Moving to London from India

Top India to London Moving Companies: Compare and Choose the Best

Moving to London from India, whether for work, study, or a better lifestyle, can be a great decision if it is made thoughtfully. But… it can also be overwhelming and bring some challenges you are not expecting to have on your move. One of the most important steps in your India to London relocation is choosing the right international moving company. And the process of choosing the right one is also a tricky task. You need to understand how to find the best India to London moving companies, what services they offer, and what to expect through the process.

If you want to hire the best packers and movers from India to London with minimal effort, we can help you. At Abroad Movers, we have partnered with top-rated international relocation companies that have earned a huge reputation in the industry for offering high-quality relocation services. And the process of hiring the right international relocation service to London with us is as easy as booking a flight ticket online. All you need to do is tell us your requirements. Then, we will connect you with the top 3 international moving companies with expertise in relocating to London, the UK. These international shifting experts will understand your needs and give you shipping estimates. The final action you need to take is to compare the quotes and choose the service that best suits your needs and budget.

Why Hire a Moving Company to Move to London from India?

Relocating internationally is not like moving within your city or even within India. It involves the way more tasks than a local shifting or domestic relocation. If you are thinking of relocating from India to London (the UK), you will not only have to ship your household items, but also handle paperwork, customs clearance, and understand UK rules and regulations. You probably will not be able to handle all these tricky and burdensome tasks. This is where the need for professional packers and movers from India to London is understandable.

If you choose a professional India-to-London moving company, you will get the benefits that will make your life a whole lot easier and hassle-free. Trusted movers will help you:

• Safely pack and transport your belongings.
• Handle customs and shipping documents.
• Provide door-to-door delivery services.
• Offer insurance for your goods.
• Make your relocation stress-free and faster.

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What Services Do India to London Movers Offer?

International moving companies (packers and movers) associated with our platform offer a comprehensive range of relocation services. Whether you want to move to London or anywhere else in the UK, they will make it easy to have a smooth and hassle-free international move. Some common services offered by our trusted international packers and movers include:

Household Relocation from India to London

Moving to a foreign country is not a challenge. The real challenge comes with moving household stuff. This is when you need the expertise and services of a well-trained international moving company in India. Professional movers and packers provide international home removal services from India to London. They handle your household goods containing expensive, fragile, and special-care items. From arts to electronics, antique pieces, jewelry, and musical instruments, international movers move everything.

Commercial Goods Relocation from India to London

With businesses expanding their operations overseas, the requirements for reliable international commercial goods shipping have become paramount. Our partners provide comprehensive international commercial goods shipping solutions. Some companies also offer safe and secure corporate relocation services.

Door-to-Door Relocation

The relocation experts pack your items in your current home in India and deliver them to your new home in London. Door-to-door relocation service is an excellent choice for Indian experts moving to London from India with family members.  

Shipping Goods via Appropriate Mode

Based on the volumes of your goods or your preferences, international moving companies choose the most suitable shipping option. If you have a budget and need faster shipping of your household items, they will use the air freight option. Or, they will use the sea freight option if you look for an economical option and do not have issues with a longer delivery time.

Packing and Unpacking

Packing for an international move is not like packing for a local or domestic home shifting. It requires more careful packing techniques, considering international shipping standards. Thus, DIY packing might fail to meet the requirements, or your goods may get stuck during customs checks. However, you do not need to worry if you hire an international moving company from India to London. The movers will pack your belongings using export-quality packing supplies and keep them safe and secure during long transit. If you are moving to London with family, you may not be in the mood to unpack your belongings by yourself. This is where professional unpacking services will be a great help. The experts will unpack things, allowing you to enjoy the moment. So, if you need packing and unpacking services for your international move, look no further than Abroad Movers.

Temporary Storage

Trusted international moving companies also offer temporary storage services for shipment. You can request storage of your belongings if you arrive in London first and the shipment is expected later. You can also opt for the storage of your possessions if your shipment has already reached London before your arrival. Movers and packers will give you the best temporary solutions for your shipment, but may charge extra.

