Work in London: Requirements and opportunities

Working in London is a dream for many, and with good reason. The city offers a dynamic job market, competitive salaries, and a cultural experience that enriches you both professionally and personally. Whether you want to take the next step in your career, or experience life in one of the world’s most vibrant capitals, finding a job here is within reach if you understand the requirements, opportunities, and steps involved.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know: from the benefits and requirements of working in London, to the most in-demand jobs, the cost of living, and the best tips to help you succeed as you enter the UK job market.

Advantages of working in London

Working in London comes with plenty of advantages if you are looking for career growth, an enriching international experience, and a good quality of life. Here are some of the most important ones:

• International capital and cultural diversity: London attracts talent from all over the world. More than a third of its residents were born outside the UK, and dozens of languages are spoken across the city. This multicultural environment creates a workplace that is both inclusive and enriching.
• Global hub for key sectors: The city is a major hub for finance, professional services, media, and technology. More than 70% of FTSE 100 companies and 75% of Fortune 500 companies have operations here. London has also established itself as one of Europe’s leading fintech centers.
• Generally competitive salaries: As of 2025, working in London continues to offer highly competitive salaries, with an average annual income of around $46,500, which is well above the national average.
• Access to public healthcare and social services: Working in the UK gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS), where healthcare is generally free or heavily subsidized if you live and work in the country legally. This can significantly reduce personal medical expenses.
• Better work-life balance: Many expats point out that life in London often allows for a healthier balance, with reasonable working hours, paid holidays, and easy access to cultural activities and green spaces.
• Strong professional networking: London hosts hundreds of events, conferences, and professional meetups, making it easy to build valuable global networks.
• Ease of traveling and exploring Europe: Thanks to its strategic location, London is an ideal gateway for traveling across Europe, with frequent and affordable flights from airports like Heathrow and Gatwick.

Requirements for working in London

To work in London as a foreigner in 2025, you must meet certain requirements that vary depending on your country of origin and the type of visa you apply for:

• Appropriate visa: The Skilled Worker visa is the most common way to work in the UK. To qualify, you must have a job offer from a UK employer approved to sponsor overseas workers by the Home Office.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: Issued by the employer, it includes details of the role and salary.
• Job requirements: Be on the list of eligible occupations and meet RQF level 6 (university degree).
• English language level: You need to show your English proficiency, usually at a B1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Future rules will require a B2 level for visa renewals and residency applications, and these requirements will also apply to dependents.
• You need to have at least $1,330 in your bank account to cover your first months in the UK, unless your employer can show that they will cover these costs for you.
• Other possible visa types include: Visas such as the Global Talent, High Potential Individual (HPI), Youth Mobility Scheme, or UK Ancestry route are available depending on your academic background, nationality, or ancestral connections, and do not require a job offer.
• Recent regulatory changes: Starting July 2025, the rules will become stricter: the minimum skill level will be RQF 6, visas for care workers recruited internationally will no longer be available, English requirements will increase, and the time needed to apply for indefinite leave to remain will rise from 5 to 10 years.
• Professional certificates and licenses: In certain regulated professions such as medicine, nursing, engineering, law, or teaching, it is mandatory to register with the UK regulatory body before starting work.

Tips for starting work in London

Starting work in London is more than just getting a job. It requires planning, staying organized, and making practical choices to settle in smoothly. These tips will help you arrive prepared and make the most of your time in the city.

• Plan your application in advance: Start your job search three to six months before you move. This gives you enough time to secure an offer, process your Skilled Worker visa, and plan your relocation smoothly.
• Prioritize companies with authorized sponsors: Make sure your London employer is licensed with the Home Office and authorized to issue the Certificate of Sponsorship required to work legally.
• Have your English language and financial documents ready: Make sure you have at least a B1 level in English (CEFR) before applying, and be able to show a minimum of $1,270 in personal funds unless your employer covers it. Both are essential requirements for your application.
• Activate an eSIM before your trip: Get a monthly Holafly plan that you can set up before you leave and activate as soon as you arrive. It’s a convenient way to stay connected during your first days, making it easier to handle paperwork, look for housing, or attend online interviews without relying on roaming.
• Adapt your search to the current market: Although the rules have tightened since July 2025, there are still roles on a temporary shortage list through the end of 2026 that allow visas in sectors like IT support, administration, or HR, without requiring a university degree.
• Organize your arrival in advance: Book temporary accommodation, set up a UK bank account as soon as you can, and get to know the local transport system, networking events, and expat groups that will help you settle in both professionally and socially.

