Expat Resources for the UK: Official Services and Practical Guides
The official services, communities and resources we recommend to families settling in the UK — from admin to household help.
Settling into the UK means assembling several pieces: your visa and status, a National Insurance number, somewhere to live, the NHS, schools, then running the household. Here are the resources we recommend.
Communities and directories
- Expatica UK — guides on admin, banking and healthcare.
- InterNations UK — events and local groups in London, Manchester, Birmingham and beyond.
Official admin
- GOV.UK — the official government portal (visas, National Insurance number, driving, tax).
- GOV.UK — employing people and HMRC — for PAYE and employer duties.
- NHS — registering with a GP and healthcare.
Housing
The main portals: Rightmove, Zoopla and, for rooms/flatshares, SpareRoom. Expect referencing and a deposit protected in a government scheme.
Employing someone at home
Household employment runs through PAYE. Start with hiring legally, size the budget with the cost calculator, and download the contract template. Many families use a nanny-payroll service (such as Nannytax or PAYE for Nannies) to handle HMRC, payslips and pensions.
Finding household help
Domestyca connects families directly with housekeepers across the UK, without an agency in the middle. Browsing profiles is free.
FAQ
How do I employ home help in the UK?
Register as an employer with HMRC, run PAYE payroll, give a written contract, and auto-enrol eligible staff in a pension. A nanny-payroll service can handle the admin.
Can I find English-speaking help?
Yes — the UK's household workforce is largely English-speaking, and Domestyca profiles show the languages each candidate speaks, useful in international households.