Kenya and the UK have a long history dating back to the 1900s when Kenya first became its colony.
In fact, did you know Queen Elizabeth became the Queen of England while on a visit to Kenya in 1952?
Due to these deep historical ties that Kenya and the UK share, the two countries exchange a lot culturally, economically, and politically.
Since Kenya gained its independence from the UK in 1963, the two countries have managed to maintain cordial relations. This is evident by the huge number of UK expatriates, tourists, and students in Kenya and Kenyans relocating to the UK. There are over 200,000 Kenyans who currently live in the UK – some for studies and others for work.
Moreover, there are still many 4th and 5th generation British nationals doing business in Kenya in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, finance, and tourism. Kenya also hosts some major UK organizations and companies that have large operations. As such, the Kenyan chapter of the British Chamber of Commerce is vibrant.
Here are 10 key aspects about the immigration process if you plan to relocate from Kenya to the UK:
1. Foreigners Need to Obtain Work or Resident Visas in Advance
Non-residents relocating to the UK either need a work or residence visa before arriving in the UK. These types of visas allow you to live and work legally in the UK.
UK visa applications and processes have different requirements, durations, and costs, depending on how long you plan on staying, what your job will be during this time, and your country of origin.
The United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union (EU) after Brexit: all Europeans are treated like foreigners.
2. Household Goods May be Imported Duty-Free
Household goods are allowed duty-free if you or they meet certain requirements including proof of residence in the UK and proof that you have been living abroad for at least 1 year.
Moreover, if you can prove that you have owned the household items you intend to ship into the UK from Kenya for more than 6 months, you can import them duty-free.
Some examples of household goods that are allowed duty-free include:
- Household effects, personal effects, household linen, furnishings, and any equipment intended for your personal use or use within your household
- Household provisions necessary for normal family requirements, household pets, and saddle animals
- Portable instruments of the applied or liberal arts you require for your trade or profession
3. Apply and Obtain Tax Waivers before Moving to the UK
You need to apply for a tax waiver for goods you’re importing from Kenya to the UK on the HMRC website. It is commonly referred to as ToR (Transfer of Residence).
To qualify for a tax waiver, you must prove you are changing residence from Kenya to the UK, with proof that you’ve been renting or owning a house in Kenya. You will also provide your residence address in the UK with a tenancy agreement, a list of the items you will be shipping, a copy of your passport, and a copy of your visa if you’re a foreigner.
4. You Should Await ToR Approval Before Shipping Out
Just because you applied for a tax waiver on your household items when relocating to the UK from Kenya doesn’t mean that you should dispatch them.
Your tax waiver may be declined, and this can lead to unexpected costs on demurrage and detention. To avoid all this, it’s advisable to wait until you obtain your tax waiver before dispatching your items to the UK.
5. A 20 % VAT Tax is Payable if You Don’t Qualify for a Tax Waiver
If, for instance, a returning UK citizen has not lived outside the UK for more than one year, a 20 % VAT tax is applied on their used household goods. Customs officers often determine the payable amount.
Usually, some items like alcohol and tobacco products are taxable. Avoid shipping them altogether if you can help it.
6. You Can Ship Your Belongings to the UK via Air or Sea
The quickest way to ship your items from Kenya to the UK is by air. Door-to-door relocation from Kenya to the UK will take about 2 weeks. However, it’s extremely expensive and only well suited for lighter shipments or where urgency matters most.
Immigration to the UK from Kenya via sea can take up to 60 days. Sea freight is more cost-effective for larger shipments, and you can have more control over shipping schedules and costs if you’re moving using your own container.
7. Your Moving Company Will Handle Customs Clearance
You don’t have to appear physically for customs clearance after shipping your household items from Kenya to the UK.
With your tax waiver approval or URN , a customs broker agent will handle port clearing for you at any UK port. However, it’s advisable to hire a reputable international moving company to act as your agent so they can receive and handle your items with care and transport them to your new UK residence.
8. Beware of City Restrictions Before Moving to the UK
Before moving overseas to a new city, you must consider that city’s regulations and restrictions that otherwise might not be a big deal in the previous city you lived in.
In the UK, for example, major cities like London have restrictions on the size of trucks you can use to move your household items. In this case, shuttle services are sometimes preferred, which increases your moving costs.
9. You Can Relocate with Your Car to the UK
To relocate with your car from Kenya to the UK, the vehicle must meet the set UK requirements. Like household goods, you must seek a tax waiver ahead of dispatch by applying online via the HMRC website and completing a special form called ToR1.
If your car was originally supplied in the UK under a tax-free scheme, you will be allowed to re-import it into the UK free of duty and tax.
However, if your car doesn’t qualify for duty and tax exemptions, a tax will be charged on the vehicle, normally payable on the value of the vehicle. Some vehicles are completely prohibited.
Best Movers to the UK: Nellions Moving and Relocations Company
Moving to the UK from Kenya offers an exciting opportunity to experience a higher quality of life, cultural diversity, and excellent public infrastructure. While the logistics and visa processes may initially seem difficult, thorough preparation and understanding of these aspects can help ease your transition.
Are you planning to relocate to the United Kingdom from Kenya? Retain professional international moving services from Nellions Moving and Relocations Company to simplify your move. The IAM-certified company provides expert packing, customs clearance, and door-to-door shipping. With Nellions as your moving partner, your move to the UK can be a rewarding and enriching new chapter in your life.
Contact us on +254700000002 or email move@nellions.co.ke to get a free moving quote.
