How to Register With a GP in England as a Newcomer
In this guide
Quick answer: Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery for free. You do not need proof of ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status. You apply online, on a paper form at the surgery, or by downloading a form, and you give basic details such as your name, date of birth and address. You should hear back within about 5 days.
Many newcomers delay registering because they assume they need a bill or a visa document. According to NHS guidance, you do not. This guide covers England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own systems. Registering is also one of the first things worth doing alongside getting a National Insurance number and opening a bank account. See the whole sequence in our first 90 days in a new country guide.
Do you need documents to register?
No proof of ID, address or immigration status is required. You only need basic details: name, date of birth and address. An NHS number is not required, though it can help the surgery find your records. You will be asked for an emergency contact, your current GP’s details if you have one, and your carer’s details if you have one. In some cases a surgery may ask for extra documents, such as to transfer records.
How to register, step by step
- Find a surgery. Use the NHS “Find a GP” service and search by postcode. To find surgeries that take patients from outside their area, filter for “Accepts out of area registrations”.
- Choose how to apply. Online registration takes about 15 minutes per person. Or visit the surgery and complete a paper form, download the form from the NHS registration site, or use the form on the surgery’s own website.
- Submit your details. Name, date of birth, address, emergency contact and any previous GP.
- Wait for confirmation. You should be notified within about 5 days of the surgery receiving your details, though it may take longer.
Can visitors and short-stay residents register?
Anyone in England can register, including visitors from abroad. You can register as a temporary patient for up to 3 months using a temporary services form. After that, you can reapply as a temporary patient or apply for permanent registration.
What if a surgery refuses you?
A surgery may refuse if you live outside its area, it is not accepting new patients, or you were previously removed from its list. If it refuses you, it must write to you within 14 days to explain why. If a temporary registration is refused, you can still get any treatment you need immediately for up to 14 days. For problems, contact your local integrated care board (ICB), Citizens Advice or your local Healthwatch.
Registering outside your local area
This is allowed in some cases, but it may affect home visits, out-of-hours care and community services such as physiotherapy and midwifery. Ask the surgery how these would work for you.
Registering children
Children under 16 are usually registered by a parent or guardian on a separate form. The parent may be asked to prove their identity and relationship to the child.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to register with a GP in England?
Yes. Registering or changing GP surgery is free for everyone in England.
Do I need a proof of address to register?
No, though the surgery will need your address. If you do not have a fixed address yet, ask the surgery what they can accept.
Do I need to tell my old surgery if I switch?
No. Changing surgery does not require you to notify your old one.
How do I update my address?
Tell your current surgery directly.
Key takeaways
- Registration is free for everyone in England.
- No ID, address proof or immigration papers are required.
- Expect a reply in about 5 days; refusals must be explained in writing within 14 days.
Related guides
- Your first 90 days in a new country
- How to get a National Insurance number
- How to open a UK bank account as a newcomer
- Renting in the UK without a credit history
- Documents you need to move abroad
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you need urgent care, contact a medical service immediately. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
- NHS: How to register with a GP surgery