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Birmingham

England, United Kingdom

Arriving, settling in and working in Birmingham: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to BirminghamRead the guide ↓
Photo: Sarah Doffman / Unsplash
Guide sections12
Sourced facts67
Last verified1 Nov 2026
Areas with rent6

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Birmingham at a glance

The basics about Birmingham: people, renting and the time zone.

  • Birmingham's population grew 6.7% between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, from just over 1,073,000 to around 1,144,900.
    ons.gov.uk ↗
  • The median age rose from 32 to 34 between 2011 and 2021, the lowest in the West Midlands.
    ons.gov.uk ↗
  • In 2021, 72.0% of residents were born in England, down from 76.0% in 2011.
    ons.gov.uk ↗
  • The average monthly private rent in Birmingham was £1,106 in September 2026, up 3.3% on a year earlier.
    ons.gov.uk ↗
Show 1 more
  • The UK uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and British Summer Time (BST) in summer. Clocks go forward 1 hour on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October (29 March and 25 October in 2026).
    gov.uk ↗
External links
Birmingham Census 2021 (ONS) ↗Birmingham rents (ONS) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Laws and customs

Everyday UK rules that often surprise newcomers.

  • You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol. Under-18s can be stopped, fined or arrested by police for drinking in public.
    gov.uk ↗
  • It is illegal to carry most knives in public without a good reason. A small folding pocketknife is allowed only if the blade is 3 inches or shorter and it does not lock. Adults caught illegally carrying a knife face up to 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Smoking is banned in all enclosed workplaces, public buildings and on public transport. Smoking where it is banned can bring a fine of up to £200.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Since 1 June 2025, shops in Great Britain cannot sell or supply single-use (disposable) vapes.
    gov.uk ↗
Show 1 more
  • You need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV on any channel, or to use BBC iPlayer. It costs £180 a year, and watching without one can bring a fine of up to £1,000.
    gov.uk ↗
External links
TV Licence ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Birmingham

Your first admin steps after you land.

  • Your immigration status is now an eVisa, a digital record you view in a free UKVI account. Set up the account before you need to prove your status to an employer or landlord.
    gov.uk ↗
  • All biometric residence permits (BRPs) have expired and been replaced by eVisas. An expired BRP cannot be used to travel or to prove your status; use your eVisa instead.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Apply online for a National Insurance number once you are living in the UK with the right to work. It can take up to 4 weeks after you prove your identity.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Get a share code from your UKVI account to prove your immigration status to employers or landlords. A share code lasts 90 days and you can get a new one at any time.
    gov.uk ↗
External links
Using your eVisa ↗Apply for a National Insurance number ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Getting around

Buses and West Midlands Metro trams, and paying with Swift Go.

  • With Swift Go, Transport for West Midlands works out your fare and caps the cost, so you don't pay more than the daily, 3-day or weekly cap that applies.
    tfwm.org.uk ↗
  • On buses, tap your card on the reader when you board; you don't tap off.
    tfwm.org.uk ↗
  • On the tram you must tap on before boarding and tap off after you get off, every time. If you don't, you may be charged the maximum fare.
    tfwm.org.uk ↗
  • Travelling without tapping on can bring a £100 penalty fare.
    tfwm.org.uk ↗
Show 2 more
  • Swift Go is for over-18s, and must be added to your Swift card before you travel. Lower local bus fares may apply in Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley.
    tfwm.org.uk ↗
  • Use TfWM's ticket finder to find and buy the best ticket for a journey.
    tfwm.org.uk ↗
External links
Swift Go (TfWM) ↗Tickets and passes (TfWM) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and housing

Rents across the West Midlands, renting rules and local services.

