entering the country. Once you have registered, you will be given your residential permit. This permit will be valid for the same amount of time as your visa.

How to renew your residency in India?

If you need to renew your residency permit, you should visit a Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office about two months before your current permit is set to expire. This helps ensure that you can continue to live in India without any interruptions.

Options for retiring to India from the UK

India does not have a specific visa designed for retirement. This means it is generally only straightforward to retire there if you have Indian family ties or ancestry. However, British citizens can still retire in India through the Permanent Residency by Investment programme. This program allows you to gain long-term residency if you make a significant investment in the country.

To qualify for this program, you must invest a minimum of 10 million rupees within the first 18 months of your stay. You must then increase your total investment to at least 25 million rupees within the first three years. Your investment should also lead to the creation of at least 20 jobs for Indian residents each year.

Once you meet these requirements, you will be granted permanent residency for 10 years. This residency can then be renewed for another 10 years. Your husband or wife and any children who depend on you will also be eligible for permanent residency under this program. This is a key option for retiring to India from UK.

If you successfully retire in India, you can also continue to claim your UK state pension there. Your pension can be paid into a UK bank account, or it can be sent to an Indian bank account. If it’s paid into an Indian account, you will receive it in the local currency (Indian rupees). You can choose how often you get paid, with payments ranging from every 4 to 13 weeks. For the most up-to-date information, it is best to contact the International Pension Centre directly. More details about state pensions abroad can be found on Gov.uk.

Living in India - The key facts

Here are some important facts you should know about India if you are thinking about moving to India from UK:

• Currency: The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR).
• Main languages: Hindi is widely spoken, along with Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil. India has many official languages due to its diverse culture.
• Population: India is a very populous country, with approximately 1,458,530,529 people. This figure is according to Worldometers.
• Number of British expats: Around 32,000 British citizens live in India. This number comes from data compiled by Forth Capital.

Popular cities and locations for expats

British expatriates often choose to live in India’s larger cities. These include New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Mumbai. These cities offer a wide range of services and facilities that can make settling in easier for foreigners. Some neighborhoods in these major cities even have gated communities. These communities are specifically designed for expatriates and provide extra security and amenities. These are considered top expat destinations India. You can read more about living in India as an expat through iExpats.

Cost of living in India

Overall, the cost of living India is much lower compared to the UK. While looking at specific cities can give you an even clearer picture, let’s compare some average prices across the two countries. This will show you how much you could save when moving to India from UK.

Let’s look at a comparison of typical monthly costs:

Item	India (approx. GBP)	UK (approx. GBP)	How much cheaper in India?
Rent (average)	£100 - £200	£700 - £1200	Over 500% cheaper
Groceries (monthly)	£80 - £120	£200 - £300	144% cheaper
Restaurant meals (each)	£5 - £10	£15 - £30	Almost 300% cheaper
Monthly transport pass	£5 - £10	£50 - £100	A tenth of the price
Utilities (monthly bills)	£32	£294	Significantly cheaper

Figures are approximate and based on general comparisons.

Rent prices in India are significantly lower than in the UK. For example, rent is over 500% more expensive in the UK. Groceries also cost a lot more back home, being about 144% more expensive in the UK. When you eat out, restaurant prices are almost 300% higher in the UK. Even a monthly transportation pass in India costs just about a tenth of the price you would pay in the UK.

When it comes to the cost of renting property India or buying property India, both are much more expensive in the UK. They can be anywhere between 270% and 570% more expensive there. Monthly utility bills are also a fraction of the price in India. On average, monthly bills in the UK cost about £294, but in India, they are only around £32. These figures highlight the significant difference in expenses, according to Numbeo.

Opening an Indian bank account

After you have completed your move, one of the first things you should do is to add opening Indian bank account to your list. This is very important for paying your rent and other daily expenses, and also for receiving your salary if you are working in India. Some of the largest and most well-known banks in India include HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Most banks will ask for similar main documents when you want to open an account. These typically include your passport, your Aadhaar Card (a unique identification number for Indian residents), and a recent utility bill to prove your address. You might also be asked for your Permanent Account Number (PAN), which is used for tax purposes. More details on how to open an account can be found on B2B Pay.

As a non-resident, you have a few types of bank accounts you can open in India. These include a Non-Resident External (NRE) account, a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account, and a Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account. Each type of account serves different purposes for non-residents, depending on how you plan to manage your money.

Whether you can keep your UK bank account after you move will depend on your specific bank. For example, some banks like Barclays will close your account once you move abroad. You can check their specific policies, such as the information provided by Barclays. It might also be useful to review how bank accounts are managed when considering a move to other countries, like when moving to China from the UK.