Types of jobs in London for foreigners

Foreigners can work in a variety of jobs in London as long as they have the right visa and meet UK government requirements. Here is an overview of the most common and in-demand sectors in 2025:

• Healthcare and social services: Nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, social workers, and home care staff are among the most in-demand roles due to ongoing shortages. These jobs are usually eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa, which comes with lower salary thresholds and reduced fees.
• Technology and IT: Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, IT support, and cloud experts are highly sought after under the Skilled Worker visa. The digital sector continues to be a key part of the UK economy.
• Education and STEM: The UK education system is looking for secondary school teachers specializing in math, science, technology, or computing, especially in schools with a high demand for STEM talent, often with visa sponsorship available.
• Finance and professional consulting: Financial analysts, risk managers, business consultants, project managers, and other banking roles are open to foreigners with relevant experience, provided their employer is authorized to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Engineering and specialized construction: ​​Technical roles such as MEP planners, drainage engineers, or electromechanical technicians can find sponsored opportunities in civil engineering and technical projects in London and the surrounding areas.
• Support roles in companies: Positions such as project coordinators, executive assistants, international recruiters, sales representatives, or reception roles at companies offering visa sponsorship can help you get a foothold in the job market if you have administrative skills, language abilities, or basic professional experience.

The jobs in highest demand in London for foreigners

In London’s job market, certain professional profiles stand out for their high demand and the opportunities they offer to foreign workers. Here is a look at some of the most sought-after roles in the city.

• Registered nurses and specialized healthcare personnel: Especially in critical care, geriatrics, and community care.
• Software developers: With experience in languages such as Java, Python, or JavaScript and knowledge of agile environments.
• Cybersecurity specialists: Focused on data protection, incident management, and regulatory compliance.
• Secondary school STEM teachers: Math, physics, chemistry, biology, and technology teachers with recognized accreditations in the United Kingdom.
• Mechanical and electrical engineers: With experience in the design, maintenance, or installation of industrial and infrastructure systems.
• Civil engineering project managers: Specialized in planning and executing large-scale projects.
• Risk analysts and compliance officers: In demand by banks, insurance companies, and financial consulting firms.
• Laboratory technicians: With experience in clinical analysis or applied research.
• Specialized administrative support: Temporary positions requiring English proficiency and skills in document management or human resources.

Salaries and cost of living in London

A professional on a Skilled Worker visa can earn between $35,000 and $90,000 a year, depending on the sector and level of experience, for example in software, engineering, or finance. However, living in London also comes with high costs: a single person typically needs between $3,000 and $3,500 per month to cover rent, utilities, transport, and food.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central London can range from $1,750 to $3,000 per month, with basic utilities adding another $150 to $300 depending on energy usage and the provider.

While foreigners can often earn more than $40,000 a year, effective budgeting is essential. It’s recommended to spend no more than 50% of your gross salary on rent and utilities, and to consider living outside central areas or sharing resources to balance income and expenses.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Where can you find job opportunities in London?

In London, there are several reliable and effective channels for foreigners to search for employment:

• Find a Job (GOV.UK): Official British government portal that allows you to filter by job offers with visa sponsorship to work legally in the United Kingdom.
• Reed.co.uk: One of the UK’s largest job portals, featuring hundreds of vacancies, including roles with visa sponsorship, particularly in professional and corporate sectors.
• Indeed UK: A global platform with plenty of job openings in London; you can specifically search for ‘visa sponsorship jobs’ to find employers willing to sponsor visas.
• UK Visa Jobs: A portal dedicated exclusively to job opportunities for foreign workers seeking visa sponsorship in the UK.
• CV‑Library: CV database with a strong presence in the United Kingdom; many recruiters looking for international candidates use this platform.
• Reed: Also agency and portal, operates across the entire formal recruitment chain, including sponsored positions for foreigners.
• Hays Recruitment: Specialized divisions in technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering, facilitating access to roles that require visas and technical expertise.
• ManpowerGroup UK: Agencies known for connecting foreigners with employers licensed to sponsor visas, particularly in IT, engineering, healthcare, and administration.

Frequently asked questions about working in London

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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