What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Liverpool

Relocating to Liverpool

About the City

Situated in Merseyside, North West England, Liverpool has a population of over 400,000, making it one of the largest cities not just in the North of England, but in the country itself. Historically, much of its expansion was brought about by its status as a thriving port, once seen as a gateway to the world due to its unique geographical position. It was this port status that also contributed to its large international population, which still resides there today, making a move to Liverpool a popular choice for many expatriates.

Interestingly, it is reported that the city is home to the oldest African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe. The last census, taken in 2011, showed that an above average proportion of Liverpool residents had moved to the UK in the two years previous, proving it’s a popular destination for expats to relocate to.

Visas for the United Kingdom

Anyone moving to Liverpool from outside of the United Kingdom will need to be in possession of a valid passport. However, not everyone will require a visa. If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA member state (or Switzerland) you can work, study and live in Liverpool without a visa or work permit. If you’re planning to relocate to Liverpool from a country outside the EU and EEA, you’ll require a visa. To find out what your specific visa options and requirements are, you can visit the UK’s Home Office website and take their short questionnaire.

You can also check visa processing times for the type of visa you wish to apply for on the Home Office website. There is an optional service where you can pay an extra fee to fast track your application and have your visa application processed ahead of others. In most cases, you can apply online for your visa from the Home Office website, but the rules are updated regularly, so do make sure you have the most up-to-date information. If you’re moving as a family, remember your family members or dependents will have to apply for their visa at the same time, too.

Finding Accommodation in Liverpool

Thanks to the visionary regeneration programs that launched across the city in the 1990s, the once tired and disused seafront warehouses and dockland buildings have been transformed into modern and luxurious penthouses and apartments. Many of these sought-after properties command magnificent views, with expensive price tags reflecting this.

For expats moving to Liverpool on more modest incomes, prices in the city’s neighboring boroughs will be more favorable. The suburbs of West Derby, Knotty Ash and Childwall, found in the east of the city, prove to be popular. Here you’ll find terraced houses that make for ideal family homes, good local amenities and schools, as well as a strong community feel. Woolton and neighboring Allerton have a number of attractive properties for sale and rent, too. Try housing search engine Rightmove to get the most accurate and up-to-the-minute prices for property in the city.