Customs Clearance Support

You may find it tricky to handle the UK customs rules and regulations. Because it requires heavy paperwork and can be a headache. But you will have peace of mind if you are relocating with one of the trusted packers and movers from India to the UK. The movers will leave no stone unturned to make the process easy and smooth. They will help you with all the required documentation and make the customs clearance process super easy. Thus, you will not have to encounter unnecessary delays and stress.

Vehicle Shipping

If you want to take your car or bike from India to London, you only have the option for professional shipping. It is essential because you cannot drive your vehicle and enter a foreign land. Most international moving companies in India also offer vehicle shipping services. That way, they ensure your vehicles get to their destination safely and on time. In the vehicle shipping process, the movers handle all the logistics, paperwork, and transport. You only need to focus on other aspects of your overseas relocation. So, kick out your stress if you want to ship your vehicle to London from India. Trust experienced movers only and get your vehicles in London without even a single scratch.

Pet Relocation

Moving to London with pets? No problem. Many moving companies from India to London specialize in international pet relocation. They ensure your furry friends get to their new home safely. If you hire the right one, the movers will handle all the details, from managing regulations to meeting quarantine requirements. You do not need to be much worried about your adorable pet. With the best international mover’s help, your pet will have a smooth and hassle-free international journey.

Other Services

Apart from the aforementioned services, our partner moving companies to the UK also offer other services. Additional services may include fine-art moving, settling-in services, ATA Carnet Shipments, shipment tracking,

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India to London Shipping Options

From choosing the right international moving company from India to London to the right shipping mode, everything is important to ensure your treasured possessions arrive at your new home safe and sound. Professional moving companies offer two shipping options to send goods from one country to another. They are: Sea Freight and Air Freight.

Sea Freight from India to London

It is the most common international freight shipping method. Sea freight is the transportation of containerized goods loaded onto vessels through the sea for various purposes. It is ideal for shipping goods over long distances, especially between continents. 90% of the world trade is done by sea only. Consignments having multiple cartons or heavy goods weighing more than 100kg are shipped by sea. Sea freight, also called ocean freight, is of two types: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL).

Full Container Load (FCL): FCL shipping is a type of shipping method in which a container is filled with the goods of a single consignee. This is apt for individuals and businesses that have large or bulk items to transport. If you think you have too many items that can fill an entire container, this is the right sea freight shipping mode for you. Containers used in this method are 20-foot and 40-foot to accommodate different cargo.

Less Than Container Load (LCL): In this method, you only use a portion of the container’s capacity to fill goods. The rest space will be filled with other consignees’ goods or belongings. LCL shipping is ideal for those who have less volume of goods and a few boxes or pallets. With this, you also save on goods shipping costs because you only pay for the portion in the container you use.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Sea Freight

Benefits	Disadvantages
Cost-effective	Longer time
Idea for large shipments	Port delays and complex customs clearance
Environmentally friendlier than air freight	Not suitable for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries
Containerized options for added security	Limited tracking compared to air freight
Global reach via major sea routes	Complex documentation and regulations

Air Freight from India to London

The transport of goods or commodities through commercial or chartered planes is known as air freight. This is the fastest mode of international shipping. Usually, people opt for air mode to ship abroad luxury and high-value items. It is also ideal for shipping perishable items. Air cargo is the most expensive mode of international shipping. However, if your only concern is faster delivery regardless of the price you pay, air freight is the best option for you. Here are a few types of air freight services.

• Express air service: If you opt for an express air service, your cargo will be transported by a direct flight from the source to the destination. This is the fastest way to ship goods abroad from India to London. Ideal for time-sensitive goods. Since it is an expedited air cargo service, the cost is comparatively higher than other air services.
• Standard air service: Shipping goods to London from India by regular air will make two or more stops at the airport before reaching the destination. The cargo will be unloaded and loaded onto the other flight. Although it takes more time than an express air service, it is the most popular aviation service due to its low costs. Additionally, ideal for consignments that are not extremely urgent.
• Deferred air service: It is the type of air shipping service where your cargo goes through multiple stops. Therefore, it is a slower shipping mode. However, it is the most affordable air cargo service still more expensive than LCL freight services.

