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How to Transfer Money from China to UK

China to UK Guide

Summary

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1954, China and the UK have enjoyed a stable bilateral relationship. Trade between the two nations has steadily increased since 1999, and in 2021, China was the UK’s largest import partner. 

Even so, Chinese citizens who wish to transfer money from China to the UK face many restrictions. Generally, the amount that can be transferred is $50,000 per calendar year for each individual. However, there are fewer restrictions for Chinese businesses sending money online to the UK and for those making larger transfers intended for tuition costs, remittances to family members, or to cover medical expenses.

Visas, work permits and residency

The UK sees a vast number of Chinese visitors to the UK, both as tourists and workers. When undergoing a visit, Chinese nationals require a visa in order to enter the UK. A positive response to meet growing needs, the UK Visa Application Centres in China have recently undergone massive upgrades and have expanded to accommodate a larger number of applicants more efficiently. Currently, there are at least 15 of these centres spread throughout major Chinese cities, making Visa applications a quicker process.

If you’re interested in learning more, applications for UK visas from China are managed by VFS Global.  Note that before applying for a visa, applicants must first determine which type of visa will best fit their specific situation, and all visa application forms are in English and must be filled out in English as well. Be sure to research and get the right type of visa as Chinese nationals who enter the UK on a general visitor visa will not be able to work, marry, receive medical treatment, or enrol in a course of study.

In order to seek employment in the UK, All Chinese nationals need to obtain a work visa. Tier 1 visas are general work permits that do not require you to have a job offer. Tier 2 visas require you to show proof of a job offer from a qualifying UK employer. If Chinese expats will be staying temporarily in the UK, they can apply for a Tier 5 visa, which allows them to work for a short period. Keep up to date with the latest Visa requirements at gov.uk.

 

Buying property in the UK

 
Unfortunately, property in the UK tends to be quite costly – especially in London, where there is a limited supply of real estate. The good news is, Chinese nationals are able to buy property in the UK, with a few banks even offering mortgage and investment loans. 

To take this step, you will have to present proof of income in addition to as much as a 40% down payment. Chinese expats may also be able to secure a loan from a local bank in China with which they already have an established relationship. The best thing to do is to engage the services of a real estate professional or lawyer who can assist with all aspects of the purchase, including the tax implications.

 

Banking and taxation in the UK

Although a sophisticated system, opening a bank account in the UK can be a complicated and frustrating process for Chinese expats. The complication lies in the excess of 20 choices of institutions, the most popular of which are the Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Bank and NatWest. 

If you want to open a British bank account, it’s necessary to present proof of income and employment, a passport, and evidence of a local address. With some banks, you might have the option to open a bank account in China before arriving in the UK. Despite this simplifying the transferring of money from China to the UK, remember it can be a costly venture.

Chinese nationals who live in the UK for more than 183 days within the UK tax year will have to pay taxes on income generated both in the UK and overseas. Taxes range from 20% to 40% on annual income between £12,571 and £150,000, (Personal Allowance is set at £12,570 for the tax year 2022-2023). 

 

Studying in the UK

The UK makes for an incredibly popular destination for Chinese students. In fact, the largest number of international students from non-EU countries enrolled in UK universities and colleges are Chinese nationals; in 2022, there were around 144,000 Chinese students. This means that Chinese students are by far the largest demographic of overseas students in the UK, even outnumbering EU students.

Unfortunately, a Chinese student can expect to pay higher fees than local students: The average amount for one year of study is £22,200. Another key thing to consider when applying to UK universities, a student visa is required once you have been accepted into a UK institution. As part of the process, you will have to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover the tuition as well as living expenses.

 

Healthcare

 

The National Health Service (NHS) manages public health care in the UK and is renowned as one of the leading health services in the world. Chinese expats are entitled to free emergency health care in a NHS medical facility. 

However, if you intend to stay in the UK for an extended period of time though, you will have to register to get your personal NHS number. If you’re planning to stay for more than 6 months, you’ll be required to pay an immigration health surcharge, but you can find out more on the NHS website

 

To find the best money transfer provider to send money from China to the UK, see our reviews of trusted money transfer services.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?

Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services. Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.

How long does an international money transfer take?

The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster transfers for smaller amounts.

How do I use FXcompared?

First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount of money sending from China to UK. Then select a provider based on factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send safely, you will be ready to transfer money.

What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?

The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account (most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.

What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?

There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website. As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

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All the providers listed are regulated by the relevant authority (e.g. the FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the US, ASIC in Australia) and have been vetted by FXcompared.

FXcompared.com is an fx money comparison site for international money transfer and to compare rates from currency brokers for sending money abroad. The website and the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or advice on any financial service or transaction. None of the information presented is intended to form the basis for any investment decision, and no specific recommendations are intended.  FXC Group Ltd and FX Compared Ltd does not provide any guarantees of any data from third parties listed on this website. FX compared Ltd expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any direct or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from (i) any error, omission or inaccuracy in any such information or (ii) any action resulting therefrom.