Moving to Bermuda Checklist: A Month-by-Month Plan for UK Movers

Last checked 12 October 2026

This guide is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Some links may be affiliate links. See our disclosure.

This is the whole move on one page, in the order you’ll need it. Each step links to a detailed guide. Print it, or copy it into your notes app.

Stage 1: Decide your route (as soon as a move looks likely)

• Choose your legal route. A job with a Bermuda employer means a work permit. Remote or foreign income means Permission to Reside, which needs at least $75,000 a year and private health insurance (gov.bm PDF). Not sure which? Read remote work options compared.
• Ignore Work From Bermuda. It closed to new applicants on 28 February 2025 (gov.bm).
• Do a realistic budget with our cost of living guide and payroll tax guide.
• Think about a recce trip. Brits can visit for up to 180 days in any 12 months without a visa, but mustn’t look for work while visiting (gov.uk). See visiting before you move.

Stage 2: Paperwork (start straight away, as it’s the slow part)

• Apply to ACRO for your police certificate (acro.police.uk). See police and medical certificates.
• Book a medical using the official Bermuda form.
• Get certified copies of your passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate (and children’s birth certificates). Order replacements from the GRO if needed (gov.uk).
• Line up references: two character references for Permission to Reside, plus employment references.
• Bank statements: 12 months, or a bank reference, for Permission to Reside.
• Employer applies for your work permit (Route A), or you submit your residence application (Route B).

Stage 3: While you wait for approval

• Get UK tax advice. Understand the Statutory Residence Test and split-year treatment (gov.uk). See UK tax when you move.
• Research parishes (where to live) and contact letting agents (renting guide).
• Schools: contact private schools about places and fees. Public school registration for September normally runs in November (gov.bm PDF). See schools.
• Get mover quotes, for example through Sirelo. See shipping to Bermuda.
• Make an inventory with purchase dates. Used goods over six months old can qualify for duty relief (gov.bm).
• Decide what not to ship. Bermuda uses 120V/60Hz with US-style plugs (Wikipedia).
• Health insurance: confirm your employer’s plan, or buy private cover that Immigration accepts. See health insurance. Check the date your cover starts. If there’s a gap, travel insurance for the flight over and the first days, such as EKTA (affiliate link), can fill it. That’s travel insurance only, not resident health cover.

Don’t give notice on your UK home, sell your car or ship anything until you’ve been approved.

Stage 4: Approved (roughly 4–8 weeks before you fly)

• Book flights. BA flies direct from Heathrow (flightsfrom.com). Compare fares and routings on Aviasales (affiliate link).
• Book the mover and arrange marine insurance.
• Book temporary accommodation for your first weeks, e.g. on Booking.com.
• Give notice on your UK tenancy, or arrange letting or sale.
• Set up money transfers. Compare providers by amount received, e.g. Wise. See sending money.
• Move UK banks to app authentication and decide how you’ll keep your UK number (phones guide).
• Unlock your phone and check it supports eSIM. If you’d like data the moment you land, set up an eSIM before you fly, for example Airalo (affiliate link), or buy OneComm’s Tourist eSIM (phones guide).
• Pets: import permit (Customs).

Stage 5: Final two weeks in the UK

• HMRC: file a P85, or plan your Self Assessment (gov.uk).
• ISAs: tell providers you’re leaving. You can’t add money once you’re non-resident (gov.uk).
• Student loan: update your details (gov.uk).
• Voting: register as an overseas voter (gov.uk).
• National Insurance: read up on the UK–Bermuda agreement and voluntary contributions (gov.uk).
• Cancel or transfer council tax, utilities, broadband and TV licence.
• GP: get a summary of your records and a supply of regular medication, and carry prescriptions (gov.uk).
• Hand luggage: passport, permit or approval letter, original documents, receipts for higher-value goods.

Stage 6: Arrival day

• Ask Customs for a Transfer of Residence Certificate at the airport. It’s free and issued immediately, and your mover needs it (gov.bm).
• Declare cash over BMD 10,000 (gov.uk).
• Activate your local eSIM or SIM.

Stage 7: First month

• Sign a lease. View in person and never pay a deposit before signing.
• Open a bank account. Take your passport, permit, employer letter or lease, and BM$100 (banking guide).
• Pass the lease or Transfer certificate to your mover so your goods can clear Customs.
• Driving: you can’t swap a UK licence. Book the TCD theory test, then the road test (tcd.bm). See getting around.
• Monthly phone plan and home internet.
• Check your payslip: payroll tax, social insurance, pension and health deductions (payroll guide).
• Keep a UK day count for the Statutory Residence Test.

Stage 8: Ongoing

• Diary your permit or permission renewal dates, and apply well ahead.
• Keep health insurance continuous.
• Review the budget after three months.

Related: moving to Bermuda from the UK: the complete guide

Sources checked 12 October 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Related: cost of moving · PtR health insurance · best eSIM