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Newcomer setup · United Kingdom

First 30 Days in the UK: A Newcomer Setup Checklist

BRP / eVisa, NI number, NHS GP registration, council tax, HMRC tax code and banking — what to handle in your first month in Britain.

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Lead authority
UKVI (Home Office)
Status proof
BRP or digital eVisa via UKVI account
Healthcare
NHS — register with a local GP practice
Tax authority
HMRC — confirm tax code with first employer
Local tax
Council tax — register with your local council

The UK is gradually moving from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to digital eVisas administered by UK Visas and Immigration. Whether you arrive on a Skilled Worker, family, student or other route, your first 30 days are about confirming immigration status, getting an NHS GP, registering for council tax, lining up a National Insurance number and informing HMRC. This guide walks through the standard sequence in England (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have local variations).

Week one — status, banking and a UK number

  • Collect your BRP from the designated post office, or activate your UKVI online account for an eVisa where applicable.
  • Open a UK current account — high-street banks (Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, Santander) and digital banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) accept newcomers with proof of address and immigration status.
  • Get a UK SIM — pay-as-you-go is fine while you confirm a permanent address for a contract.
  • Note your immigration status conditions (right to work, right to rent, NHS surcharge paid).

Week two — National Insurance and HMRC

A National Insurance (NI) number is your reference for tax and social security. Many visa categories now allow you to start work before the NI number arrives — your employer will use a temporary NI number until yours is issued. Apply via gov.uk if you have not been issued one already with your visa.

  • Apply for or confirm your National Insurance number via gov.uk.
  • Provide your employer with your P45 (if applicable) or complete the new-starter checklist so HMRC issues the right tax code.
  • Sign in to your HMRC personal tax account once your NI number arrives.
  • Understand the difference between PAYE deductions and any self-assessment obligations.

Week three — NHS, council tax and family

  • Register with a local NHS GP practice — bring proof of address and immigration status; you do not always need an NHS number to register.
  • Register children with the same practice and notify the local authority of school placement.
  • Apply to school admissions if you have not done so before arrival — in-year admission processes vary by local authority.
  • Inform your local council you have moved in — council tax usually applies and you may qualify for discounts.

Week four — driving, household goods and longer-term housing

  • EU/EEA, US and many Commonwealth-licence holders can drive on a foreign licence for 12 months as a UK resident; rules for exchange vs full UK test vary by source country.
  • If you shipped household goods, your mover should have applied for HMRC Transfer of Residence (ToR1) relief before arrival; confirm clearance before delivery.
  • Set up utilities (electricity, gas, water, broadband) and a TV licence if applicable.
  • Keep records of arrival date and any ties for future tax-residency tests under the Statutory Residence Test (SRT).

How to sequence the first 30 days

For the UK, the practical sequence below works well: newcomer registrations interlock — many require a local address, which requires a lease, which often requires a tax ID, which requires the residence permit. Mapping the dependency chain in advance avoids the classic chicken-and-egg loops that delay banking, schooling and healthcare. Build a sequenced 30-day plan before you land, not after.

  • Identify which IDs/numbers are pre-requisites for banking, leasing and schooling.
  • Book registration appointments before arrival where the country allows it.
  • Keep certified copies of passports, marriage certificates and birth certificates with you.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a BRP and an eVisa?

A BRP is a physical biometric card issued for many in-country visas. An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status, accessed via your UKVI account. The UK is transitioning towards eVisas — confirm which applies to you on gov.uk.

When should I register with a GP?

As soon as you have an address. NHS GP practices generally accept new patients on submission of a registration form (GMS1) and proof of address. You do not always need an NHS number to register.

Do I need to pay council tax?

Most adult occupiers of a UK home are liable for council tax. Discounts apply for single-occupant households, full-time students and certain other categories. Register with your local council on arrival.

Can I drive on my foreign licence?

Most adult licence holders from outside the UK can drive on a valid foreign or international licence for up to 12 months as a UK resident. After that you must exchange (where eligible) or pass the UK theory and practical tests. Check gov.uk for your country's rules.

Will I be UK tax-resident from arrival?

It depends on the Statutory Residence Test, which counts days, ties and prior residence. Many newcomers also need to consider the remittance basis or non-domiciled rules where relevant. Engage a UK-qualified tax adviser for your first year.

This guide is general information for planning purposes only. Visa, customs, tax, school admissions and shipping rules change. Always confirm requirements with the relevant government authority, school or licensed advisor before making decisions.