Renting and buying property in India

As a UK citizen, you can both renting property India and buying property India, but only if you become a legal resident. To be considered a legal resident, you must spend at least 182 days in the country each year and successfully get your legal residence status.

It is important to know that foreigners are not allowed to own certain kinds of property in India. This includes agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation properties. The process of buying property in India, along with completing all the necessary legal steps, can be quite complicated. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you seek professional help from lawyers or real estate experts. Lawyer India offers guidance on these matters.

If you are looking to rent a home, here are some popular websites where you can browse apartments and houses:

• 99acres
• Magicbricks
• NoBroker
• Sulekha

These platforms can help you find various options for renting property India that fit your needs and budget.

Healthcare in India

India has a system of universal healthcare, meaning public health services are available to everyone. However, the healthcare in India system can differ from one state to another. While public hospitals and clinics can sometimes be very busy, the private healthcare sector in India is known internationally for its high quality. In fact, many people travel to India specifically for medical treatment, a practice known as medical tourism.

Traditional medicine also plays a significant role in India’s healthcare. Practices and systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are very popular and widely used across the country. Before you start moving to India from UK, it is a good idea to check if you have received all the necessary vaccines for common diseases in the region. This simple step can help you stay healthy. You can also explore how other expats manage healthcare in different countries, such as a guide on having a baby in Australia.

Why is health insurance important for expats in India?

It is strongly advised that expatriates get private health insurance while living in India. With private insurance, you will generally receive better care and more comfortable conditions. You also won’t have to wait in long lines to get medical treatment, which can often happen in the public system.

The cost of public health insurance, if applicable, can change based on your age and whether you are married. Private insurance is more expensive than public options, but it is still much more affordable than private health insurance in the UK. This makes it a worthwhile investment for most expats. MSH International provides options for international health insurance in India.

Can you find English-speaking doctors and medical staff in India?

Finding doctors and medical staff who speak English in India can depend on where you choose to live. In larger cities and private hospitals, it is usually easier to find English-speaking professionals. Emergency operators typically speak English, but this is not always guaranteed, especially in more remote areas.

In public hospitals in rural parts of India, medical staff often speak only local languages. This is another good reason why investing in private insurance could be a very smart choice for expats. Private facilities are more likely to have English-speaking staff, making communication easier and less stressful during medical emergencies.

What are the rules for medication and prescriptions in India?

Before you travel, make sure to contact the Indian Embassy. They can provide the most current information on whether certain medications are banned or have restrictions in India. For extra safety, always carry your medication in its original packaging. It is also a good idea to keep it in your hand luggage so it is always with you.

India is the world’s largest supplier of affordable generic medicines. This means you will find a wide variety of medications available at lower prices than you might be used to. However, always make sure to buy your medications from a reputable pharmacy to ensure their quality and authenticity.

Finding a job and working in India

You can work in India as a British citizen if you get the right visa. The most common visa for this is an Employment visa. A Business visa is another option, but it’s not for getting a permanent job. Instead, it’s good for doing business-related activities and making certain investments, including the permanent residency by investment scheme. This scheme can lead to long-term residency if you meet the investment requirements.

The average salary in India is between 15,000 and 20,000 INR per month. However, this amount can change a lot depending on the industry you work in, the city you live in, your age, and other factors. People in their early twenties usually have the lowest average salaries, while those in the 35-44 age group tend to be the highest earners. This information is supported by Paytm.

Some of the best-paid jobs in India include software engineers, financial analysts, and marketing managers. For example, software engineers can earn over 116,000 INR per month. This shows that there are well-paying opportunities for those with in-demand skills and experience. The overall picture for working in India is quite diverse.

Studying in India

India is becoming a popular place for international students. This is because it offers good quality education that is also affordable. With hundreds of universities and many scholarship chances, India provides a great option for students looking for a quality education at a lower price. This makes studying in India an attractive choice.

Some Indian universities are ranked among the best in the world. These include the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay and the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi. These institutions are well-known for their academic excellence.

Tuition fees for international students can vary depending on the university and the program you choose. Generally, fees range from 250,000 INR to 550,000 INR a year for foreigners.

Besides the usual student visa, students can also apply for a provisional visa. This type of visa gives them six months to explore different study options in India. If you haven’t chosen a program yet, you can do so after you arrive. You can then apply for the correct study visa at a Foreigners Registration Office once you have decided on your course. This flexibility can be very helpful for planning your education.

Related reading

• Keep your UK number abroad
• Moving Abroad Checklist: Your 6-Month UK Relocation Guide
• Moving to Thailand from the UK: Your Complete Relocation Guide
• How to Keep My Thai Number While Living Abroad