10th December 2025

UK Essentials guide for overseas teachers

Relocating to the UK as a teacher is exciting, but there are a few important essentials to get sorted first. From opening a bank account and getting a National Insurance number to registering with a GP and setting up utilities, this guide covers everything you need to settle in smoothly and start teaching with confidence.

Open a UK bank account

Setting up a UK bank account is one of the first steps when moving to the UK, as it’s essential for receiving your salary, paying rent, and managing everyday bills. You have the option of choosing between traditional high-street banks or newer online banks, which often offer quicker setups and are particularly convenient for newcomers.

Traditional banks:

• Barclays
• Lloyds
• HSBC
• NatWest

Online banks:

• Monzo
• Starling Bank
• Revolut

To open an account, you’ll typically need proof of identity, such as your passport, and proof of address, which could be a tenancy agreement, a letter from your employer, or documentation from HMRC.

Tip: Some banks will accept an employment letter confirming your address if you don’t yet have utility bills in your name, making it easier to get started right away.

Applying for your DBS

A DBS check, short for Disclosure and Barring Service check, is a crucial requirement for anyone working with children or vulnerable adults in the UK. It ensures the safety and protection of those in your care and is legally required before you can gain access to any school premises.

To apply, you’ll typically come through our recruitment agency or your school, who will guide you through the process.

The steps usually include:

• Completing the online application form
• Providing identity documents, including proof of your UK address
• Submitting your application, after which processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on local policy processing times
• Registering with the DBS Update Service to make future checks easier

What You’ll Need:

• Proof of identity: passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate with full name
• Proof of address: bank statement

Tip: The DBS certificate will be mailed to you. It’s important to bring the hard copy to your school or for all of your supply bookings, as digital copies are not always accepted.

Get a UK SIM card or mobile plan

Sorting out a UK mobile number is another key step when relocating, as you’ll need it for internet banking, job applications, housing, and day-to-day communication. You can choose between flexible pay-as-you-go options or SIM-only monthly plans if you already have an unlocked phone and want a cheaper deal.

Types of mobile plans:

• Pay As You Go: No contract, ideal if you want flexibility or are staying short-term
• SIM-Only monthly contract: Usually cheaper, great if you already own an unlocked phone

Popular UK mobile providers:

• Budget Networks: giffgaff, Lebara, VOXI
• Mainstream Networks: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three

Tip: Giffgaff and Lebara are especially popular with expats because they’re easy to set up online and offer affordable international calling options.

Register with a GP (Doctor)

Registering with a local GP (General Practitioner) is an important step in accessing healthcare through the NHS (National Health Service). While emergency care is always available, you’ll need to be registered with a GP for routine medical appointments, prescriptions, and referrals.

How to register:

• Use the NHS GP Finder to locate a surgery near your home
• Register online or by visiting the practice in person
• Provide proof of identity and proof of address when applying

Tip: Always bring your NHS number if you have one, and keep a copy of your registration confirmation. This can make booking appointments and receiving prescriptions much easier.

Set Up Council Tax & Utilities

Setting up your council tax and utilities is an essential step when moving into a new UK home. Council tax is usually paid monthly to your local council and is based on your property’s valuation band. Before setting up, check whether your landlord or flatmates already cover it, as it is sometimes included in the rent. You can register and manage your payments through your local council’s website.
Utilities to set up

• Gas & electric: Use comparison sites like uSwitch or MoneySuperMarket to find the best deal
• Water: Supplied by your local water company (you typically cannot choose a provider)
• Internet/Wi-Fi: Popular providers include BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and TalkTalk

Tip: Always take meter readings when you move in and notify your providers. This helps avoid being charged for previous usage and ensures accurate billing.

TV Licence

If you watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer, you legally need a TV Licence in the UK. It costs around £169.50 a year and can be managed online.
You may still need a licence even if you’re not watching on a TV; devices like laptops, phones, tablets and games consoles can also apply. Visit the link to see the full list of when a licence is required.

Get a National Insurance (NI) number

A National Insurance (NI) number is essential for working legally and paying taxes in the UK. Depending on your visa or residency status, you may be assigned one automatically. If not, you can apply for an NI number online here.

Tip: Keep your NI number safe once you receive it, as you’ll need it for jobs, tax records, and accessing certain government services.

Register with HMRC

While your school may handle some of the setup, it’s important to ensure you’re registered with HMRC for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax. To do this, you’ll need:

• Your NI number
• A P45 from your previous job (if applicable)
• Or complete a new starter checklist (ask your school for this)

Tip: Double-check that your tax code is correct when you start, as this ensures you pay the right amount of tax from your first paycheck.

Bonus tip: Keep these documents handy

It’s a good idea to have both physical and digital copies of important documents ready when moving to the UK or starting work. Key documents to keep handy include:

• Passport & Visa (including sharecode if applicable)
• Proof of address (e.g., tenancy agreement)
• Employment contract
• DBS certificate
• Overseas criminal background checks
• Teaching qualifications and references

Tip: Having these documents easily accessible can save time during onboarding, applications, or any official checks.

Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We support overseas teachers with DBS applications and finding the right school placements, helping you start your UK teaching journey smoothly. Register with us today and take the first step towards teaching in the UK with confidence!