Apply for a National Insurance number
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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Apply for a postal or proxy vote
If you cannot go to the polling station, you can vote by post or ask someone you trust to vote for you (a proxy). The rules differ by election and nation.
Apply for a provisional driving licence
You need a provisional licence before you can take driving lessons and tests.
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.
Apply for council housing
Apply to your local council for social housing. Each council has its own rules and waiting list.
Apply for or renew a British passport
Apply for a first British passport, renew one or replace a lost or stolen passport through HM Passport Office.
Apply for probate (confirmation in Scotland)
Probate is the legal right to deal with the money, property and possessions (the 'estate') of someone who has died. Scotland calls it 'confirmation' and Northern Ireland has its own Probate Office, so check the rules for the nation where the person lived.
Arrange child maintenance
Child maintenance is how a child's living costs are shared when one parent does not live with them. Parents can agree it privately or use the Child Maintenance Service. Northern Ireland has its own Child Maintenance Service.
Attendance Allowance
Extra money for people over State Pension age whose disability or health condition means they need help with personal care or supervision. It is not means-tested. In Scotland, apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead.
Become a British citizen
Apply for naturalisation once you meet the residence requirements, then attend a citizenship ceremony.
Become a sole trader (self-employed)
Register with HMRC for Self Assessment, keep records and pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your profits.
Become an apprentice
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, from GCSE level up to degree level. In England you need to be 16 or over and not in full time education. Wales and Northern Ireland have their own schemes.
Book the theory test and the practical driving test
Book your driving theory test and then your practical test only through the official services. Northern Ireland has its own booking services.
Business rates
A local tax on most non-domestic properties, such as shops, offices, warehouses and holiday lets. It is based on the property's rateable value, and small businesses may get relief. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems.
Carer's Allowance
A payment if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they get certain disability benefits. You do not need to be related or live with them. In Scotland, apply for Carer Support Payment instead.
Change the address on your driving licence
You must tell DVLA when you move. It is free online.
Change your name (deed poll)
In England and Wales a deed poll is the legal document that proves a change of name. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own way of recording a name change for people born there.
Check if you need a UK visa
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.
Check MOT history
Check a vehicle's MOT status and history. Useful before buying a used car.
Check or change your tax code
Your employer or pension provider uses your tax code to work out how much Income Tax to take from your pay. A wrong code means you pay too much or too little.
Check which benefits you can get
Free, independent and anonymous calculators listed by the government to estimate your entitlement.
Check your State Pension
See how much State Pension you could get, when you can get it and whether you can fill gaps in your National Insurance record.
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.
Claim a tax refund
If you paid too much tax through your job or pension, HMRC usually sends a tax calculation letter (P800) after the tax year ends. You can also claim for job expenses, savings interest, foreign income and more.
Claim asylum in the UK
If you cannot return to your country because you fear persecution, you can claim asylum. Claim when you arrive or as soon as you think it is unsafe to go back.
Correct a mistake on a birth registration
If something was recorded wrongly when a birth was registered, you can apply to correct it. The original entry stays in the register with a note showing the correct details.
Council tax: bands, discounts and paying
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.
Domestic abuse: get help
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you cannot speak and are calling from a mobile, press 55. Free, confidential helplines are open 24 hours a day in every nation.
Drive on a foreign licence or exchange it
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.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
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.
EU Settlement Scheme
For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and eligible joining family members.
Eviction: what your landlord must do
In most private tenancies the landlord must follow strict rules to end your tenancy: a valid reason, the right notice and, if you do not leave, a court order. Only court bailiffs can then evict you. Illegal eviction and harassment are offences. The rules differ in each nation, and if you live with your landlord you have less protection.
eVisa: view and prove your immigration status
Your immigration status is now digital. Create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and get share codes for employers, landlords and others.
File company accounts and the confirmation statement
Every private limited company must file annual accounts with Companies House, a Company Tax Return with HMRC and a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.
Find a job
The government's job search service, plus New Style Jobseeker's Allowance if you have worked as an employee and paid enough National Insurance.
Find an NHS dentist
NHS dental care is available but not free for most adults. In England you do not register with a dentist the way you do with a GP: you contact a practice and ask for an NHS appointment.
Find out who owns a property (Land Registry)
Look up a property in England or Wales, even if you do not own it: owner, last sale price, mortgage and boundaries. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own registers.
Find your local council
Many everyday services are run by your local council: bins, parking permits, school places, council tax and housing.
Free school meals
Children can get free school meals if their family gets certain benefits. In England, from the 2026 to 2027 school year any family on Universal Credit qualifies, and all infants in reception to year 2 get them. In Scotland, all children in primary 1 to 5 at council schools get free lunches.
Get a basic criminal record check
Employers or landlords sometimes ask for a basic check. England and Wales use DBS, Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI.