Benefits	Disadvantages
Suitable for time-sensitive goods, especially perishable items	Not suitable for large shipments
Faster delivery	Expensive
Safer than any other shipping mode	Affected by weather conditions

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Shipping Mode

Now that you know about the different modes of international shipping, it’s time to know what to consider while making the final decision. Every type of shipping mode affects your move and budget. Therefore, it is essential to make an informed decision considering your priorities and requirements.

Let us look at the factors to consider while choosing the right shipping mode:

Type of cargo

The type of goods you want to ship plays a vital role in selecting the shipping mode. You must know how fragile and high-value your item is. The nature of the item, its weight, and size… consider everything before choosing the shipping mode. Smaller and high-value items are usually transported by air. Ocean freight is best for transporting heavy items.

Speed

Air cargo service is faster than sea freight. However, you should still inquire about the complete duration of the process. If you want faster delivery of your consignment, then air freight is the right choice for you. If there is no urgency and the goods are not time-sensitive, you can opt for ocean freight.

Cost

Shipping goods to London from India is an expensive affair. Although air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, it comes with a hefty price tag. Sea freight, on the other hand, is a cost-effective international shipping mode. However, the volume of your goods also determines the shipping cost.

Safety

Everyone wants safety when it comes to shipping goods internationally from India to London. Analyze the safety parameters of both modes and select the one you find apt for your goods. Usually, sea freight is not a safer option because of the perils of the sea. However, in certain seasons, air freight can be risky too. Consider every aspect, from the weather conditions to the goods volumes, for the safety of your consignment while choosing the right shipping mode.

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How to Choose the Best India to London Movers

When it comes to hiring a reliable and experienced international moving company for relocating to London, you have two options:

• DIY Hiring: You search and choose the best-suited one. It can be time-consuming.
• Via Abroad Movers: You compare free quotes and book the best one in minutes.

Hiring India to London Movers on Your Own

If you want to hire a suitable international relocation company, please take the following steps.

• List top-rated international movers: Search online or ask recommendations from your near and dear ones. Prepare a list of at least 5 to 6 moving companies
• Check experience and reviews: Directly ask shortlisted movers and packers about their experiences. Go for companies that have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in international relocation. Also, read online reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and Abroad Movers.
• Check license and certification: You will have a better international relocation experience if your mover is licensed and certified. There will be hardly any chance of getting trapped in a scam. So, make sure to check the license and certification of movers beforehand.
• Look for insurance options: Always prefer moving internationally with a mover that offers insurance on your belongings during shipping. This will cover the loss if your goods get damaged or lost in transit.  
• Ask about customs and documentation help: India to London relocation requires plenty of paperwork, and you may need to deal with complicated documentation. So, ensure that your movers help with all required documents for shipping and the UK customs.
• Get quotes from multiple companies: Request quotes for relocation estimates from at least 3 best-suited international movers and packers. Compare them based on the services offered, prices, and timelines. Pick the one that best matches your needs and budget. Price comparison can help you save up to 50% overall India to London moving costs.

Hiring India to London Movers via Abroad Movers

Hiring the best-matched India to London moving company via Abroad Movers is easy. It involves a few easy steps and gives you a secure international shipping service. Here is the process that you need to follow.

• Share your requirements with us: Fill out a simple quote form with the required details and submit it online.
• Receive free quotes: Get free quotes from the top three pre-screened international moving companies in minutes.
• Compare and book: Compare the quotes along with rates and services, and choose the one that suits your needs and budget.

How to Ship Goods from India to London

Moving to a new country, which you have probably never visited before, can be challenging. Planning the process, arranging the visas for family, shipping goods, and finding the right place to live, makes it even more complex. However, moving to London from India with the right movers is entirely manageable.

Before you know the steps involved in the process, here are the basics of international shipping that you must understand.

Key parties involved in the international shipping process from India to London, UK

• Freight forwarders: These are the legal entities or professionals who help you with the logistics of your consignment for shipping it to London from India.
• Shipping company: It is the company that transports your goods and commodities from India to London by the mode of sea or air.
• Customs broker: They are the professionals who ensure your goods meet UK regulations.

