Moving to Belfast with Purdie Worldwide
Moving to a new city is an adventure that can be both exciting and daunting. If you’re considering moving to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, you’re in for a unique and culturally rich experience! To help you make an informed decision and navigate safely to your new destination, we’ve created this comprehensive moving guide for anyone looking to move to Belfast.
About Belfast
Belfast sits on the banks of the River Lagan in Northern Ireland. Boasting a population of almost 700,000 people, not only is Belfast the largest city in Northern Ireland, it’s the 10th largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Steeped in history, Belfast has a vibrant culture known around the world for it’s good hospitality and very welcoming community. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect when you move to Belfast.
1. Belfast History & Culture
Known for “The Troubles” from the 1960s to 1998, Belfast has risen from it’s tarnished image to become one of Europe’s top destinations to move to. 10 years after the Good Friday agreement was signed, with investors now confident in a stable market, Belfast saw house prices increase by 43%, the fastest growth in the UK.
With a complex history, there are plenty of landmarks like the Titanic Quarter, Crumlin Road Gaol and the Ulster museum that offer a unique insight into the city’s past.
Don’t forget the city’s lively art scene either! There are numerous theaters, galleries and music venues that host a variety of entertaining performances. You also can’t experience the true Belfast without indulging in a traditional pint of Guinness. Just remember to drink safely!
2. Education
If you’re moving to Belfast with young children, it’s essential you look at the education setup. Belfast is home to two prestigious universities in Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. Both of which are excellent destinations for international students with a diverse range of courses on offer to suit almost any career path.
It’s also home to the Belfast metropolitan college which holds classes for over 53,000 students and is currently the largest college on the entire island of Ireland.
Belfast also offers quality education for both Primary and Secondary schools. There are a total of 184 primary, secondary and grammar schools in Belfast itself, with the majority being split between Protestant and Roman Catholic faiths.
3. Employment Opportunities
Since turn of the century, Belfast’s job market has been on the rise. Sectors like technology, financial services, healthcare and education have all benefited from the positive direction of the job market.
With lower tax rates than most countries in the EU, many corporations have established offices in Belfast, enjoying the best of both worlds and executing opportunities for both local and international professionals.
4. Natural Beauty
If you like scenic beauty, then Belfast and Northern Ireland are the perfect match. With stunning landscapes surrounding the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice when moving to Belfast.
Whether it’s the heaxgonal stones of the Giant’s Causeway, the mighty peaks of the Mourne Mountains or the Antrim coast, if you like the outdoors there are plenty of memory making opportunities on offer when moving to Belfast or Northern Ireland.
Requirements for Permanent Residency in Northern Ireland
If you’re considering moving to Belfast permanently, it’s essential to understand the requirements and procedures for obtaining recidency in the UK, as Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
If you’re already a resident of the United Kingdom and you’d like to calculate how much it will cost you to move to Belfast. Then all you need to do to get started on your move, is to fill out one of our home removal forms, and we’ll be in touch to do the rest! Or you can download our Free Moving App from the play or app stores and send us a video of exactly what you’d like moved.
1. Visa Options
The type of visa you need will depend on your individual circumstances. The most common categories for permanent residency are:
• Skilled Worker Visa – For individuals with a job offer from a UK employer.
• Family Visa – For individuals with family members already settled in the UK.
• Investor Visa – For those willing to invest a substantial amount in the UK.
• Ancestry Visa – Available to Commonwealth citizens with a UK born grandparent.
2. Points-Based System
The United Kingdom operates a points-based immigration system. You must accumulate a certain number of points to qualify for a visa. These points are awarded on factors such as your job offer, proficiency in the English language and your available funds.
3. Language Requirements
For most of the visa categories, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. This would typically involve passing an approved English language test before applying for your visa.
4. Job Offer
If you’re moving to Belfast for work, not to live permanently, then you’ll need a job offer from a UK- based employer that must also hold a valid sponsorship license. Your employer will need to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COG) before you move to Belfast or Northern Ireland.
5. Financial Requirements
If you’ve not got a job offer and are moving to Belfast permanently, then you’ll need to meet certain financial requirements. You need to be able to show you have enough available fund to support yourself and any dependents without having to rely on using public funds.
6. Health & Tuberculosis Test
Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to undergo a health examination and a tuberculosis test. The specific requirements vary from country to country, so be sure to check these before applying. Check out what the official website has to say on what to do before moving to Belfast.
7. Criminal Record Check
A fairly obvious check performed in almost every country in the world, even if you’re not moving there permanently. However, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate from your home country, and any other country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
8. Duration and Renewal
Visa duration’s will vary depending on the type of visa you receive. Some visas are granted for a specific period of time, but can be extended if you meet the renewal crtieria.
9. Legal Assistance
Moving to any country will involve complex legal processes. So it’s often advisable to seek assistance from immigration experts or solicitors to ensure your application is accurate and complete. You should not expect your chosen mover to complete these forms for you. They are in charge of your goods only and cannot complete or advise on the subject of visas.
10. Housing and Integration
Once you’ve secured your visa and are preparing to move to Belfast, it’s crucial to consider housing options and integration into your new community. Research neighborhoods, rental prices, and local services to make your transition smoother. Check local Belfast neighborhoods on social media like Facebook. Join a few groups and get a feel for what the community is like. It will help you in the long run if you manage make a new local friends using this method, so you’re not totally solo when you first arrive in Belfast!
Moving to Belfast - Let Us Move you to the next Chapter
Moving to a new city is a significant life change, and moving internationally comes with its unique set of challenges. However, with careful planning and the right guidance, your move to Belfast can be a rewarding experience. If you’re considering making this vibrant city your new home, Purdie Worldwide is here to provide you with professional moving and storage services, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely at your destination.
Remember that the requirements for moving to Belfast may change over time, so it’s essential to consult with relevant government websites or immigration authorities to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
With the right preparation, you can look forward to your exciting new adventure in Belfast. So what are you waiting for? Just fill out out the form below to get started!
