Working in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union and free movement has ended. Unless you already have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (settled or pre-settled status), you usually need a visa to work there.

• Check on GOV.UK which visa fits you; many jobs need an employer who sponsors you (for example the Skilled Worker visa).
• If you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme, read on GOV.UK what rights it gives you and how to keep it.
• Requirements, fees and salary thresholds change: check them only on GOV.UK, not on agency websites.

1. Apply for a National Insurance number if you do not have one yet; you need it to work.
2. Register with a family doctor (GP).
3. Find out whether you must pay Council Tax to your local council.

UK ENIC is the national agency that provides information and statements on how qualifications from outside the UK compare. For regulated professions, the profession's regulator decides whether you can practise.

• Find out whether your profession is regulated in the UK and who regulates it.
• Prepare your diplomas, transcripts and translations.
• Check fees and timing directly with UK ENIC or the regulator.

As an employee, income tax and National Insurance contributions are usually deducted from your salary through PAYE. The tax authority is HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

• Tax bands and rates are on GOV.UK.
• National Insurance contributions count towards some benefits and the State Pension.
• If you also have income in Romania, check where you are tax resident.

Public healthcare is provided by the NHS. For routine care you register with a GP surgery. People applying for a visa usually also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, shown during the visa application.

• You register with a GP at the surgery or online, following the NHS instructions.
• Check on GOV.UK whether the health surcharge applies to you and how much it is.

Landlords and agents may ask for proof of your status or visa before you rent, so have it ready.

• Read the contract and find out how your deposit is protected.
• Budget for Council Tax, usually paid by the tenant.
• Never send money for a home you have not seen.

Costs differ a lot between London and the rest of the country. Before you accept an offer, compare the net salary with rent, transport, Council Tax and, if relevant, visa costs.

• Work out your net salary after income tax and National Insurance.
• Budget for visa fees and the health surcharge if they apply to you.

Romania has an embassy in London and consulates in other UK cities. They can help with identity documents, civil status documents and emergencies.

• Current contact details are on the embassy website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of missions.
• The Department for Romanians Abroad has information and programmes for the diaspora.

The United Kingdom is no longer part of the EURES network. Look for jobs directly with employers and on recruitment platforms, and check whether the employer can sponsor your visa if you need one.

• For a Skilled Worker visa the employer must be a licensed sponsor: check on GOV.UK.
• Be careful with offers that ask you to pay to get a job or a visa.