The process of international relocation involves all these legal entities and professionals. Now let’s talk about the process of shipping goods to London from India.

Process of Shipping Goods to London from India

International moving involves various steps that are required to be done with precision, which is not possible without the help of professionals. Let’s see the steps involved in the process:

Goods packing

The process begins with packing the goods. Professional packers and movers, pack your belongings utilizing the best-quality packaging materials. They make sure the goods are ready for shipment. The process includes packing, labeling, and ensuring compliance with shipping standards and regulations.

Pickup and Transport to the port

On the scheduled date, they pick up your goods from your doorstep. They transport the consignment to the nearest port or airport. The goods are loaded into containers or onto a commercial flight. The process duration depends on how far or near the terminal is.

Customs clearance

After reaching the port of departure, the goods undergo the customs clearance process. It’s important to check what goods are being exported from India because many things are not allowed to be exported.

Loading onto the chosen mode of transportation

Once the consignment is done with customs clearance, it is time to load the goods onto the chosen mode of transportation. Your carrier might have suggested sea freight or air freight. Depending on the shipping mode, either your goods will be packed in a container and loaded into a vessel, or they will be loaded on a commercial plane. The freight forwarder and carrier track the shipment as well to ensure its safety and keep you updated.

Delivery after customs clearance

After arriving at the destination country, once again, the consignment goes through the customs clearance procedure. The customs company will check all the documents associated with the consignment and ensure its compliance with the regulations of the UK. Thereafter, they will be released to the importer. The movers then store the goods in their warehouse for a short period. They will unload the goods, load them again into the truck, and transport them to your doorstep.

Moving from India to London Costs

One of the most important aspects of an international move is the cost. It must not be overlooked beforehand because it could be a substantial transaction—might be more than 1 lakh. If you overlook this crucial step beforehand, you might encounter financial issues. So, having at least an overall idea about the approximate costs of moving from India to London, so that you can plan your budget accordingly and make necessary amendments in your plan, if feasible.

The very first thing that you need to understand about India to London relocation cost is that it depends on several factors. A few cost-affecting factors are:

• Volume and weight of shipment
• Type of shipping (air freight or sea freight)
• Origin and destination
• Additional services like pet relocation, storage, or unpacking

Average Cost of Relocating from India to London

Please take a look at the following price charts to know the ballpark figures of the approximate air and sea freight charges from India to London, UK.

Air Freight: Shipping Costs from India to London

Air freight is ideal for a smaller and time-sensitive shipment due to faster delivery times. But… it will also be expensive.

Size & Type of Freight	Shipping Timing	Estimated Cost
Small Package (1-10 kg)	2-5 days	Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 20,000
Pallet (100-200 kg)	2-5 days	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 100,000

Sea Freight: Shipping Costs from India to London

Sea freight is the most common and the most cost-effective in an international move. If you have a large volume of items and a less urgent shipment, shipping goods via sea freight is a wise idea.

Container Type	Shipping Timing	Estimated Cost
Less than Container Load (LCL)	25-40 days	Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 50,000 per cubic meter
Full Container Load (FCL)	25-40 days	Rs. 200,000 – Rs. 400,000 per TEU
Reefer LCL	25-40 days	Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 70,000 per cubic meter
Reefer FCL	25-40 days	Rs. 250,000 – Rs. 500,000 per TEU

Other Expenses

• Packing charges for international shipping: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000
• Insurance coverage: 3% of total declared value

Please note: Always ask for a detailed breakdown in the quote so that you know you are paying for what.

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Documents Required for India to London Relocation

For Shipping Goods:

To ship goods from India to London and pass the customs clearance process, you should have a robust collection of the required documents. Here are what documents you may need.

• Packing list: A List of all items in the shipment with their weight and dimensions.
• Commercial invoice: A receipt that specifies the value and description of goods.
• Bill of lading or airway bill: for proof of shipment.
• Passport or government ID: for identification and customs clearance.
• Import/export license: for restricted or regulated items.
• Certificate of origin: A document that confirms where goods were manufactured.
• Customs declaration form: to declare goods and their value for duty assessment.
• Insurance certificate: for proof of coverage in case of loss or damage during transit.

