10 Essential Tips for Digital Nomads Moving to England in 2025

10 Essential Tips for Digital Nomads Moving to England in 2025

by | Jan 17, 2025 | Being a digital nomad and working abroad, Expat living in London, Expat working in London, Move to the UK, Travel, Travel guides, Travel news

Are you considering moving to England as a digital nomad in 2025? This vibrant country offers incredible opportunities for remote workers, from its bustling cities to peaceful countryside retreats. Whether you’re drawn by the rich culture, professional opportunities, or the chance to explore iconic landmarks, this guide will provide you with all the essential tips to make your transition seamless and successful. Hopefully you love it here as much as we do!

Digital nomad England 2025

 

Research Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads

Understanding visa requirements is crucial for digital nomads moving to England in 2025. Options like the Skilled Worker Visa and Innovator Visa cater to professionals and entrepreneurs. Research eligibility criteria, prepare the necessary documentation, and start the application process early to avoid delays.

Pro Tip: Consulting an immigration expert can help you navigate the process efficiently.

 

If you’re from the Commonwealth like we are, check if you’re eligible for an Ancestral Visa.

 

Set Up a Local Bank Account

A local bank account is essential for managing finances. Major banks such as Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds offer accounts for expats, while digital banks like Monzo and Starling provide convenient app-based services. You’ll need identification, proof of address, and valid visa documents to open an account.

Applying for a bank account, you can often get caught up in a cycle of needing a local address or other details to be accepted. Barclays was originally flexible for us when we moved. However, we are now with a combination of NatWest and use Wise for transfers (get a great deal on Wise here).

Learn more: UK Bank Account Guide.

 

Find the Right Accommodation

Finding suitable housing is a priority. Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla are excellent for private rentals, while co-living spaces such as The Collective and Mason & Fifth foster a sense of community. Suburban areas near major cities often offer more affordable options with easy access to public transport.

Pro Tip: Use expat forums and Facebook groups to find housing recommendations.

 

More information: Watch our Moving to the UK budget tips vlog here!

 

Get Familiar with the Healthcare System

England’s National Health Service (NHS) provides affordable healthcare to residents. Register with a General Practitioner (GP) upon arrival for access to NHS services. You need to register when you find a place to live, as you have to attend a GP near to your residential postcode.

Private health insurance is also available for faster access to specialists or additional coverage. Often, private health will come as a benefits package with employment, so ask your employer for more information.

Plan: NHS Registration Guide.

 

Embrace England’s Transportation Network

England boasts an extensive transportation system. Use an Oyster Card for London travel and a Railcard for discounted train fares nationwide. Cities like Cambridge and Oxford are bike-friendly, making cycling a great option for eco-conscious commuters.

Pro tip: you can use your own debit or credit card on the network to tap-on-tap-off too, and it is capped at a daily rate. If you’re travelling around the country a lot, use the Trainline app and add a National Railcard to it – for a nominal fee each year you’ll save on train fares.

 

Build Your Professional Network

Networking is key to success as a digital nomad in England. Attend events at co-working spaces such as WeWork and Huckletree, or join Meetup groups tailored to remote workers. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for connecting with professionals in your industry.

Pro Tip: Many co-working spaces host regular networking events.

 

More information: build your new community and friendship group :)

 

Understand Tax and Legal Obligations

Familiarise yourself with England’s tax system. If you’re earning income while living in England, you may need to pay UK taxes as a self-employed resident. Register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to ensure compliance. Hiring a tax adviser or accountant can help you navigate the complexities of the tax system.

Learn more: UK Tax Guide for Expats.

 

Choose the Right Work Environment

England offers a variety of co-working spaces and cafes that cater to digital nomads. Top picks include Second Home, Work.Life, and The Office Group. These spaces provide reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic workstations, and opportunities for networking.

Explore co-working options: Top UK Co-working Spaces; and London’s co-working cafes.

 

Stay Connected with Reliable Internet

Reliable internet is essential for remote work. Most urban areas have high-speed broadband, and co-working spaces provide excellent connectivity. For rural areas, consider portable Wi-Fi devices or data plans from providers like EE and Vodafone.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Speedtest to evaluate Wi-Fi quality before committing to a location. And don’t forget internet security – we’ve been a fan of Nord VPN for years! Get three months free Nord here.

 

Embrace England’s Culture and Lifestyle

Living in England is about more than work. Explore historical landmarks like Stonehenge and Buckingham Palace, savor diverse cuisines, and attend local festivals. Popular destinations like the Lake District and Brighton offer a perfect escape from city life.

Discover more: Visit England – Travel Guides.

 

Tips for Settling in Quickly

  • Learn Local Etiquette: Politeness and queuing are valued in English culture.
  • Explore Europe: England’s proximity to cities like Paris and Amsterdam makes weekend trips easy.
  • Join Communities: Expats groups on Facebook provide support and advice.

 

Moving to England as a digital nomad in 2025 is a rewarding adventure. By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to settle in and thrive. From professional networking to exploring cultural landmarks, England offers endless opportunities to enrich your personal and professional life.

