Relocating to the UK to work in the NHS involves important practical considerations. This page links to resources containing key information on visas, NHS pay and finances, housing, healthcare access, childcare and schooling, transport, and available NHS staff discounts. It is designed to help IMGs plan their move, manage costs, and settle smoothly into life in the UK.
General guides
Moving to a new country can be challenging. This section brings together useful guidance and resources to help your move to the UK and start you NHS practice.
Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)
- The simple guide to living in Britain – Britain Explained
- Moving to the UK – Britain Explained
- Transform your path to becoming a successful doctor in the UK – Road to UK
- Living and working in the UK – The Savvy IMG
- Getting ready for your first visit to the UK as an IMG – The Savvy IMG
- Tips on settling into the NHS as a new IMG – The Savvy IMG
- Cost of living in the United Kingdom – Numbeo
- Police services – Britain Explained
- Getting a UK mobile phone – USwitch
Visas
Most IMGs will be employed on a health and care worker visa when starting NHS employment. The process is typically as follows:
- Your NHS employer makes the initial application for a Certificate of Sponsorship (this will detail the duration of your visa).
- You apply for the visa online (the initial application is usually made using a code issued by Step 1).
- Arrange an ID check.
- Most people receive a decision within 3 weeks, providing there are no issues with the documentation. There is an option to pay a higher fee for a quicker decision.
- If you are in the UK on a visitor visa, you will usually need to leave the UK to apply for your Health and Care Worker visa from abroad.
- You cannot start working until your visa has been approved.
- Your partner/children can apply for dependent visas – these usually last for the duration of your Health and Care Worker visa.
- For queries on the visa application process, contact your NHS employer and/or the Home Office for support.
Resources
Finances and NHS pay
There are various types of bank accounts in the UK. Current accounts are typically used for day-to-day purchases and transactions.
To open a bank account, you will need proof of identity and address (for example, a utility bill). If there are gaps in the documentation you require, your NHS employer may be able to provide a letter to support your application.
Many bank accounts can be opened online. Some require you to make an in-person appointment. You may wish to enquire about fees associated with international payments if you know this is something you will need to access.
- NHS pensions – NHS Business Services Authority
- What is National Insurance? – GOV.UK
- Getting a National Insurance number Salary sacrifice schemes – NHS Employers
- Understanding your NHS payslip – NHS Professionals
- NHS financial wellbeing – NHS England
- NHS financial wellbeing support – Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)
Housing and bills
When securing accommodation, make sure you have a contract and have seen the property before transferring any money. Using a reputable rental agency can help you find suitable accommodation and reduce the risk of scams. Your employing NHS organisation should be able to provide you with information about accommodation in the local area, which may include hospital accommodation.
Resource
Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)
- Renting and buying a property in the UK – Britain Explained
- Renting a home: Step-by-step guide – Zoopla
- RightmoveandZoopla – search property to buy, rent, house prices, estate agents
- SpareRoom – for flat share, house share and rooms for rent
For privately rented accommodation, you may need to set up the utility bills (gas/electricity/water/internet/council tax) when you move in. There can be discounts available if you are the only person renting the accommodation (eg for council tax).
Resources
- Understanding taxes in the UK – GOV.UK
- What is council tax? – Citizens Advice
- Council tax information – MoneyHelper
- TV licensing
- Citizens Advice – free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on rights and responsibilities, including money, benefits, housing, employment and consumer rights.
Independent external link (please note our disclaimer)
Healthcare
Useful information about healthcare services and how to access them.
Resources
Independent external link (please note our disclaimer)
Childcare and schools
In the UK, schools are either government-funded (free to attend) or independent (fee paying). School placements are managed through your local council. You can see how well a school is rated by looking at the Ofsted website.
For pre-school age children, childcare options include nurseries, childminders or creches. There are various options for free early education that are worth exploring.
Resources
Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)
Transport
Information about transport options in the UK, including using public transport and owning a car.
Resources
- Obtaining a driving licence – GOV.UK
- Buy a vehicle: step by step – GOV.UK
- Travelling around Britain – VisitBritain
- Railcards
- Buying a ticket – National Rail
Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)
NHS discounts
Information about a UK discount service for NHS workers.
Independent external link (please note our disclaimer)
Find out more
Explore different sections of resources for IMGs who are planning to start work in the NHS, as well as those already working and training in the UK