Updated on: 02/13/2026
This guide was written by the Editorial Team at emigrantes.eu, based strictly on official sources (GOV.UK, Home Office, HMRC, and NHS) and updated as of February 2026 to ensure the accuracy of the information.
Official Guide to Immigration Procedures in the United Kingdom
Welcome to the guide on official procedures to follow in the UK. Here you will find step-by-step explanations of the essential procedures for settling in: applying for a National Insurance Number (NIN), registering with a general practitioner (GP), opening a bank account, registering for Council Tax, verifying your right to work, and the first steps toward finding employment.
All information is presented in Spanish and tailored for those arriving for work, study, or family reunification. You’ll find requirements, necessary documents, deadlines, and official links updated for 2025.
The goal is to help you complete your paperwork from home without making common mistakes that delay employment, medical care, or the validation of your residency.
Choose a procedure
How to complete the procedures with your personal advisor and fill out the official forms:
- Select the “procedure” you need
- Click “Go to the official procedure” to open the actual procedure page in a new tab.
- Return to this page and click “View step-by-step guide” to follow the self-guided instructions while filling out the official form.
- We’ve left the fields to be filled out in their original language so you can easily match them with the official form.
- Official websites of government agencies and public administrations in the relevant country.
- Institutional portals for immigration, taxation, social security, and public services.
- Official documentation published by ministries, state agencies, and competent authorities.
Specific sources may vary depending on the country and the procedure. It is always recommended to verify the information directly with the relevant official agency.
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User: “I want to renew my TIE while living in France.”
AE: “Here are the documents, an explanation of the EX-17 form, and completed examples.”
User: “I need a criminal record certificate.”
AE: “I’ll walk you through it step by step and show you how to fill out the application.”
User: “I don’t understand what to put on my tax return.”
AE: “Here’s the 2025 Income Tax Guide explained field by field.”
Related procedures and guides in other countries
If you’re considering other destinations or need to compare procedures, below you’ll find guides on equivalent administrative procedures in other countries, explained step-by-step and based on official sources.

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Settling in the UK requires completing several administrative processes, especially following the changes after Brexit. With this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for a NIN, what you need to register with a GP, how British bank accounts work, and in which cases you must pay or declare Council Tax. We also explain the types of permits and residency statuses, the right to work, and how to prove your identity through official verification systems.
We provide clear information on how to fill out official forms, register your address correctly, and avoid mistakes that could affect your benefits, taxes, or access to the healthcare system. All the information has been simplified so you can complete the procedures quickly and securely.
What are the first official procedures in the UK?
You must apply for your National Insurance Number (NIN), register with a general practitioner (GP), open a bank account, and provide your address for Council Tax.
What is a National Insurance Number?
It is the number required to work legally and pay contributions in the UK. You can apply online or by mail, depending on your situation.
Is it mandatory to register with a GP?
Yes. To access the NHS, you need to register with a general practitioner (GP). It’s free and usually requires proof of address and identification.
What is Council Tax and when do I have to pay it?
Council Tax is the local tax associated with housing. You must register when you move in; the cost depends on the local council and the type of property.
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