Moving to the United Kingdom is a life-changing event that involves a complex transition. The first seven days are often the most intense, as you move from being a visitor to a resident. To help you navigate this period, this checklist is organised by risk and urgency. We prioritise tasks that secure your legal status and safety first, followed by the financial and social foundations required for a stable life.
| Priority Level | Task Category | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Critical (Day 1-2) | Legal & Safety | Verify eVisa/BRP, SIM card, Emergency contacts |
| High (Day 3-4) | Financial | Open bank account, Apply for NI Number |
| Essential (Day 5-6) | Health & Home | GP registration, Council Tax, Utilities |
| Stability (Day 7+) | Community | School admissions, Local services, Long-term roadmap |
Day 1-2: Legal Identity and Connectivity
Your first 48 hours should focus on ensuring you can be contacted and that your right to be in the UK is fully documented. Without a phone number and digital proof of status, many other tasks-such as banking and renting-become significantly harder.
1. Secure a UK SIM Card
Communication is your most important tool. While you may have an international roaming plan, a UK mobile number is often required for two-factor authentication (2FA) with banks, the NHS, and government services. For your first week, a 'Pay As You Go' (PAYG) SIM is usually the best option as it does not require a credit check or a long-term contract. Providers like Giffgaff, VOXI, or LycaMobile often provide SIM cards at airports, local newsagents, or via quick mail delivery.
2. Verify Your Digital Status (eVisa)
The UK is transitioning to a 'digital by default' immigration system. Most newcomers arriving in 2024 and beyond will use an eVisa rather than a physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You must log into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to ensure your status is active. If you were issued a physical BRP, check the instructions in your decision letter regarding collection from a designated Post Office. Note that most BRPs expire on 31 December 2024, after which you must use the digital system.
3. Understand Emergency Services
In the UK, the primary emergency number for police, ambulance, or fire services is 999. For non-emergency medical issues, you should call 111, and for non-emergency police matters (such as reporting a theft that has already happened), call 101. Knowing these numbers immediately provides a safety net for you and your family.
4. Set Up Transport
If you are in London, you can use a contactless bank card or an Oyster card for all public transport. Outside of London, transport systems vary by city. Many regions use apps (such as First Bus or Stagecoach) or allow contactless payments on board. Avoid using cash for transport where possible, as many UK bus services are now 'cashless'.
Day 3-4: Financial Foundations
Once you are connected and your status is verified, you must establish a way to receive and spend money. This is also the time to begin the process of joining the UK tax system.
1. Open a Bank Account
Traditional high-street banks (like Barclays, Lloyds, or HSBC) often require a 'proof of address' (such as a utility bill in your name), which can be difficult to obtain in your first week. To get started quickly, many newcomers use 'challenger' or digital banks like Monzo, Starling, or Revolut. These banks typically allow you to open an account using a smartphone app and your passport or BRP. Having a UK bank account is essential for receiving a salary and setting up 'Direct Debits' for bills.
2. Apply for a National Insurance (NI) Number
An NI number is required to ensure your tax and National Insurance contributions are recorded correctly. You can apply for this online via GOV.UK. You will need your passport and proof of your right to work (such as your eVisa share code). While you can start working without an NI number, having one prevents you from being placed on an 'emergency tax' code, which could result in a higher portion of your salary being deducted initially.
3. The 'Right to Rent' Check
If you are looking for long-term housing, landlords are legally required to check your immigration status. You can generate a 'share code' from the GOV.UK 'View and Prove' service. This code allows a landlord to verify your right to live in the UK without needing to see your physical passport or visa documents for an extended period.
Day 5-6: Healthcare and Local Responsibility
The middle of your first week is the time to register with local services that protect your health and ensure you are meeting your legal obligations as a resident.
