The UK moves fast and the paperwork is relentless in the first few weeks. Do things in the wrong order and you will hit walls. Here is the correct sequence.
The golden rule: eVisa activated, then GP registration, then NI applied, then bank account, then electoral roll, then council tax, then driving licence.
Your GP registration letter and HMRC NI correspondence are the two most universally accepted forms of proof of address for banks and landlords.
Week 1: Get legal and get health covered
- Activate your UKVI account at gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details. This is where your eVisa lives and how you prove your right to work and rent.
- Register with a GP at nhs.uk. Do this immediately. No proof of address or ID required. The GP surgery sends you a letter — your first UK proof of address.
- Apply for National Insurance number at gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. You can start work without it but apply immediately.
Week 2: Get a home
- Search on Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket. Serviced apartments for the first 4-6 weeks is often smartest while you build paper trail.
- Right to Rent check: share your UKVI status code with your landlord at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status.
- Register for council tax at your local council's website immediately on moving into a property. Generates a proof of address letter.
- Set up energy and broadband. Switch from the default tariff immediately at uswitch.com.
Week 3: Money
- Open a Monzo or Starling account immediately (passport only needed).
- Register on the electoral roll at gov.uk/register-to-vote. The single biggest credit score action you can take.
- Apply for a credit builder card (Aqua, Marbles or Capital One).
Week 4: Transport and identity
- Get an Oyster card at any Tube station or use contactless for the Tube, buses and Elizabeth line.
- Apply to exchange your SA driving licence via DVLA D1 form (see driving licence guide).
- Get a UK SIM card. Giffgaff, Smarty and VOXI are budget-friendly options.
- Check your first payslip carefully. Verify your tax code is 1257L.
30-day checklist
- Week 1 — UKVI account activated
- Week 1 — GP registration completed
- Week 1 — NI number applied for
- Week 2 — Permanent address secured
- Week 2 — Council tax registered
- Week 2 — Energy and broadband switched to best tariff
- Week 3 — UK bank account open (Monzo or Starling)
- Week 3 — Registered on electoral roll
- Week 3 — Credit builder card applied for
- Week 4 — Oyster card or contactless set up
- Week 4 — DVLA driving licence exchange started
- Week 4 — UK SIM card registered