The end of the “on a whim” era
There was a time when all you needed was a cheap flight, a backpack, and within a week, you were working in London. Those days are officially over. Today, England is a “third country” for us, and the rules are tougher than ever. If you’re heading across the Channel, forget the romantic notions – you need a plan, a solid budget, and, most importantly, a visa.
In this article, we’ll look at the reality in April 2026 and how much a move to England will actually cost you.
Paths that actually work (and exact prices as of April 8, 2026)
The British government updated its fees in April 2026. Here are the current amounts you need in your budget if you are heading to England:
1. Short-term stay and ETA (Mandatory for tourists)
As of early 2026, all EU visitors (including Slovaks) traveling to England without a visa for a short stay must have a digital ETA authorization.
- Exact price: £20 (increased from the original £16). Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
- Warning: You cannot work in England on an ETA. If stopped at the border on suspicion of seeking work, you face immediate deportation.
- link for ETA https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
2. Work Visa: Skilled Worker (The main route)
This is the primary gateway for Slovaks today, but be prepared for England to collect thousands from you before your first paycheck.
- Visa fee (up to 3 years): £819 when applying from Slovakia (the £943 fee applies only if applying from within England).
- Salary minimum: Most professions require a guaranteed salary of at least £41,700 per year (with some exceptions for shortage occupations or “new entrants”).
- Health Surcharge (IHS): This has increased to £1,135 per year per adult.
- Total for a 3-year visa: £819 fee + £3,405 IHS = £4,224 (approx. €5000).
3. Family and Partners: Love in expensive times
Moving to join a partner who already lives legally in England?
- Visa fee: £2,064 (when applying from Slovakia).
- IHS fee: Again, £1,135 per year.
- Financial Condition: The partner in England must prove an income of at least £29,000 per year.
Reality from practice: What GOV.UK won’t tell you, but Slovaks on Facebook will
In community groups like “Slováci v Anglicku,” you learn the truth missing from official brochures:
- Sponsors are a rarity: Finding a company in England with a “Sponsor Licence” is difficult. For low-skilled jobs, getting a visa is almost impossible today.
- Beware of agencies: If someone on FB promises a “visa to England for €2,000 including a job,” it’s a scam. Official fees are only paid through the government website.
- Hidden costs: Add another €1,500 – €2,000 for official translations, the English test (IELTS), flights, and a housing deposit.
Practical Tips: Financial kit (Don’t fly to England without this)
- Revolut (Your lifesaver): Get it while you’re still home. Revolut provides a British Sort Code and Account Number. Without them, an employer cannot legally pay you. If you don’t have an account, [you can use my referral link here].
- https://revolut.com/referral/?referral-code=deel88!APR1-26-AR-H2&geo-redirect
- American Express (Key to the future): In England, your “Credit Score” is more important than a degree. Amex is the fastest way to build a financial history. To get a card with a sign-up bonus, simply scan the QR code below this article.
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/intl/platinum-cashback-everyday?CORID=d~E~N~I~S~K~X~v~F~o-1776758069933-9111&CPID=100357031&GENCODE=349992547023409&XL=MNANS&ref=dENISKXvFo&v=2
Is it still worth it?
Moving to England is now a serious investment in your future. If you have a profession the country needs, it will pay off. But remember, life in England has a completely different system – especially in healthcare.
In the next blog, we’ll look at the topic that shocks Slovaks in England the most: Healthcare. We’ll compare our system of specialists with the British NHS. Why will they advise you to take Paracetamol for everything, and is the £1,135 IHS surcharge really worth it?
Note: The Revolut and American Express links and QR codes in this article are referral links. Using them may provide you with a bonus and supports this blog. Thank you
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