Moving to the UK: what you must do, in order
A checklist of the official steps for people moving to the UK. Tick each step as you go: your progress is saved only in this browser.
Before you travel
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1. Check if you need a UK visa Mandatory
The official tool tells you whether you need a visa, an ETA or nothing, based on your nationality and the reason for your trip or move.
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2. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Mandatory
Visitors who do not need a visa, including EU citizens, need an ETA to travel to the UK. It is not a permit to live or work here.
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3. Tuberculosis (TB) test for visa applicants Mandatory
If you are coming for more than 6 months from certain countries, you need a TB test at an approved clinic before applying.
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4. Immigration health surcharge (IHS) Mandatory
Most visa applicants pay the IHS as part of the visa application. It gives access to the NHS in the same way as residents.
When you arrive
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5. eVisa: view and prove your immigration status Mandatory
Your immigration status is now digital. Create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and get share codes for employers, landlords and others.
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6. Prove your right to work Mandatory
Employers must check that you can work in the UK. If you have an eVisa, you give them a share code.
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7. Apply for a National Insurance number Mandatory
Your NI number records your tax and contributions. You can start work before you get it if you can prove your right to work.
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8. Register with a GP (family doctor)
Register with a GP surgery near where you live as soon as you arrive. In England you do not need proof of address, ID or immigration status to register.
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9. Right to Rent checks Mandatory
In England, landlords must check that tenants can legally rent before the tenancy starts. With an eVisa you give the landlord a share code.
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10. Council tax: bands, discounts and paying Mandatory
A local tax paid by most households in England, Wales and Scotland. If you live alone you can usually get a 25% discount. Northern Ireland uses domestic rates instead.
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11. Open a basic bank account
Banks are private, but basic bank accounts are designed for people who cannot get a standard account, including new arrivals. MoneyHelper is the free government-backed guide.
In your first months
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12. Drive on a foreign licence or exchange it Mandatory
How long you can drive on a non-UK licence and whether you can exchange it depends on the country that issued it. Check before the deadline that applies to you.
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13. Apply for a school place
State schools are free. You apply through your local council, which sets the deadlines. If you arrive mid-year, ask the council for an in-year place.
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14. HMRC personal tax account
Check your tax code, income, National Insurance record and update your details with HMRC online.
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15. Register to vote
Register online in about 5 minutes. Who can vote in which elections depends on your nationality and where in the UK you live.
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16. Child Benefit
A regular payment if you are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 in approved education or training. Claims can only be backdated 3 months.
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17. TV Licence Mandatory
You need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer. Buy it only from TV Licensing.
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18. Indefinite leave to remain (settlement)
After a qualifying period on certain visas you can apply to settle permanently. Most routes require the Life in the UK test.