Migrating from India to the UK

India is one of the largest sources of skilled workers, students and families coming to Britain. If you are migrating from India to the UK, the visa you choose decides how long you can stay, whether you can work, and when you can settle.

Unlike some nationalities, Indian citizens need a visa even for a short visit. Most also need a tuberculosis (TB) test and an English language test. This guide sets out the routes, the India-specific steps, and what to plan for.

Which visa route fits a personal move?

Most people migrating from India to the UK use one of the routes below. Each row shows who it suits and whether it leads to settlement.

Since July 2025, care worker roles have been closed to new overseas recruitment. Health professionals such as doctors and nurses can still apply through the Health and Care Worker route.

If you plan to join a partner, our guide on how to apply for a UK spouse visa from India covers fees, forms and timelines.

Which route fits a business move?

Many Indian companies open UK offices, and many founders want to build a business here. These routes cover founders and firms sending staff over.

The UK-India trade deal signed in July 2025 does not create new visa routes. Its social security agreement means staff seconded to the UK for up to three years can keep paying contributions in India only, once it takes effect.

Moving to the UK from India: your checklist

Once you know your route, work through these steps. Several are specific to Indian applicants, so start early.

1. Choose your visa. Confirm which route fits your plans and check you meet every requirement.
2. Book a TB test. India is on the UK's TB testing list. Anyone applying to stay more than six months needs a certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic. It is valid for six months from the X-ray.
3. Prove your English. India is not a majority English-speaking country. Pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), or prove a degree taught in English through Ecctis.
4. Apply online. Complete the GOV.UK form and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
5. Attend your VFS appointment. Give your fingerprints and photo at a VFS Global centre in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai or Kolkata.
6. Translate your documents. Any document in Hindi or a regional language needs a certified English translation.
7. Plan your arrival. Arrange housing, then open a UK bank account and register with a GP once you arrive.

Can you move to the UK without a job offer?

Yes. A job offer is only needed for the sponsored work routes. You can move without one through a family visa, a Student visa, the Global Talent route, the High Potential Individual visa, the India Young Professionals Scheme, or the Innovator Founder visa.

What does the move cost?

The total depends on your route and family size. Budget for these items:

• Visa fee: set by the Home Office and different for each route. See our fees page.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: paid upfront for each year of your visa, for each family member. Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt.
• Tests: the TB test and the English language test, paid in India.
• Moving costs: flights, temporary housing and a rental deposit.
• Living costs: rent and transport are high, especially in London.

For a wider view, read our guide to the cost of living in the UK.

How long until you can settle and become British?

Under the current rules, most work and family routes lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. You must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. You also need to pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement for settlement.

The government has proposed an "earned settlement" model with a longer, 10-year baseline for most routes. At the time of writing, it is a proposal and not yet in the Immigration Rules. Your application is assessed under the rules in force on the date you apply, so check the position before you plan.

Most people can apply for British citizenship 12 months after getting ILR. If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you have ILR. India does not allow dual citizenship, so taking British citizenship means giving up your Indian passport. Many people apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit the UK?

Yes. Indian citizens need a Standard Visitor visa for holidays, family visits or business meetings. It does not allow you to work or live in the UK.

Do I need a TB test to move to the UK from India?

Yes, if you are applying to stay for more than six months. The test must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic in India.

Do I need an English test if I studied in English?

Not always. A degree taught in English can count, but you must get it confirmed through Ecctis. For most people, an approved English test is quicker.

Can I bring my family on a UK work visa?

Most work routes let your partner and children under 18 join you as dependants. Student visa holders can only bring dependants on postgraduate research courses.

Does the India Young Professionals Scheme lead to settlement?

No. It gives up to two years in the UK and cannot be extended. You would need to switch to another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, to stay longer.

Ready to plan your move?

Migrating from India to the UK takes planning, from the TB test to the right visa. A wrong choice can cost you months and a second set of fees. Starting early gives you the most options.

AY&J Solicitors is SRA-regulated and ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We have guided Indian professionals, families and businesses through their moves to Britain. To find the route that fits you, book a free discovery call with our visa experts.

Written and legally reviewed by Sunny Sandhu, Head of Legal Operations, AY&J Solicitors. SRA regulated, Legal 500, Chambers and Partners. Last reviewed: 22 October 2026.