For Moving to London:

Apart from the above shipping documents, you will also need some other (personal) documents for entering London, the UK. Let’s see what documents you may need.

• Passport and the UK Visa
• PAN Card and Aadhaar Card
• Proof of Address (in India and the UK)
• Work or Student Permit (if applicable)

Note that your moving company will guide you on what is required and help prepare the paperwork, so just chill.

What Items Cannot Be Shipped from India to London?

There are several items that are typically prohibited or restricted. Here is a general list of items that you cannot ship from India to London.

Strictly Prohibited Items

• Narcotics and Controlled Substances: Illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy) and unprescribed prescription drugs
• Weapons & Ammunition: Guns, explosives, grenades, firearms, ammunition, and fireworks

Counterfeit Goods: Fake designer items (e.g., clothes, watches, electronics), pirated software

• Endangered Species Products: Items made from endangered species (e.g., ivory, animal skins from endangered species)
• Pornographic Materials: Any obscene or indecent content (e.g., pornographic books, films, or images)
• Cultural Artifacts: Items of cultural or historical significance (without proper permits
• Currency: Fake money or counterfeit currency (coins, banknotes)

Restricted or Regulated Items

• Tobacco Products: Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco (subject to customs duties & taxes)
• Perishable Food: Foods (e.g., dairy, meats, some fruits), fresh flowers, plants (subject to health inspections)
• Battery-Operated Devices: Devices with lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries (may need special packaging)
• Medicines & Pharmaceuticals: Over-the-counter and prescription medications (must be accompanied by a prescription)
• Live Animals & Animal Products: Live animals (pets, insects), animal products like meat or milk (may require permits)
• Knives & Sharp Objects: Certain knives (e.g., switchblades) or sharp items (may require declarations)
• Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol (subject to limits, permits, and taxes)
• Money & Financial Instruments: Large amounts of cash, negotiable instruments (subject to regulations)
• Fireworks & Hazardous Materials: Fireworks, hazardous chemicals (highly regulated or prohibited)
• Gambling Devices: Equipment like slot machines, roulette wheels (subject to permits)

Why Abroad Movers for International Moving to London from India?

Abroad Movers is your go-to platform to hire the best international moving company. We have registered renowned companies specializing in overseas moves. With their vast experience, knowledge, and global network, they help you relocate to London from India effortlessly. If you seek professional international movers, then choose us. Our partners guarantee quality services at reasonable rates.

Here are the top reasons to choose Abroadmovers.com for international relocation services from India to London:

Robust Network of International Movers

At Abroad Movers, we have a wide network of relocation companies across India that specialize in efficiently handling international relocation. Whether you are relocating from India to the USA or London (or anywhere else in the world), we are here to help you select the best international relocation service at an affordable price. Our partner moving companies to the UK have a team of experts with expertise in export-quality packing and making arrangements for shipping goods safely. With our robust network of reliable international relocation companies, you will get full assistance in the whole operation. The movers will not only ship your goods but also help you with faster customs clearance and paperwork. Plus, you will have a guaranteed on-time shipping delivery with some destination services.

100% Verified and Licensed Moving Companies

We at Abroad Movers do not list just any moving companies; we look for trusted and reliable international relocation companies with experience of 5 to 10 years. We have thoroughly vetted their every credential before making associations with them. So, you do not need to worry much if you schedule your India to London relocation with one of our partner moving companies.

Comprehensive International Relocation Services

Our proficient partners offer a wide range of international relocation services at realistic prices. You can even customize the services as per your budget and timescale. Whether you need only goods transportation services or complete door-to-door international moving to London services, they diligently fulfill all your requirements.

Excellent Customer Support

The most significant reason to choose us is that you get top-notch support. You can reach us anytime and get faster resolutions for all your queries. We have a dedicated customer support team that is easily accessible by phone, WhatsApp, and email. Whether you are confused about making your final decision, need information related to a moving company, or are involved in a dispute with movers, we are just a call away.

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India to London Movers: Book the Best Now!