1. Register with a GP (General Practitioner)
In the UK, your primary healthcare is managed by a GP. Registration is free and is not dependent on your immigration status or having a permanent home. You should find a GP surgery near your home using the NHS website. While some surgeries may ask for ID or proof of address to help find your medical records, they cannot legally refuse to register you if you do not have them. Do not wait until you are sick to register; the process can take several days to complete.
2. Register for Council Tax
Council Tax is a mandatory fee paid to your local authority to fund services like rubbish collection, street lighting, and schools. As soon as you move into a property (whether renting or buying), you must notify the local council. You can find your council by entering your postcode on GOV.UK. If you live alone, you may be eligible for a 25% 'Single Person Discount'. Students are often exempt, but you must still notify the council to claim the exemption.
3. Set Up Utilities
If you are moving into a rental property, take photos of the electricity, gas, and water meters on the day you move in. Contact the current suppliers to set up an account in your name. This ensures you are only charged for the energy you use and provides you with a 'utility bill', which is a powerful piece of evidence for 'proof of address' in future applications.
Day 7: Education and Long-term Planning
By the end of your first week, the immediate 'emergency' tasks should be under control. Now you can look toward the needs of your family and your long-term future in the UK.
1. School Admissions
If you have children of school age (5-16), you must apply for a school place through your local council. This is known as an 'in-year admission' if you are arriving outside the normal September start. The council will provide a list of schools with available spaces. Note that you do not need to wait for a permanent address to start this conversation with the council, though a local address helps determine which schools are in your 'catchment area'.
2. Local Library and Community Centres
Joining a local library is a free way to access computers, printers, and community information. Libraries often host 'English as a Second Language' (ESOL) groups, toddler playgroups, and job clubs. They are excellent hubs for integration and finding local advice.
3. The Citizenship Roadmap
While your first week is about survival, it is helpful to understand where you sit on the path to permanent residency or British citizenship. Most routes require five years of residency before you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). A key requirement for ILR and citizenship is passing the Life in the UK Test. While this is not an immediate task for your first week, knowing it is a future milestone allows you to keep records of your residency and travel, which will be required for your application years later.
For more detailed guidance on the weeks following your arrival, see our First Month in the UK Checklist. If you are concerned about how accessing services might affect your visa, read our guide on Benefits and Public Funds Risk.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a National Insurance number to start working?
No, you can start work before your National Insurance (NI) number arrives, provided you can prove you have the 'Right to Work' in the UK using a share code or your visa. You should apply for the NI number as soon as possible to ensure you are taxed correctly.
Can I register with a GP if I don't have a permanent address yet?
Yes. According to NHS guidelines, you do not need a permanent address, proof of ID, or immigration status to register with a GP. You can use a temporary address or even the address of the GP surgery itself if you are currently homeless or in temporary accommodation.
What is the fastest way to open a bank account as a newcomer?
Digital-only 'challenger' banks like Monzo, Starling, or Revolut are often the fastest options for newcomers. They typically allow you to open an account via a smartphone app with just your passport and a UK address, without requiring the extensive proof of residency that traditional high-street banks demand.
Is my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) still valid after 2024?
Most physical BRP cards expire on 31 December 2024 as the UK moves to a digital-only eVisa system. If you have a BRP, you must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and prove your status digitally for travel and work after this date.
How do I find out which local council I belong to?
You can find your local council by entering your postcode into the 'Find your local council' tool on the GOV.UK website. This is essential for registering for Council Tax and applying for school places.
What should I do if I lose my passport or visa documents in the first week?
You should report the loss to the police immediately to get a crime reference number. Then, you must notify the Home Office and your country's embassy or consulate in the UK. If you have an eVisa, your status is stored digitally, which provides an extra layer of security if physical documents are lost.
Setting up a new life is a marathon, not a sprint. By following this prioritised checklist, you ensure that your legal, financial, and health foundations are secure, allowing you to focus on the more rewarding aspects of settling into British society. For those looking ahead to settlement, you can begin exploring the British Citizenship Roadmap to understand the long-term requirements for staying in the UK permanently.