Registering with a GP (General Practitioner) is one of the most important things you can do when you arrive in the UK. A GP is your main doctor — the person you see for everyday health issues, prescriptions, referrals to specialists, and mental health support. And here's the best bit: it's completely free on the NHS.
You don't need to wait until you're ill. In fact, registering early means you'll have a doctor ready when you need one, rather than scrambling to find one at the worst possible time.
What you need to know first
A few things that catch newcomers off guard:
- You don't need a fixed address to register with a GP. If you're staying in temporary accommodation, that's fine.
- You don't need a passport or visa. GP surgeries cannot ask for immigration documents — your right to NHS primary care is not tied to your immigration status.
- It's completely free. No insurance, no fees, no catch. NHS GP services are free for everyone living in the UK.
Step-by-step: how to register
Find your nearest GP surgery
Use the NHS website's GP finder at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp. Enter your postcode and it'll show you GP surgeries nearby, sorted by distance. Look for ones marked as "accepting new patients."
Check they're accepting new patients
Not every surgery has space for new registrations. If your nearest one isn't accepting patients, don't worry — just try the next closest. In most areas you'll have several options within a reasonable distance.
Register online or in person
Most GP surgeries let you register online through their website. You'll need to fill in your name, date of birth, address, and contact details. If you prefer, you can also pop into the surgery and fill in a paper registration form (called a GMS1 form).
Complete the new patient health questionnaire
You'll usually be asked to fill in a health questionnaire covering your medical history, allergies, current medications, and family health background. This isn't mandatory, but filling it in speeds up your first appointment and helps the GP look after you better.
Wait for confirmation
Registration usually takes 1–5 working days. You'll receive a confirmation — sometimes by text, sometimes by letter. Once confirmed, you're officially registered and can book appointments.
Download the NHS App
Once you're registered, download the NHS App (free on iOS and Android). It lets you book and manage GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your health records, and access NHS services — all from your phone.
What if I need a doctor before I'm registered?
If you need medical help urgently and haven't registered with a GP yet, you have a few options. You can call 111 (the NHS non-emergency helpline) for advice, visit a walk-in centre or urgent care centre, or go to A&E (Accident & Emergency) if it's a genuine emergency. But registering with a GP first is always the better route for non-urgent care.
What happens at your first appointment?
Some GP surgeries offer a "new patient check" — a short appointment (usually with a nurse) to go over your health, take your blood pressure, and make sure everything's in order. It's a great opportunity to mention any ongoing health issues or medications you're taking.
Track your GP registration
Use FormMate's interactive GP registration checklist to track your progress — from finding a surgery to downloading the NHS App.
Start the GP registration checklist