Americans are one of the largest groups of professionals, founders and families moving to the UK. The immigration side is relatively smooth for US citizens. The tax side is not, because the US taxes its citizens wherever they live.
Visiting first
US citizens do not need a visa to visit. You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £20 and lets you stay up to 6 months per visit. See visiting before you move.
Routes Americans most often use
- Senior or Specialist Worker: transfers within US groups to a UK branch.
- UK Expansion Worker: opening a first UK office.
- Skilled Worker: a job with a UK employer.
- Global Talent: for leaders in tech, research and the arts.
- Innovator Founder: starting a UK business.
- High Potential Individual: graduates of leading US universities.
English
The USA is on the list of majority English-speaking countries, so US citizens usually meet the English language requirement automatically.
Tax: the big issue
- The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, so you will usually file in both countries.
- The UK’s 4-year foreign income and gains regime can relieve UK tax on foreign income, but it does not change your US tax position.
- The UK and the US have a double tax treaty, and the interaction with pensions, ISAs, trusts and investment funds is notoriously complex for Americans.
Before you move, take advice from someone who handles both UK and US tax. It is one of the few moves where a single-country adviser is not enough.
Talk to a regulated adviser
Every route has its own traps. A specialist can check your plan before you commit time and money to it.
Business and private client firmsBrowse all solicitorsLast checked: 2 November 2026 against GOV.UK. General information, not legal or tax advice. See our disclaimer.