GP Registration in the UK

Moving to the UK, whether for work, study, or just a longer stay, means sorting out healthcare pretty quickly. The National Health Service (NHS) is one of the best things about living here—free at the point of use for most people—but your gateway to it is registering with a General Practitioner (GP). Your GP is the doctor you’ll see for everything from a sore throat to ongoing conditions, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.

I’ve helped friends and family navigate this process, and while it’s straightforward on paper, little hiccups like varying surgery policies can trip people up. The good news? As of 2026, the rules remain clear and inclusive: anyone in England can register with a GP surgery for free, regardless of nationality, immigration status, or whether you’re a resident or visitor. No proof of ID, address, or immigration documents is required by law. Let’s walk through how it actually works.

Who Can Register and Why It Matters

First, understand the basics. In England (rules are similar across the UK, with slight variations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), primary care (GP services) is available to everyone physically in the country. This includes UK citizens, international students, workers on visas, tourists, asylum seekers, and even those without fixed addresses. Consulting a GP and getting treatment at the surgery level is free—no charges for the appointment or basic care.

This differs from hospital treatment (secondary care), where being “ordinarily resident” (living here settled and lawfully) or having paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) on a visa longer than six months usually makes it free. Registering with a GP doesn’t automatically grant free hospital care, but it does give you access to vaccinations, screenings, mental health support, and that crucial first step when you’re unwell.

For international students or long-term visitors: If your visa is over six months and you paid the IHS (around £1,035 per year in recent years), you’re covered like a resident. Short-term visitors can still register as temporary patients.

The key message: Don’t delay. Register soon after arriving—don’t wait until you’re sick.

Step-by-Step: How to Register with a GP

The process has become more digital-friendly in recent years.

1. Find a Suitable GP Surgery Head to the official NHS website and use their “Find a GP” tool. Enter your postcode to see local options. Look for surgeries accepting new patients and ideally offering online registration. Consider opening hours, whether they do evening/weekend slots, or provide e-consultations—some like GP at Hand specialize in digital access.

   Pro tip: If you’re a student, many universities have partnerships with nearby practices or even on-campus health centres. Check your uni’s international office for recommendations.

2. Choose Your Registration Type

   • Permanent registration — For when you’re living in the area long-term (over three months).
   • Temporary registration — If you’re staying 24 hours to three months (e.g., short work stint, visiting family, or tourist). You fill out a temporary services form (often GMS3), and after three months, you can re-apply or switch to permanent. If refused temporary, you can still get immediate treatment for up to 14 days.

3. Complete the Form The easiest way is online via the NHS website or the surgery’s site—takes about 15 minutes. Provide basic info: name, date of birth, address (use a temporary one or even the surgery’s address if homeless), phone number, and emergency contact. If you have an NHS number from before, include it—it speeds up linking your records. No ID needed.

   If online isn’t available, visit in person or download a paper form (GMS1). Some surgeries still prefer in-person for a quick chat or new patient health questionnaire.

4. What Happens Next? You’ll usually hear back within five working days (sometimes longer). Your medical records transfer from your old GP if applicable. Once registered, download the NHS App—it’s brilliant for booking appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, viewing records, and getting health advice.

Documents and Common Myths

Here’s where confusion often hits. Official NHS guidance (last reviewed July 2025) is crystal clear:

• You do not need proof of address, ID, passport, visa, or immigration status to register.
• An NHS number helps but isn’t mandatory.
• Some surgeries ask for extras (like passport or utility bill) to help trace records or verify guardianship for kids—it’s allowed, but they can’t refuse registration solely because you can’t provide them.

If a surgery insists on documents you don’t have, politely remind them of the NHS rules or try another practice. Refusals are rare and must be in writing within 14 days with reasons (e.g., list closed to new patients, out of area, or previous removal for serious issues). You can complain to your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS England (0300 311 2233), or Healthwatch.

Special Situations: Students, Visitors, and More

• International students — Register near your uni address if you spend most time there. Bring your passport and a uni letter confirming status if asked. Many get an NHS number quickly after.
• Overseas visitors/tourists — Register temporarily if staying over 24 hours. Free GP care, though hospital charges might apply unless exempt (e.g., EU EHIC holders). Always free: emergency A&E (initial), sexual health, most infectious diseases.
• No fixed address/homeless — Use a friend’s address, a shelter, or the surgery’s.
• Children — Parents/guardians register them; bring birth certificate if possible.

What to Expect After Registration

Your first contact might be a phone or video triage—many surgeries use this to manage demand. Book routine appointments via phone, online, or app. For urgent issues, call the surgery or NHS 111. Emergencies? 999.

The NHS is stretched, so patience helps—wait times for non-urgent appointments can be weeks, but same-day for urgent needs is common. Build a relationship with your GP; they’re great for long-term care.

Registering feels like a small admin chore, but it unlocks peace of mind. Whether you’re fresh off a plane or just moved cities, getting on a GP list early makes everything smoother. If you’ve got questions or hit a snag, drop a comment—I’ve learned a lot from others’ experiences.

Stay healthy out there!