Registering with a GP (General Practitioner) is one of the most important things you need to do when you arrive in the UK — and it should be done in your first week. Your GP is the gateway to the entire NHS system: without a registered GP, you cannot get prescriptions, specialist referrals, sick notes, or access to most NHS services outside of emergency care. The good news: registering is free, simple, and takes about 15 minutes. In this guide, we walk you through exactly how to do it.

What Is a GP and Why Do You Need One?

A GP (General Practitioner) is a family doctor who acts as your first point of contact for all non-emergency healthcare in the UK. Almost all NHS care flows through your GP:

  • ✅ Routine appointments and health check-ups
  • ✅ Prescriptions for medication
  • ✅ Referrals to specialists and hospital consultants
  • ✅ Mental health support and referrals
  • ✅ Sick notes for your employer
  • ✅ Vaccinations and health screenings
  • ✅ Maternity care referrals
  • ✅ Chronic disease management

Registering with a GP is the single most important healthcare task when you arrive in the UK. It unlocks access to the entire NHS — appointments, referrals, prescriptions, and specialist care.

Who Can Register with a GP?

The good news: almost anyone in the UK can register with a GP for free, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

  • ✅ Expats on any type of visa (Skilled Worker, Student, Family, etc.)
  • ✅ EU/EEA nationals
  • ✅ International students
  • ✅ Temporary visitors staying more than 24 hours
  • ✅ People with no fixed address
  • ✅ Asylum seekers and refugees

Anyone, regardless of their country of residence, is entitled to receive NHS primary medical services at a GP practice — this means tourists, or those from abroad visiting friends or family in England, should be treated in the same way as a UK resident.

Do You Need Documents to Register?

This surprises many expats — you do not legally need any documents to register with a GP in England.

  • In England, you do not need ID, proof of address, immigration documents, or an NHS number to register.
  • GP surgeries cannot refuse to register you solely because you lack documents
  • You may be asked for documents — if you have them, bring them — but you cannot legally be refused without them

Useful documents to bring if you have them:

  • Passport or national ID
  • Proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bill, or employer letter)
  • Your visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
  • Any existing medical records or prescription details from your home country

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

  1. Find a GP surgery near you — go to nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp and enter your postcode. You can filter by surgeries accepting new patients, their rating, and whether they offer online registration
  2. Check they are accepting new patients — most surgeries display this on their website. If your nearest surgery is full, try the next closest one
  3. Register online or in person — most surgeries now offer online registration through the NHS website, the NHS App, or their own website. Alternatively, visit in person or call them
  4. Complete the registration form — takes about 15 minutes. You'll be asked for basic personal details, medical history, current medications, and allergies
  5. Wait for confirmation — you should be told when you have been registered, usually within 5 days of the surgery getting your details.
  6. Receive your NHS number — once registered, you'll be assigned an NHS number. Keep this safe — it's used for all your healthcare interactions in the UK

Can You Register Without a UK Address?

Yes — NHS guidance is clear that GP surgeries cannot refuse to register a patient solely because they lack proof of address or identity documents. If you've just arrived and don't yet have a permanent address, you can:

  • Use a friend or colleague's address temporarily
  • Use your employer's or university's address
  • Use a temporary accommodation address (hotel, hostel, Airbnb)

What Happens After You Register?

Once registered, you may be invited for a new patient health check — a routine appointment where the GP reviews your medical history and checks your general health. This is optional but recommended, especially if you have any ongoing conditions or medications.

You'll also be able to:

  • Book appointments online, by phone, or via the NHS App
  • Order repeat prescriptions
  • Access your medical records online
  • Use the NHS App for managing your healthcare

What If You Can't Get a GP Appointment?

GP waiting times in the UK can be long — sometimes several weeks for a non-urgent appointment. If you need medical help sooner, here are your options:

  • NHS 111 — call or go online at 111.nhs.uk for urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice, available 24/7 free
  • Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) — walk-in centres for minor injuries and illnesses, no appointment needed
  • Pharmacies — pharmacists can advise on common illnesses and recommend over-the-counter medicines. Many now offer the NHS Pharmacy First service for common conditions
  • A&E (Accident & Emergency) — for genuine emergencies only. Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies

GP Services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

The GP registration process is similar across the UK, but there are some differences:

  • Scotland: Register via your local Health Board. Search at nhsinform.scot
  • Wales: Similar to England — search at 111.wales.nhs.uk
  • Northern Ireland: Register via your local Health and Social Care Trust at hscni.net

Bringing Medical Records from Your Home Country

If you have existing medical records, medications, or conditions from your home country, it's very helpful to bring these when you register:

  • A summary of your medical history in English (or translated)
  • List of current medications with dosages
  • Vaccination records — the UK may offer catch-up vaccinations for any gaps
  • Any specialist letters or test results

Your new GP will use these to set up appropriate repeat prescriptions, identify any vaccinations you may need, and make better referrals if needed.

Private Healthcare: An Alternative if NHS Waiting Times Are Too Long

If you need faster access to healthcare — particularly for specialists or elective treatment — private healthcare is an option. Many expats choose to supplement their NHS access with private international health insurance for faster appointments and more choice.

For international health insurance tailored to expats in the UK, we recommend Allianz Care — trusted by millions of expats worldwide.

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Final Checklist: Registering with a GP as a UK Expat

  • ✅ Find a GP surgery near your home at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
  • ✅ Check they are accepting new patients
  • ✅ Register online, by phone, or in person — no documents legally required
  • ✅ Complete the registration form with your personal and medical details
  • ✅ Wait for confirmation and your NHS number
  • ✅ Book your new patient health check
  • ✅ Download the NHS App for managing appointments and prescriptions
  • ✅ Save 111 in your phone for urgent medical advice

💡 Register in your first week — don't wait until you're ill. The process is free, quick, and gives you full access to the NHS from day one.