Check out our comprehensive guide to England’s top co-working spaces.

 

*This post includes affiliate links – if you choose to purchase from them we will make a small commission. Hopefully, at the same time you will enjoy a great service at a reduced price :)

Secrets of working nomads: a digital nomad’s life?

Secrets of working nomads: a digital nomad’s life?

by | Mar 31, 2019 | Being a digital nomad and working abroad, Travel blogger destinations

The lifestyle of working nomads seems enviable, especially if you answer ‘yes’ to these questions:

  • Do you have a good job, but being stuck in the same office space every day makes you feel suffocated?
  • Are you keen to see the world without worrying about how many vacation days you have left?

Thought so.

In this case, have you thought seriously about how to join other working nomads, travelling and making money? ‘Digital nomad’ is probably the most recognised term for this, and it’s not so far out of your reach!

This way of living not only gives you the chance to travel a lot, but saves the money, time and hassle of regular work commutes, not to mention the stress of office politics. Working nomads enjoy the flexibility of location independence.

Is it the dream we think it may be though?

There are some things you have to think of before you make such a decision. If you are not sure about it, continue reading this article and find out a few secrets of working nomads.

 

 

How do working nomads survive?

How do working nomads really survive? Img: PixaBay

 

You probably already know that digital nomads survive thanks to technology and the internet. The online world offers a great number of freelance jobs and opportunities, and all you need is to be proficient in a skill that allows you to work completely remotely.

If you’re an engineer in construction for example, you might consider changing your career and becoming a web designer, or even a blogger if you feel you’re a creative person. But of course, these are just two of the options available out there.

You don’t necessarily need to become a freelancer, because there are more and more companies that offer remote jobs. All you need to do is begin searching and apply for the ones that are suitable.

After this, you need a laptop, a handle on time management and you’re on your way.

 

Choosing where to work from as a digital nomad

How do working nomads really survive? Img: Pexels.com

 

All people who dream about becoming digital nomads wonder if they can make money while they travel. Yes, of course, you can. And there are so many people who are doing it right now. However, it depends on where you travel and on your abilities to plan your budget, find affordable accommodation, and search for cheap plane tickets. 

For instance, if you travel and live in places like Indonesia, Chiang Mai, or Bali, you will end up paying less on rent, transportation and groceries because these places are less expensive than in many European countries.

Or, you can choose to house and pet sit and secure free accommodation in return for taking good care of someone else’s place and beloved animal friends.

This doesn’t mean you can’t find other good deals in Europe. If you don’t want to live too far from your home country, you can always choose smaller cities and even villages that are cheaper than the busy European capitals.

Some of our favourite working nomads hot spots include Lisbon and Amsterdam. Click the links for a taste of these excellent cities. 

 

Examples for consideration

Let’s say you want to live in Scotland and explore its beauty for a while. Edinburgh and Glasgow are amazing cities, but you might want to settle in a smaller, less touristy place where prices are friendlier. This way, you can you live well and have enough money to travel around. You don’t want to stay in such a beautiful place without learning about its history and seeing its natural wonders, especially since Scotland is full of beautiful hiking paths that blow every visitor’s mind. 

The Ayrshire Coastal Path, declared one of Scotland’s Great Trails by Scottish Natural Heritage is a great place to get closer to the country, see its beauty, and learn about its past.

If you’re looking to settle and work for a while in a more remote place, you should check which of the villages and accommodations surrounding the area offer a great internet connection. Internet and appropriate technology are the first thing to worry about when you are a digital nomad looking for a place to work on the road. 

Scotland is just an example. Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and other European countries are great places for digital nomads, as long as you avoid the bigger, more expensive cities or find economical ways to live and stay for a while.

 

Does the life of a working nomad get lonely?

working nomads - on being lonely

 

The truth is that sometimes digital nomads get lonely, especially if you’re travelling solo. But you’re never lonely for long. There are so many people who work while travelling that making new buddies is never difficult.

Yes, sometimes you will have to work instead of exploring the surroundings with your new friends. But this is something normal, isn’t it?

Also, to avoid loneliness, you can always join some of the many Facebook groups dedicated to digital nomads, make an account on Meetup, as well as try to do your job from coffee shops or even coworking spaces. Europe is full of such places where you can rent your desk, work, and mingle with other people just like you. Do keep in mind that these specially created places are not free of charge.

Now you know some of the secrets of digital nomad life. Before deciding to quit your job, make sure you have the right skills for a remote job and try to get in touch with as many digital nomads as possible to find out different stories from different places. It is an important change, after all.

We’d love to hear from you in the comments – are you a digital nomad or would you like to be? Do you have recommendations on the best places to be a working nomad? Or any questions, let us know…

 

About the author:

Rebecca Brown is a translator by day, and a traveller mostly at night. She is an expert on living with jet lag – and packing in tiny suitcases. You can read more of her exploits at RoughDraft.