International & Expat Calculators
Thinking about working abroad, hiring internationally, or setting up a business in Southeast Asia? The numbers are completely different from what you are used to in the UK -- and not always in the way you would expect. A £50k London salary sounds modest, but it has the purchasing power of £15-25k in Thailand or Vietnam, which goes a lot further than you might think. On the flip side, if you are a UK employer trying to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa in 2025, the salary threshold jumped to £38,700 last year and the Immigration Skills Charge adds another £364-1,000 per year on top. These are big numbers that change the entire hiring calculation.
We built these tools for people making real cross-border decisions who need actual figures, not travel blog advice. Compare your UK salary against purchasing power in KL, Bangkok, Manila, or Ho Chi Minh City -- factoring in the things expats actually spend money on, like international school fees and flights home. Check whether your hire meets the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold for their specific occupation code. Get a practical setup guide if you are thinking about registering a company in Thailand or Malaysia, including the bits that catch people out (like Thailand's 51% local ownership requirement). Straightforward answers for complicated international decisions.
All International & Expat Tools (4 live)
Expat Salary Comparator (UK vs SEA)
Compare your UK salary to equivalent purchasing power in Southeast Asian countries.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Checker
Check minimum salary thresholds for UK Skilled Worker visas by occupation code and sponsorship route.
SEA Business Setup Guide
Get an AI-generated guide to setting up a business in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, or Vietnam.
Subcontractor Tender Pack Builder
Build a professional tender response pack for subcontractor bids with AI-generated method statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare my UK salary to equivalent pay in Southeast Asia?
Comparing salaries across countries requires looking at purchasing power parity (PPP) rather than simple exchange rates. A £50,000 UK salary might have equivalent purchasing power to £15,000-£25,000 in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or the Philippines, where the cost of living is 50-70% lower. Key factors include housing costs (typically 60-80% cheaper), food (50-70% cheaper), healthcare (varies widely), and transportation. However, international school fees, imported goods, and travel back to the UK can significantly increase expat costs.
What is the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa in 2025?
The general salary threshold for a UK Skilled Worker visa is £38,700 per year (raised from £26,200 in April 2024). However, occupation-specific going rates may be higher. New entrants (under 26, recent graduates, or those in professional training) qualify for a reduced threshold of £30,960. Health and care workers have a separate threshold of £29,000. Shortage occupation roles also qualify for a reduced threshold. The Immigration Skills Charge adds £364-£1,000 per year per worker for the sponsoring employer.
How do I set up a business in Thailand as a UK citizen?
Setting up a business in Thailand requires navigating the Foreign Business Act, which restricts foreign ownership in many sectors. The most common structures are: a Thai Limited Company (requires 51% Thai shareholders for restricted activities), a US Treaty of Amity company (for US citizens only), or a Board of Investment (BOI) promoted company (allows 100% foreign ownership with tax incentives). A Thai company requires minimum registered capital of 2 million baht (£45,000) for a work permit. Setup costs typically range from £3,000-£8,000 including legal fees, plus ongoing accounting costs of £200-£500 per month.
What are the right to work requirements for hiring foreign workers in the UK?
UK employers must conduct right to work checks on all employees before employment begins. For non-UK/Irish citizens, this typically means checking a biometric residence permit or using the Home Office online checking service with a share code. Employers must have a sponsor licence (£536 for small businesses, £1,476 for medium/large) to hire Skilled Worker visa holders. The Immigration Skills Charge, visa fees, and legal costs mean hiring a foreign worker can add £5,000-£15,000 to the cost of recruitment.
What is the cost of living for UK expats in Malaysia?
Malaysia is one of the most affordable Southeast Asian destinations for UK expats. A comfortable lifestyle in Kuala Lumpur costs around £1,200-£2,000 per month for a single person, or £2,500-£4,000 for a family. Rent for a modern two-bedroom apartment in a central location is £400-£800 per month. Eating out is very affordable at £2-£5 per meal at local restaurants. International schools cost £5,000-£20,000 per year. The MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) visa programme allows long-term residency with proof of financial means.
How do I build a professional tender pack for UK subcontractor bids?
A professional tender response pack should include: a company profile and relevant experience, method statements describing how you will deliver the work, a programme/timeline, health and safety documentation (risk assessments, RAMS), insurance certificates (public liability, employer’s liability, professional indemnity), financial references or credit reports, relevant qualifications and accreditations (CSCS, CHAS, Constructionline), and a detailed priced schedule of works. AI tools can generate draft method statements and cover letters, saving significant time on repetitive tender documentation.