GOV.UK: The Only Website You Need for Visas, Taxes, and Laws

That feeling. You’re surrounded by moving boxes, the kettle hasn’t been unpacked yet, and your mind is a dizzying swirl of new postcodes, strange currency, and a to-do list that seems to be growing by the minute. Moving to the UK is an exhilarating adventure, but let's be honest—the bureaucracy can feel like a formidable, grey-skied monster.

Between well-meaning advice from forums, slightly-out-of-date blog posts, and confusing acronyms, it’s easy to feel lost. I’ve been there. But what if I told you there’s a single, digital North Star to guide you through it all? A place where the rules are written by the people who make the rules. That place is GOV.UK, the official website of the UK Government. And for any expat, it’s not just a resource; it’s your lifeline.

Forget the noise. This guide will show you exactly how to use GOV.UK to master the three biggest hurdles for any newcomer: visas, taxes, and the seemingly endless list of local laws.

Why GOV.UK is Your Expat Bible

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it's important to understand why you should trust this site over almost any other. In a world of endless information, GOV.UK is designed to be the single source of truth for interacting with the UK government.

• Ultimate Accuracy: The information here isn't a third-party interpretation. It's the law, the policy, the official guidance, straight from the source. When visa rules change (and they do, frequently), this is the first place they are updated.
• Surprising Simplicity: UK government services have invested heavily in making the website clear and easy to understand. They follow a strict style guide that prioritizes plain English over confusing legal jargon.
• Comprehensive Scope: From applying for a visa to registering to vote, from understanding your employment rights to figuring out how to tax your car, it’s all there. If it involves a government service or regulation in the UK, you will find it on GOV.UK.

Think of it as the official instruction manual for living in the UK. Now, let’s learn how to read it.

Navigating the Visa Maze: Your First and Most Important Stop

The UK visa process is the first, and often most stressful, step of your journey. It's a world of points-based systems, financial requirements, and ever-changing rules. GOV.UK is the only place you should look for application forms and guidance.

Start at the "Visas and Immigration" section. The most powerful tool here is the simple online questionnaire: Check if you need a UK visa. By answering a series of straightforward questions about your nationality, your reason for coming to the UK, and the length of your stay, it will direct you to the exact visa you need to apply for.

Here’s a breakdown of the common paths you’ll find information on, with a look at typical 2025 requirements (always check the live site for the most current figures):

• Skilled Worker Visa: This is the primary route for professionals. The system is points-based, and you'll need a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Key information on GOV.UK includes the list of eligible occupations and the minimum salary thresholds, which as of early 2025, typically start at £38,700 for many roles, but can vary by profession.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: A specific route for qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals with a job offer from the NHS or an eligible employer. It offers lower fees and a faster decision time.
• Family Visas (e.g., Spouse Visa): For those joining a British citizen or settled person. The most critical part of this application is the Minimum Income Requirement. After several planned increases, the threshold is expected to be around £38,700 by early 2025. GOV.UK provides exhaustive detail on how to prove this income, from payslips to savings.

A Quick Comparison of Common Work-Related Visas (2025)

Note: Figures are indicative for 2025 and are subject to change. Always verify on the GOV.UK website.

Pro Expat Tip: Once you find the correct visa page, bookmark it. The site details application fees, current processing times (which can fluctuate wildly), and the exact list of documents you need. This is your project plan for a successful application.

Demystifying UK Taxes: From National Insurance to Self-Assessment

Once you’re here and working, you’ll meet the UK’s tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Don't panic. The "Money and Tax" section on GOV.UK is your best friend for getting this right.

Here’s the typical financial journey for a new expat, all managed through GOV.UK:

1. Apply for a National Insurance (NI) Number: You cannot legally work in the UK without one. The GOV.UK portal is the only official way to apply for your NI number after you arrive. This unique number is used to track your tax and NI contributions.
2. Understand PAYE (Pay As You Earn): If you're an employee, your employer will deduct tax and National Insurance from your salary each month through the PAYE system. GOV.UK has tools to help you check your tax code to ensure you’re not over or underpaying. Your tax code (e.g., 1257L is common) tells your employer how much tax-free income you get in that tax year.
3. Learn About Self-Assessment: Are you a freelancer, have a side-business, or earn over £150,000 per year? You'll likely need to file a Self-Assessment tax return. GOV.UK provides step-by-step guidance on how to register, what expenses you can claim, and how to file online by the 31 January deadline.
4. Figure Out Council Tax: This is a local tax paid to your council for services like rubbish collection and policing. Use the Find your local council tool on GOV.UK. From there, you can find out your council tax band and how much you need to pay. You might also be eligible for discounts (e.g., if you live alone).

Pro Expat Tip: Create a Government Gateway account through GOV.UK. This is your secure online login that allows you to access your personal tax information, check your state pension forecast, and file your Self-Assessment return all in one place.

Living Like a Local: Everyday Laws and Essentials

Your life in the UK extends far beyond your visa and payslip. GOV.UK is a treasure trove of practical information for setting up your day-to-day life.

• Healthcare (the NHS): The "Health and social care" section is vital. Your visa application likely included paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per person per year as of 2025. This gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS). Your first step upon arrival should be to find and register with a GP (General Practitioner). GOV.UK explains the simple process—you just need to find a local surgery and fill out a form.
• Driving in the UK: Can you use your home country's driving licence? For how long? The "Driving and transport" section has a brilliant interactive tool where you can select the country that issued your licence to see the specific rules. For most non-EU/EEA expats, you can drive on your foreign licence for up to 12 months, after which you must pass the UK theory and practical tests to get a British licence.
• Renting a Home: Before you sign any tenancy agreement, read the official "How to rent" guide on GOV.UK. It outlines your rights as a tenant, landlords' responsibilities, and the rules around tenancy deposit schemes (which protect your deposit). It also covers the "Right to Rent" checks, where landlords must verify your immigration status.
• Your Employment Rights: The "Working, jobs and pensions" section isn't just for finding a job. It details your legal rights at work, including the National Minimum Wage (which stood at £11.44/hour for those 21 and over in 2024, and is updated annually), your right to paid holiday (statutory leave), and rules around sick pay.

Pro Tips for Mastering GOV.UK

The site is vast, so using it efficiently is key. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

1. Use the Search Bar with Precision: Be specific. Instead of searching "work visa," try "Skilled Worker visa eligibility 2025." This will take you directly to the most relevant, detailed page.
2. Sign Up for Page Alerts: On many important pages (like visa rule pages), you'll find an option to sign up for email alerts. This is a game-changer. When the government updates that page with a new rule or fee, you’ll be notified immediately.
3. Beware of Lookalikes: Scammers create websites that look like GOV.UK to charge you for services that are free, like booking a driving test. Always check that the URL starts with https://www.gov.uk. There should never be anything between "gov" and ".uk" (e.g., gov-uk.com is a fake).
4. Know When to Seek Human Advice: GOV.UK provides the rules, but it can't give you personal advice. For complex immigration situations or serious tax issues, the website is your source of truth to check against the advice from a regulated immigration advisor or a qualified accountant.

Your Journey, Empowered

Moving to a new country is a leap of faith. It requires courage, patience, and a lot of paperwork. By making GOV.UK your first port of call, you are taking control of the process. You are empowering yourself with direct, accurate, and up-to-date information, cutting through the confusion and anxiety that often comes with an international move.

So, before you fall down another rabbit hole of conflicting forum advice, take a deep breath, open your browser, and go to GOV.UK. Your calm, organised, and successful life in the UK starts there. Welcome—you've got this.