Get a British passport for your child
Children under 16 get a child passport, valid for 5 years. Someone with parental responsibility applies, and the child must have British nationality.
Get a divorce or end a civil partnership
Divorce and dissolution go through the courts and the process is different in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales it normally takes at least 7 months.
Get married or form a civil partnership
You must give notice at a register office before a marriage or civil partnership. Non-British nationals may have extra requirements depending on their immigration status.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Free card for UK residents covering state healthcare during temporary stays in the EU and some other countries. Beware of sites charging for it.
Global Talent visa
For leaders or potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Most people need an endorsement first; winners of an eligible prize can apply directly.
GOV.UK One Login
The single sign-in that a growing number of government services use. You may need to prove your identity with a photo ID.
Graduate visa
Lets you stay in the UK for at least 18 months after successfully completing an eligible UK degree or course on a Student visa. You must apply from inside the UK.
Health and Care Worker visa
For qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and adult social care professionals with a job offer from an approved UK employer in the NHS, an NHS supplier or adult social care.
Healthy Start: help to buy food, milk and vitamins
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 and get certain benefits, you can get a prepaid card to buy milk, fruit, vegetables, pulses and infant formula, plus free vitamins. In Scotland the equivalent is Best Start Foods.
Help if you are homeless or about to lose your home
In England your council must help if you are homeless or will be within 8 weeks. You can be legally homeless without sleeping on the street, for example if you are locked out, at risk of violence or living in very poor conditions.
Help with childcare costs
Tax-Free Childcare and free childcare hours for eligible families. Check what you can get before booking a nursery.
HMRC personal tax account
Check your tax code, income, National Insurance record and update your details with HMRC online.
Holiday entitlement and holiday pay
Almost all workers, including part-time and agency workers, have a legal right to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year. Your employer can count bank holidays as part of it.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
Help paying rent and council tax if you are on a low income. New Housing Benefit claims are mainly for people over State Pension age or in supported, sheltered or temporary housing; most people get help with rent through Universal Credit instead.
Immigration health surcharge (IHS)
Most visa applicants pay the IHS as part of the visa application. It gives access to the NHS in the same way as residents.
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.
Jury service
People on the electoral register can be chosen at random for jury service. If you get a summons, you must reply. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems.
Legal aid
Legal aid can pay for legal advice and for someone to represent you at a court or tribunal if you cannot afford it. The rules are different in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Legalise a UK document (apostille)
To use a UK document such as a birth certificate abroad, you may need an apostille from the FCDO Legalisation Office.
Make a claim to an employment tribunal
If an employer treated you unlawfully, for example unfair dismissal, discrimination or unpaid wages, you can claim at an employment tribunal. You must contact the conciliation service first. Northern Ireland has industrial tribunals.
Make a court claim for money (small claims)
If a person or business owes you money, you can claim it through the county court in England and Wales. Scotland uses 'simple procedure' at the sheriff court and Northern Ireland has its own small claims process.
Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (and the Scottish and NI equivalents)
A power of attorney lets you choose people you trust to make decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) only works in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems.
Make a will
A will sets out who gets your money, property and possessions and who looks after your children. The rules for a valid will are different in Scotland.
Marriage Allowance
If you are married or in a civil partnership and earn less than your Personal Allowance, you can transfer part of it to your partner so they pay less tax. Couples who only live together cannot claim.
Maternity and paternity leave and pay
Employees can take up to 52 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave and up to 2 weeks of Paternity Leave. Statutory pay depends on how long you have worked for your employer and how much you earn.
National Minimum Wage and Living Wage
The current legal minimum hourly rates by age and for apprentices. The rates change every 1 April.
NHS 111: urgent medical help
For urgent problems that are not emergencies. In an emergency, call 999.
NHS App
Book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and see your health record. Available once you are registered with a GP in England.
NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 and HC3 certificates)
If you have a low income you can get full help (HC2 certificate) or partial help (HC3) with prescriptions, dental treatment, eye care, travel to hospital and more. You do not need to apply if you already get a benefit that gives you full help.
NHS vaccinations for children (and catching up)
The NHS offers free vaccines to babies, children and teenagers on a set schedule, and some to adults. If your child missed a vaccine, for example because you have just moved to the UK, your GP can help them catch up.
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.
Order a birth, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate
Get an official copy of a certificate for an event registered in the UK. Each nation has its own register office, so order from the one where the event was registered.
Pay the Dart Charge and London driving charges
The Dartford Crossing charge, London's Congestion Charge and ULEZ are paid separately and you can get a fine if you pay late. Pay only through GOV.UK or TfL.