Need the best movers from India to London? Look no further than Abroad Movers. Moving to London from Delhi? From Chennai? From Kolkata? From Hyderabad? Or, from any other city in India? We are here to help you. Get in touch with us to get free quotes from verified international shifting experts. Compare the quotes and hire the best service for a safe and hassle-free move to London from India.

Pros and Cons of Moving to London from India

Pros of Moving to London from India

Strong Career and Job Market

• Diverse Job Sectors: London offers tons of job opportunities in various sectors. The top sectors include finance, IT, law, technology, healthcare, media, and education. Skilled Indians often find good jobs with high salaries in these booming sectors.
• Higher Salaries: It is one of the top reasons why Indian professionals and skilled workers relocate to London. The city offers high salaries, chiefly in sectors like technology, engineering, IT, finance, and medicine.
• Work Environment: The work environment in London is also lucrative. The UK offers strong employee rights and standard work hours (35-40 hours per week). It also has some other perks, like legal protection, including sick leave and maternity benefits.

High Standard of Education

• Higher Education: London is home to some of the world’s top-notch universities and is famous for imparting world-class higher education. Imperial College, King’s College, UCL, and Northeastern University London are the top universities in the city that offer internationally recognized degrees.
• Research and Global Recognition: The UK degree is internationally recognized. Thus, it can open doors across Europe and North America.
• Schools for Children: If you relocate with your children, you also have excellent primary and secondary level schools, including both private and public schools.

Multicultural and Inclusive Society

• Diverse Population: London has a large Indian diaspora. Communities from different Indian states, especially from Punjab and Gujarat, will be a great relief for you. You may also find people here from Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. This is a good thing for many moving to London from India with their families.
• Food and Culture: Living in London will make you feel desi food and culture scene. Indian grocery stores and restaurants are available with easy access. There are community centers where you can strengthen your networking and make new friends. Temples, gurdwaras, and mosques are also available in London to ensure you can still follow your beliefs and culture. Diwali, Eid, Lohri, Janmashtami, and Dussehra are also celebrated in London by Indian communities with full zest.
• Tolerance and Inclusion: London is known with open-minded people and celebrates diversity. You will hardly find any racism or xenophobia here.

Healthcare, Public Services, and Infrastructure

• Healthcare: London cares about your health and offers top-notch healthcare services. Do not worry. You can access low-cost healthcare with the National Health Service (NHS). You will need to pay just an immigration health surcharge if you are not a citizen. But you have access to these facilities.
• Transport: London has an efficient transport system. The London Underground (rapid transit system), buses, and trains make commutes across Greater London super easy. For a better travel experience, have an Oyster card.
• Utilities: Clean water, stable electricity, and strong internet access are great perks of living in a city like London.
• Others: Parks, museums, shopping malls, and safety standards are factors that contribute to a higher standard of living.

Exposure and Global Lifestyle

• Travel: London is a gateway to Europe. This means you can easily travel to other European countries. Weekend trips to Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome are very popular among Indian expats. The good thing is that it is affordable to roam across Europe from London.
• Personal Growth: Exploring different European cities will help you with personal growth. You will develop independence, global awareness, and cultural adaptability.
• Opportunities for Children: Your children will gain confidence, language fluency, and broader worldviews.

Besides these pros of moving to London from India, there are also some downsides. Let’s have a look at them.

Cons of Moving to London from India

Extremely High Cost of Living

• Rent: One-bedroom apartment in London can cost £1,800 to £2,500 per month. Even rents outside of city center are not low. One-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost you around £1,500 to £1,800. This is the way higher than even in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
• Utilities: Bills for basic utilities like electricity, heating, water, cooling, garbage, mobile phone, and internet can easily add another £300–£500/month. The range can vary based on the household size.
• Childcare: Daycare for young children in London is also expensive. It can cost more than £1,200 per month.
• Savings Struggles: Despite decent salaries in London, saving money can be difficult without dual incomes. Or, you will need to have control over your budget with strict discipline.

Weather and Environment

• Climate: London’s weather is characterized by cold and rainy weather conditions, especially during the months of October to March. This weather condition does not suit many Indians, and can also affect you. The result? This can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for people moving to London for the first time.
• Lack of Sunshine: Again, the reason is the cold and rainy weather conditions. If you are from sunnier parts of India, the weather might impact your mood and health.

