How do we find a home and a job back in the UK?

After years away, you may find you have no UK credit history and no UK address history. Here’s how to rent, buy and get a job when you come back. Rules here are for England.

Renting

• Landlords in England must check every adult’s right to rent. A British passport, current or expired, is enough
• Since 1 May 2026, landlords must advertise a set rent and can’t accept offers above it, and can’t refuse you because you have children or receive benefits
• Landlords can still check you can afford the rent and ask for a guarantor, as long as they treat everyone the same
• Have a reference from your UAE landlord, your employment contract or offer, and recent bank statements ready

Rebuilding your credit file

UK credit reference agencies only hold UK data, usually for 6 years. After a longer time away you may need to build a file from scratch.

1. Register to vote as soon as you have an address
2. Open a UK bank account. If a bank turns you down, you have a legal right to a basic bank account if you live in the UK lawfully and have no other UK account
3. Put household bills in your name, and switch your phone to a monthly contract
4. Consider a credit-builder card, paid off in full each month
5. Leave a few months between credit applications

Buying a home

You count as non-resident if you spent fewer than 183 days in the UK in the 12 months before buying. If you then spend 183 days in the UK in a row of 365 days, within a year either side of completion, you can claim the 2% back within 2 years. Lenders set their own rules on UK income, address and credit history, so speak to a mortgage broker early. Scotland and Wales have different taxes.

Getting a job

• Your British passport, current or expired, proves your right to work
• UK criminal record (DBS) checks can’t see records overseas, so employers may ask for a certificate of good conduct from the UAE
• Dubai Police issues one through its app or website: AED 200 for residents, in about 5 working days, valid for 3 months. Without a valid Emirates ID you must give fingerprints in person, so apply before you leave if you can
• Keep your UAE contract, experience letters and end-of-service paperwork for references
• To compare pay, the ONS publishes UK earnings by job and area. The median full-time salary was £39,039 in April 2025

Benefits while you settle

• British citizens coming back still face a “habitual residence” test for Universal Credit, which can mean a wait of a few months
• New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance needs UK Class 1 National Insurance in the last 2 tax years, so most people coming from the UAE won’t qualify
• Universal Credit isn’t paid if you have savings over £16,000