New to the UK? 9 things you need to sort in your first month

Moving to a new country is exciting — but the admin that comes with it? Less so. There's a surprising amount of paperwork and setup involved in getting properly settled in the UK, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed when you don't know where to start.

Here's the good news: most of it is straightforward once you know the order to do things in. We've put together the 9 essential tasks you should aim to sort in your first month. Tick these off, and you'll have a solid foundation for life in the UK.

1. Collect your BRP (if applicable)

If you entered the UK on a visa, you'll likely have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) waiting for you. This is your official proof of your right to live and work in the UK. You'll usually need to collect it from a Post Office within 10 days of arriving — the details will be in your visa decision letter. Your BRP is needed for almost everything else on this list, so pick it up first.

2. Apply for a National Insurance number

Your National Insurance (NI) number is your UK tax ID — you need one to work and make sure you're paying the right amount of tax. The application is free, done entirely online through GOV.UK, and takes about 20–30 minutes. Your number arrives by post within 2–4 weeks. You can start working before it arrives.

Read our full guide to getting an NI number →

3. Register with a GP

A GP (General Practitioner) is your main NHS doctor. Registering is free, you don't need a passport or fixed address, and it means you'll have a doctor ready when you need one. Use the NHS website to find a surgery near you that's accepting new patients, and register online or in person.

Read our full guide to registering with a GP →

4. Open a UK bank account

You'll need a UK bank account for your salary, rent, and bills. The process varies depending on your visa status and how long you've been in the UK. Traditional banks often want proof of address (which you might not have yet), but app-based challenger banks like Monzo and Starling are generally easier for newcomers to open quickly.

Read our overview of opening a UK bank account →

5. Sort your mobile phone

Whether you want a SIM-only deal or a new contract, the UK has plenty of options — but some networks are easier for newcomers than others. Having a UK phone number is important for everything from job applications to two-factor authentication for your bank. It's worth sorting this in your first few days.

6. Register for council tax

If you're renting or own a home, you're legally required to register for council tax with your local council. Council tax pays for local services like rubbish collection, libraries, and road maintenance. The amount depends on your area and property size — and there are discounts available if you live alone or are a full-time student.

Read our overview of council tax →

7. Tell HMRC you're working

If you're employed, your employer handles most of this — they'll register you with HMRC (the tax authority) and sort your tax code. But if you're self-employed, you need to register with HMRC yourself for Self Assessment. Getting this right early avoids nasty surprises at tax time.

8. Register children at school (if applicable)

If you've arrived with school-age children, you'll need to apply for a school place through your local council. The process and timelines vary depending on your area and your child's age. State schools are free in the UK, and your local council has a duty to find your child a place — though it might not always be at your first-choice school.

9. Set up utilities

If your rental doesn't include bills, you'll need to set up gas, electricity, water, and broadband. Some properties come with existing suppliers, while for others you'll need to choose your own. Comparison websites can help you find the best deals. Setting up direct debits early means you won't fall behind on payments.

You don't have to do it all alone

This list can feel like a lot — especially when you're also adjusting to a new country, a new job, and maybe a new language. The key is to take it one task at a time, roughly in the order above. The first three (BRP, NI number, GP) are the most time-sensitive, so start there and work your way down.

And remember: millions of people have done exactly this before you. It's manageable, and it gets easier once the big tasks are behind you.