Visa and Immigration

• Visa Complexities: Getting a UK visa is not only expensive but also complex. However, the process and expensive can vary depending on the visa type – work, study, or dependent visa. The Skilled Worker visa and Graduate Route are common, but they come with conditions.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): It is a settlement provision in the UK that gives you the right to live, work, and study here for as long as you like. To apply for ILR, you must have lived in the UK for 5 years. It also requires passing tests and paying fees.

Social and Cultural Adjustment

• Homesickness: During the initial days of living in London, it is common to miss family, friends, food, festivals, and old neighbors. This can be anything, but not a good thing at all. It can take an emotive downside, and you might think of returning to India.
• Pace of Life: Living in an alien place, which is known for a fast-paced, busy life, can be uncomfortable. You may find it difficult to build social connections. Also, it may take a longer time.
• Subtle Discrimination: While racism is rare in London, microaggressions or unconscious bias in the workplace or housing market still exist.

Parenting and Family Challenges

• Raising Kids without Family Support: It can be a big issue with moving to London, because Indian families are used to extended family support.
• Different Values: Your children may grow up with more Western values and culture. This can sometimes clash with your traditional Indian expectations.
• Expensive Domestic Help: Household tasks are fully DIY in London. However, you can manage it by hiring expensive cleaning services.

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Things to Consider When Relocating to London from India

There are several good reasons why London attracts Indian expats, including better education, high standards of healthcare, and the dense population of the South Asian community. But there are a lot of things to do when moving to London from India. This may include obtaining a visa, opening bank accounts, and finding the right place to live.

We have gathered all the essential information that helps you move to London from India in a hassle-free way. From the types of visas available to the UK customs prohibitions, let’s see the complete procedure of immigrating to London in the UK.

Get a UK Visa

London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom and England. So, you must have a UK visa to move to London from India. However, this can be the most complicated and time-consuming part of the international move. You will have to look for your options to get a visa as an Indian. Ensure you are eligible for the visa and have all the paperwork ready. Start the application process and get a visa as per your requirements.

Different types of visas to enter London include:

• Family Visa: If you want to join your family in the UK for more than 6 months to be with your partner or children, get a family visa. To be eligible for this, your partner should be a British citizen and have ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.
• Worker Visa: You can get this visa only if you have a job offer from a recognized employer in London. On a skilled worker visa, you can stay up to 5 years.
• Startup Visa: If you have no job offers but still want to do business in London, you can get a startup visa. And, if you are an experienced business owner and have amazing business ideas, you can obtain an innovator visa to move to London, which lasts for 3 years.
• Study Visa: Many people move to London for higher education. If you or your children want to study in London, obtain a visa. This can be a short-term study visa, student visa, or child student visa for children aged between 4-17 years.

Find a Job

If you have a work visa, this means you already have a job from a reliable employer in London. However, if you don’t have one, then you must find a job to meet your daily expenses. Finding a job in London is the same as finding a job in any other foreign country. You will have to get a work permit and then apply for jobs. Use some reliable portals to find a job.

Find a Place to Live

Another important thing that you should consider when relocating to London from India is finding a place to live. During your initial days in London, you might need to rent a home either on your own or with the help of someone. Choose the right place, considering it matches your requirements and the budget allows for it. You can also take help from reliable real estate agents to find a home in London for you.

Note that London has a total of 7.5% Indian origin population. They prefer to settle in the western part of the city and the boroughs such as Ealing, Newham, Barnet, Harrow, Brent, and Croydon, which are the best places for Indians to live in London.

Understand the Cost of Living in London

London is the most expensive city in the UK, especially in terms of rent and utility bills. However, the comparatively higher salaries help balance this. Before moving to London from India, you should consider the cost of living as this affects your budget for the first weeks and months. The cost of living in London is comparatively higher than in India. To help you guide on what to expect, here is a quick comparison between the cost of living in London and India.