  • In September 2026 the average private rent in Birmingham was £834 a month for one bedroom and £1,009 for two bedrooms.
    ons.gov.uk ↗
  • Neighbouring Solihull averaged £1,284 a month for all homes in September 2026, higher than Birmingham's £1,106.
    ons.gov.uk ↗
  • Council tax is usually paid by adults 18 or over. You get 25% off if you live on your own, and full-time students are not counted.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Since 1 May 2026, private tenancies in England are rolling (periodic) tenancies. Landlords can no longer use section 21 'no-fault' evictions, and rent can rise only once a year with at least 2 months' written notice.
    assets.publishing.service.gov.uk ↗
Show 3 more
  • Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days: the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Before a new tenancy in England, landlords must check that every adult tenant has the right to rent.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Use Police.uk to find your local policing team and crime information for any area before you choose where to live.
    police.uk ↗
External links
Rightmove — homes to rent and buy ↗Zoopla — homes to rent and buy ↗SpareRoom — rooms and flatshares ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Schools

Applying for a state school place through the council.

  • Apply for a state school place through the local council where you live. If you are applying from abroad, contact the council for the area you are moving to; you may need proof of your new address.
    gov.uk ↗
  • For Reception (primary), applications open in September and close on 15 January. For secondary, apply by 31 October. Offers are sent on 16 April (primary) and 1 March (secondary).
    gov.uk ↗
  • If you arrive after the school year has started, contact your local council for an in-year place; it can tell you which schools have space.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Children must be in full-time education from 31 December, 31 March or 31 August after their fifth birthday, whichever comes first.
    gov.uk ↗
Show 1 more
External links
School admissions: how to apply ↗Ofsted reports ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Healthcare

Registering with the NHS and where to get help.

  • Registering with a GP is free. You do not need ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status. Register online through the NHS website or app, or at the surgery.
    nhs.uk ↗
  • Online GP registration takes about 15 minutes per person. The surgery usually confirms within 5 days of receiving your details.
    nhs.uk ↗
  • If you need medical help now but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online, the NHS App, or call 111.
    nhs.uk ↗
  • Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as serious accidents, strokes and heart attacks. If unsure, get help from NHS 111.
    nhs.uk ↗
Show 3 more
  • In England, NHS prescriptions cost £9.90 per item. Some items, such as contraception, are always free.
    nhs.uk ↗
  • You do not need to register with a dentist first. Contact any NHS dentist to ask for an appointment; most adults pay a charge for NHS dental care.
    nhs.uk ↗
  • Most visa applicants pay the immigration health surcharge: £1,035 a year, or £776 a year for students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme visas and under-18s.
    gov.uk ↗
External links
Register with a GP ↗NHS 111 ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Banking and ID

National Insurance number, eVisa share codes and a bank account.

  • Apply online for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK, have the right to work and are working or looking for work. Have your passport or EU/EEA/Swiss ID card ready.
    gov.uk ↗
  • You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives, as long as you can prove your right to work.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Get a share code from your UKVI account to prove your immigration status to employers or landlords. A share code lasts 90 days and you can get a new one at any time.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Basic bank accounts are free to open and run, with a debit card but no overdraft. You must be legally resident in the UK and at least 16 (18 at some banks).
    moneyhelper.org.uk ↗
Show 2 more
  • Banks usually ask for a passport or driving licence. If you lack the usual documents, some accept recent official letters such as a tenancy agreement, employer letter or HMRC letter.
    moneyhelper.org.uk ↗
  • The FSCS protects up to £120,000 per person at each bank, building society or credit union, across current, savings and fixed-term accounts.
    fscs.org.uk ↗
External links
Basic bank accounts (MoneyHelper) ↗Get a share code ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Driving and cars

Using a foreign licence, exchanging it, and the Clean Air Zone.

