May 10, 2016
Summary: Tech jobs in London are sought out by wanna be expats all over Europe and other parts of the world. If working in London for Facebook, Google or a hot new start up is your goal, just take the time to research it and get it right!
The tech industry in London has opportunities for qualified expats, though it can be a challenge and will require patience. Take the time to learn about life in London and the U.K., the companies that have a presence there, and make sure you have the skills to merit the appropriate visa for entry into the U.K.
Expats in London's tech industry know East London Tech City and the surrounding areas is one of the most important tech centers in Europe.
London has been put at the top of the list of the most digital entrepreneur-friendly cities in Europe.
Read our Tips For Living in London and Working in London
The UK Visas & Immigration website has updated information about how to move there as a tech employee.
For example, there is the Tier 1 Work Visa for Exceptional Talent. In order to apply for this visa, you must be acknowledged in the fields of digital technology, science, engineering, arts or humanities.
There is also a Tier 1 Work Visa for Entrepreneurs, which requires minimums in terms of capital available to you for investment in your venture.
While it is a slower route to life abroad, consider working for a company in your home country that have a presence in the U.K. The chance of getting transferred to the United Kingdom is greater that way than if you apply on your own from outside the U.K. The H.R. department will likely handle all of the legwork - and in larger companies has a great deal of experience doing so.
While London is an obvious destination for expatriates seeking tech employment, there are other locations available to tech employees. There are a variety of reasons why other U.K. cities are better options for tech jobs.
There have been other indications that the Government wants to see growth of the tech sector outside of London.
Expats in London and elsewhere in the U.K. face unique challenges when trying to start a company in the U.K., whether it's a tech company or not. Accessing financing, cultural issues and understanding the local market are just a few issues noted in the article on Alleywatch.com.
Greenback Tax Services offers a tax guide for Americans operating a U.S. or foreign business while living overseas. The guide advises that "owning a business overseas has multiple advantages but also brings about a unique set of challenges, especially from a US tax perspective."
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of Joshua's more popular articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and 5 Best Places to Live in Spain. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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An expat interview with Julie Falconer, a travel writer and author of the blog - A Lady in London.
Expats living in London sometimes struggle to find room for their belongings. Matt Cook offers advice on how to make the most of your space and love your life in London.
With scores of NHS-funded hospitals recruiting overseas nurses, Brit Peacock offers advice for nurses interested in moving to the UK.
There are numerous restaurants in London that offer wonderful Thanksgiving menus for expats and locals! Here are few of our favorites.
Expats moving to the UK who plan to work in London often want to live in a village or smaller city and commute to the city. Here are a few options to consider.
Expats in the UK that want to live in a smaller city with plenty to do often look to Cambridge in the county of Cambridgeshire. It is a university town and London is still close enough to commute.
Families moving to London who are interested in an American curriculum, IB program or bi-lingual education for their children, may be interested in these popular expat schools.
Expats describe London as a love it or hate it city. With it's high cost of living and rainy weather, it's not for everyone. But, those who move to London and love it will tell you that the city's tremendous diversity, vibrant nightlife, incredible restaurants and varied neighborhoods.
First Published: May 10, 2016
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A British "expat" in Exeter describes the culture shock experienced while settling into the UK after living in Canada and the U.S. for most of her life.
An expat living in Wantage, England discusses the challenges of expat life there. Locals are not overly friendly and it can take years for people to accept you. She recommends that newcomers consider living in Oxford instead.
If you are now, or will be, an expat living in London, you have come to the right place. We have pulled together enough information so that, at the very least, you won't feel like you are flying blind after moving overseas.
Advice for expats in London about expat package negotiation and cost of living in London.
An overview of key topics for expats in London. Covers visas, schools, housing, cost of living in London and more.
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