Bringing skilled professionals to the UK has never been solely about finding the right candidate. While employers devote significant time and resources to navigating sponsorship rules and securing work visas, another challenge is becoming increasingly apparent once recruits arrive. For many international employees, finding a home is proving more difficult than finding a job, creating delays that can impact businesses long after the recruitment process has ended.

Overseas recruitment remains a key solution for UK businesses

International hiring continues to help employers address skills shortages across a wide range of sectors, even as immigration rules become more restrictive.

Latest government data shows there were around 734,000 job vacancies across the UK at the end of 2025. Over the same period, the number of payrolled non-EU workers increased by 6% year on year, highlighting the continued reliance many organisations place on overseas talent.

Recruiting internationally requires a significant financial commitment, but securing a visa is only one stage of a successful relocation.

Ensuring new employees can settle into life in the UK has become just as important as helping them obtain permission to work.

Why renting can become the biggest obstacle

For someone relocating from overseas, starting a new job is only part of the transition.

Many arrive with a confirmed position, a reliable income and legal status to work in the UK, yet quickly discover they face difficulties when applying to rent a property.

Without an established UK credit profile, previous domestic tenancy records or a local guarantor, many applicants struggle to meet the standard checks landlords rely on when assessing prospective tenants.

Although these individuals may have strong financial circumstances, the lack of UK rental history can make it harder for landlords to approve an application.

The result is that many international recruits spend valuable weeks searching for accommodation after arriving, delaying the point at which they can fully begin their new role and increasing costs for both themselves and their employer.

Employer support is evolving beyond immigration

Relocation assistance has traditionally focused on sponsorship, visa applications, flights and temporary accommodation.

Today, many employers are expanding that support to include practical help with securing permanent housing.

This is particularly relevant in major cities where demand for rental homes remains high and competition between applicants is intense.

The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act has also reshaped the rental landscape. While the legislation offers stronger protections for tenants, it limits landlords from requesting substantial rent payments in advance. That change removes a route many international workers previously used to strengthen their rental applications.

As a result, affordability assessments, references and guarantor arrangements have become even more significant when landlords consider prospective tenants.

Marco Laurence, founder at professional rent guarantor service Rentmigo, commented:

“We often speak to international workers who have done everything right. They’ve secured a good job in the UK, got a visa and are ready to start work, but they quickly find out that renting a property can be one of the hardest parts of moving to the UK.

“With the new Renters’ Rights Act preventing landlords from asking for big upfront rent payments, they now need new ways to manage their risk. Many international renters have excellent salaries, but no UK credit history or someone locally who can act as a guarantor. For many landlords, that’s enough to refuse the application.

“The knock-on effect is that businesses can end up waiting weeks for new employees to find somewhere to live, delaying start dates and creating unnecessary disruption. As more employers look overseas to fill skills shortages, helping international recruits overcome those rental barriers will become an increasingly important part of the relocation process.”

Housing challenges have wider business consequences

The effects of delayed housing extend well beyond the employee.

Businesses can experience postponed onboarding, slower project delivery and increased demands on HR teams that are required to support recruits through an unfamiliar rental process before they can properly settle into their new position.

As employers compete for highly skilled international candidates, the quality of the relocation experience is becoming another factor that shapes an organisation’s reputation.

Companies that remove practical barriers after arrival may find themselves in a stronger position to attract and retain global talent.

Looking ahead

International recruitment strategies have developed considerably over recent years, but the next area of focus may lie outside the immigration process.

Helping overseas employees establish a stable home and settle into everyday life is becoming an increasingly valuable part of the employee journey.

In today’s competitive employment market, success is measured not only by bringing talented people to the UK, but also by ensuring they can build their future here with confidence.