After arriving in the UK, it is easy to focus on work and unpacking while overlooking bills and paperwork. Start with the things you need immediately: a safe home, a way to prove your right to work and access to everyday services.
This is a suggested order for getting organised, rather than a list of statutory deadlines. The steps that apply to you depend on your immigration status, tenancy and whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Information checked on 3 October 2026.
Check your home and take meter readings
When you collect the keys, inspect the property and its contents. Photograph existing damage and meter readings, recording your move-in date. Compare the property with the inventory and tell your landlord or agent about discrepancies in writing. Keep your tenancy agreement, deposit receipt and information about the deposit protection arrangements that apply in your part of the UK.
Find out which bills are included in the rent and who is responsible for the others. If you pay for gas or electricity yourself, contact the existing supplier with your move-in date and opening readings. For a prepayment meter, ask how to set it up for a new occupier. In Great Britain, Ofgem’s household guidance can help; Northern Ireland has a separate energy market.
Contact the council about local property charges
In England, Wales and Scotland, check your Council Tax position with the local council. GOV.UK explains reporting a move in England and Wales, while mygov.scot covers registration in Scotland. If you rent a room, share a property or may qualify for an exemption, do not assume the bill must be in your name. Ask who is liable and which discounts or reductions apply.
Northern Ireland uses domestic rates. Whether the tenant or landlord pays depends on factors including the property’s capital value and relevant arrangements. See nidirect’s guidance for rental properties. UK4U also has a guide to Council Tax.
Organise your right-to-work evidence and National Insurance number
Before starting a job, prepare the right-to-work evidence appropriate to your immigration status. If you use an eVisa, make sure you can access your UKVI account and that your details are correct. UKVI advises updating your address, phone number, email and travel document details when they change. Keep access to the contact details used to sign in.
A National Insurance number is not permission to work. You can start work before receiving it if you can prove your right to work. Applications are for people living in the UK who have that right and are working, looking for work or have a job offer. If you already have a number, it stays with you for life: do not apply for another one.
Choose an account for everyday banking
Check the bank’s document requirements before applying. A passport, tenancy agreement or employer’s letter may help, but banks accept different evidence and approval is not guaranteed. MoneyHelper explains possible alternatives when you lack a standard document.
Compare fees, salary payments, Direct Debits and the cost of sending money to Poland. Keep documents showing your correct address. For more on your financial history, read UK4U’s guide to credit reports and credit scores.
Register with a GP surgery
Look for a surgery before you become unwell. In England, GP registration does not require ID, proof of address, evidence of immigration status or an NHS number. You provide basic personal details. Extra documents may be requested for other purposes, such as establishing that you are a child’s parent or guardian.
Registering with a GP does not automatically establish entitlement to free hospital treatment. The official NHS entitlements guide explains the position for migrants in England. Check the local arrangements elsewhere in the UK; Scotland has NHS inform’s registration guidance. Have a list of medicines and any important medical records ready.
Work through the remaining practical tasks
- Check broadband and mobile coverage before taking a long contract. UK4U’s internet guide explains what to consider.
- Check whether your viewing habits require a TV Licence.
- If you have children, contact the local body responsible for school admissions.
- If you hold driver documents issued by DVLA, follow the DVLA address-change checklist. Your driving licence, V5C and vehicle tax Direct Debit details need separate updates. DVA handles driving licences in Northern Ireland. Check the rules on using a Polish licence separately.
Finally, keep your tenancy documents, bills, employment paperwork and registration confirmations together. A short task list and consistent address details across services will make the following months easier to manage.
Main sources
- GOV.UK: National Insurance numbers, UKVI account updates, Council Tax and DVLA address changes — linked in the relevant sections.
- NHS and NHS inform: GP registration; GOV.UK: NHS entitlements.
- MoneyHelper: bank account identification requirements.
- mygov.scot, nidirect and Ofgem: local property charges and energy services.