Pension Credit
Extra money for people over State Pension age on a low income. It also opens the door to other help, such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and help with NHS costs. You can qualify even if you own your home or have savings.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Help with extra living costs for people aged 16 to State Pension age with a long-term health condition or disability. In Scotland it has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment.
Photo ID to vote in person
You need photo ID to vote in person in some elections, including UK general elections. If you have no accepted ID, you can get a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Prescription charges, free prescriptions and prepayment certificates
Prescriptions are free in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in Wales if your GP is in Wales. In England most adults pay a charge for each item unless they are exempt. If you need many items, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) can work out cheaper.
Prove your right to work
Employers must check that you can work in the UK before you start. If you have an eVisa, you give them a share code.
Register a birth
Every baby born in the UK must be registered. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you have 42 days; in Scotland, 21 days.
Register a death
A death must usually be registered within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). Tell Us Once lets you inform most government departments in one go.
Register a stillbirth
A stillbirth must be registered by law. You have 42 days in England and Wales, 21 days in Scotland and up to 1 year in Northern Ireland. You can give your baby a name in the register.
Register as an employer (PAYE)
Before you pay staff, register with HMRC as an employer to get your PAYE reference. Limited companies must register even if the only person paid is a single director.
Register for VAT
You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover goes over the threshold. You can also register voluntarily.
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.
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.
Renew your licence at 70 or a medical licence
From 70 you must renew your licence every 3 years. Short term licences issued because of a medical condition also need renewing before they expire.
Renting privately and deposit protection
Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. In England and Wales the landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme. Since 1 May 2026 most private tenancies in England are rolling assured periodic tenancies with no end date.
Repay your student loan
You only repay when your income is over the threshold for your repayment plan, starting the April after you leave your course. Most people repay through their salary. You must tell the Student Loans Company if you leave the UK for more than 3 months.
Report a crime
Report a crime to the police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, call 999.
Report a lost or stolen British passport
Cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible so nobody else can use it, then apply for a replacement. If you are abroad and need to travel urgently, there is an emergency travel document.
Report a pothole or road problem
Local roads are looked after by your council. Major roads in England, Northern Ireland roads and Scottish council roads each have their own reporting service.
Report fraud or a scam (Report Fraud)
Report Fraud, run by City of London Police, replaced Action Fraud in December 2025 as the national service for reporting fraud and cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland.
Research your family history
Search the official indexes of births, marriages and deaths and order historic certificates to build your family tree. Each UK nation keeps its own records.
Right to Buy your council home
In England most secure council tenants who have had a public sector landlord for 3 years can buy their home at a discount. In Northern Ireland, Housing Executive tenants have a similar House Sales Scheme. There are different rules in Wales and Scotland.
Right to Rent checks
In England, landlords must check that tenants can legally rent before the tenancy starts. With an eVisa you give the landlord a share code.
Self Assessment tax return
Needed if you are self-employed or have income not taxed at source. Register by 5 October after the tax year; the online deadline is 31 January.
Set up a limited company
Register a company with Companies House and search the official company register.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If you are an employee and too ill to work, your employer pays you Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks. Your contract may give you more, never less.
Student finance
Tuition fee and maintenance loans for higher education. Eligibility depends on residence and immigration status. Students from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland apply to their own body.
Support for children with special educational needs (SEND)
If your child has special educational needs or a disability, the school or nursery must support them. In England, children with more complex needs can get an education, health and care (EHC) plan from the council. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own systems.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
A one-off payment you do not pay back, usually for your first child (or a multiple birth), if you or your partner get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related ESA. In Scotland, apply for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.
Take a vehicle off the road (SORN)
If you keep a vehicle off the road and untaxed, for example in a garage, you must tell DVLA with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
Tuberculosis (TB) test for visa applicants
If you are coming for more than 6 months from certain countries, you need a TB test at an approved clinic before applying.
TV Licence
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.
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income or out of work. Eligibility depends on your immigration status.
Update your UKVI account details
Keep your UKVI account up to date when you change passport, name, phone, email or address, so your eVisa and share codes work and you are not delayed at the border.
Urgent help for your mental health
If you or someone else needs urgent mental health help, the NHS has phone lines staffed by mental health professionals. If a life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E.
Vehicle log book (V5C) and registering a vehicle
The V5C log book shows who the registered keeper of a vehicle is. Get it updated when you buy or sell, and replace it if it is lost or damaged.
Vehicle tax
Tax your vehicle before using it on the road, even if it costs nothing.
View or share your driving licence information
Check your driving record, penalty points and the vehicles you can drive, and create a 'check code' to share it, for example with a car hire company. For licences issued in England, Wales or Scotland.
Workplace pensions
Most employers must enrol you automatically in a workplace pension. You and your employer both contribute.
Youth Mobility Scheme visa
Lets young people from certain countries live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. The age limit is 18 to 30 or 18 to 35 depending on your nationality.