Expenses	Average Living Cost in India (Delhi)	Average Living Cost in London
Monthly rental for 1BHK	22,708.46 ₹ (210.97 £)	235,415.00 ₹ (2,187.12 £)
Public transport (monthly pass)	1,000.00 ₹ (9.29 £)	20,752.40 ₹ (192.80 £)
Utilities	5,389.43 ₹ (50.07 £)	26,711.28 ₹ (248.16 £)
Meal for 2 people in a restaurant	1,600.00 ₹ (14.86 £)	8,880.05 ₹ (82.50 £)

Source: Numbeo

Open a Bank Account in London

Opening a bank account is one of the considerations when moving to London from India. However, it is not a mandatory step, but it is quite useful. By having a local savings account in London, you can pay bills, receive a salary, and manage financial transactions in a better way. So, after processing your visa and immigration, look for options to open a bank account in London. HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Bank, and NatWest are some good options.

Common documents required to open a bank account in London include:

• Proof of identity: passport, national ID card, or driving license
• Proof of address: Utility bill, rental agreement, or council tax bill
• Proof of income
• Proof of NRI status (if applicable): visa or residence permit, PIO card

Note that the requirements for documents may vary from bank to bank.

Top 10 Areas to Live in London for Indian Expats

Moving to London? Not sure about where you find your accommodation. Do not worry much! Here is a brief guide for you.

1. Southall

Consider Southall as Little India. Here you will find many Indian shops, restaurants, temples, and grocery stores. The area is mostly popular among Punjabis and North Indian families. If you are from North India and moving to London, you can consider Southall as your next home. The best thing about this area is that it is affordable, and you can find Indian culture everywhere. Plus, you will have easy access to Heathrow Airport. However, the area can be crowded.

2. Hounslow

Close to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Hounslow is full of Indian communities. Many working professionals and families from Indian have found their homes and are enjoying their lives. Good schools, Indian grocery stores, temples, and affordable rents are good traits of this area, which have made it popular among Indian families. The downside of living in Hounslow is that you may find busy roads and traffic.

3. Wembley

It is another hub for Indian expats and families. Especially popular among Gujaratis, the area is a good choice for families, students, and business people. There is no dearth of Indian markets, vegetarian food, and mandirs in Wembley. Plus, it offers easy Tube access. Note that Wembley is more expensive than Hounslow.

4. East Ham

If you are from South India, living in East Ham can be a good decision. East Ham has a strong South Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil community. You can easily find here Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam-speaking families. The area also boasts good Indian schools, dosa restaurants, and temples. The only thing that you may not like much is that some areas may look older or less modern.

5. Ilford

Ilford is one of popular areas to live in London with a growing Indian population. The area is affordable and has a good transport system. Located near East London University, it is not only popular among students but also among working professionals and families. The downside of living in this area of London is that it is slightly far from Central London.

6. Harrow

Harrow is one of the best areas to live in for Indian families moving to London. It is clean and quiet, and offers excellent infrastructure. Good schools, temples, parks, and safe streets are what make it a nice area to live in London for Indians. The area is not only popular among families but also among professionals, students, and senior citizens of Indian origin. The only thing you need to think twice about before choosing Harrow to live in London is that the rent can be high here.

7. Croydon

Croydon has a mixed community, including Indians. It is one of the most affordable areas to live in London with good travel links. In this area, you can find bigger houses for less rent. There are several Indian supermarkets in this area that will also be a big plus. However, some areas in Croydon can be from Central London.

8. Ealing

Ealing is one of the posh areas to live in London and is very popular among well-settled Indian families. Most upper-middle-class Indian expats live here. Good school, excellent infrastructure, greenery, and peaceful neighborhoods are the top reasons to live in Ealing. If you are thinking of living in this area, not that housing here is expensive.

9. Stratford

Stratford is very popular among young professionals and students. It has excellent infrastructure with shopping malls (Westfield), modern flats, and good Tube links. The area is known for mixed cultures, including many Indians. Note that living in Stratford can be expensive.

10. Newham

Newham is a growing Indian and South Asian community in London. Many young working individuals and families love to live here due to the budget-friendly and multicultural living standards. It is also close to Central London. The only downside of Newham is that some areas are still developing.

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Moving to London from India FAQs

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