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Register with a GP (General Practitioner)
United Kingdom
Last verified: 2026-02-20
Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate. Always verify with official sources.
Key Registrations & Procedures
Register with a GP (General Practitioner)
Deadline: Register as soon as possible after arrival. NHS care is available to all UK residents regardless of immigration status for GP and emergency services.
Processing Time: Same day to 2 weeks. Some GP surgeries have waiting lists in high-demand areas.
Fees: Free (funded through Immigration Health Surcharge paid with visa application). NHS is free at the point of use for registered patients.
Appointment: Walk in or call your chosen GP surgery. Some accept online registration via their website.
Required Documents:
- Proof of address (utility bill, tenancy agreement)
- Passport or photo ID
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment reference (if applicable)
- NHS number (if previously registered — otherwise one will be assigned)
Where to Do It:
Any GP surgery near your home. Find your nearest GP at nhs.uk/service-search. In London and major cities, many GP surgeries accept new patients. Rural areas may have fewer options.
If You Don't Do It:
No penalty for not registering, but without a GP registration you cannot access routine NHS healthcare, referrals to specialists, or prescriptions. A&E and emergency care remain accessible to all.
Regional Variations: NHS operates slightly differently across the four nations: NHS England, NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland but charged in England (£9.90 per item, with exemptions available).
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