  • If you hold a licence from outside the EU and become resident, you can drive on it for up to 12 months from the date you became resident.
    gov.uk ↗
  • After 12 months, either exchange your licence (if it is from a designated country) or get a provisional GB licence and pass the tests. Use GOV.UK's tool to check if you can exchange.
    gov.uk ↗
  • DVLA driving licence enquiries: 0300 790 6801, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Every vehicle on the road must be insured, taxed (Vehicle Excise Duty), and cars normally need a yearly MOT test once they are three years old.
    gov.uk ↗
Show 2 more
  • Birmingham has a Class D Clean Air Zone, which covers cars as well as buses, taxis, vans and lorries. Use GOV.UK's checker to see if your vehicle must pay.
    gov.uk ↗
  • If your vehicle doesn't meet the emissions standard, pay the charge (or redeem a medical voucher) through the council's Brum Breathes site.
    brumbreathes.co.uk ↗
External links
Check a clean air zone charge ↗Brum Breathes ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Where people live in Birmingham

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 30 Sept 2026. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Birmingham (city)

Central
1 bedroom£834
2 bedroom£1,009
SinglesStudentsGood transitNear the centre
Source: Housing prices in Birmingham — ONS ↗

Solihull

South-east
1 bedroom£861
2 bedroom£1,069
FamiliesCouplesQuiet
Source: Housing prices in Solihull — ONS ↗

Sandwell

West
1 bedroom£680
2 bedroom£851
FamiliesLower rent
Source: Housing prices in Sandwell — ONS ↗

Wolverhampton

North-west
1 bedroom£675
2 bedroom£845
FamiliesLower rentStudents
Source: Housing prices in Wolverhampton — ONS ↗

Walsall

North-west
1 bedroom£657
2 bedroom£802
FamiliesLower rent
Source: Housing prices in Walsall — ONS ↗

Dudley

West
1 bedroom£609
2 bedroom£780
FamiliesLower rent
Source: Housing prices in Dudley — ONS ↗

Average monthly private rent by local authority and number of bedrooms, September 2026, from the ONS Price Index of Private Rents. Areas are Birmingham and neighbouring West Midlands boroughs, because ONS does not publish rents for neighbourhoods inside the city.

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Finding work, proving your right to work and minimum pay.

  • Search and apply for jobs in England, Scotland and Wales on the government's free Find a job service.
    gov.uk ↗
  • From April 2026 the National Living Wage for workers 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. It is £10.85 for ages 18–20 and £8 for under-18s and apprentices.
    gov.uk ↗
  • If you are not a British or Irish citizen, prove your right to work to an employer with an online share code or an eligible immigration document.
    gov.uk ↗
  • You can start a job before your National Insurance number arrives if you can prove your right to work.
    gov.uk ↗
Show 2 more
  • Find your nearest Jobcentre Plus office with GOV.UK's local office search.
    gov.uk ↗
  • GOV.UK links to the Safer Jobs service for advice on avoiding job scams.
    gov.uk ↗
External links
Find a job ↗Minimum wage rates ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Universities

Applying, studying and staying on after graduation.

  • Undergraduate applications go through UCAS, with up to five choices. For 2027 entry, most courses have an equal consideration date of 13 January (18:00 UK time).
    ucas.com ↗
  • Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses have an earlier 15 October deadline. Applications after 30 June go into Clearing.
    ucas.com ↗
  • The University of Birmingham, on its Edgbaston campus, is a member of the Russell Group.
    birmingham.ac.uk ↗
  • To get a Student visa you need an offer from a licensed student sponsor. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
    gov.uk ↗
Show 2 more
  • For a course outside London you must show £1,171 a month for living costs, for up to 9 months.
    gov.uk ↗
  • The Graduate visa lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, but 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027 (3 years for PhD graduates).
    gov.uk ↗
External links
UCAS dates and deadlines ↗Student visa ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Communities and support

Where to get free advice and get involved.

  • Birmingham has a young population: its median age of 34 in 2021 was the lowest in the West Midlands.
    ons.gov.uk ↗
  • Citizens Advice gives free, confidential advice on money, housing, work and immigration. Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848, usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
    citizensadvice.org.uk ↗
  • Shelter's free housing helpline is 0808 800 4444, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Expect long waits at busy times.
    england.shelter.org.uk ↗
  • British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens (and some EU citizens) can register to vote online. It usually takes about 5 minutes.
    gov.uk ↗
External links
Citizens Advice ↗Register to vote ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

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