The United Kingdom recruits large numbers of international doctors, but medicine is regulated, so you must register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and hold a licence to practise. Registration and immigration are separate steps.

In short: to work as a doctor in the United Kingdom, you need GMC registration - usually through the PLAB test, or an approved postgraduate or sponsorship route- plus English (IELTS Academic or OET), and the Skilled Worker visa on the Health and Care Worker route; registration alone is not permission to work.

Step 1: Register with the GMC

International medical graduates join the GMC register with an acceptable primary medical qualification and, in most cases, the PLAB test, or an approved postgraduate or sponsorship route. The PLAB test has two parts: a written test taken overseas and a practical exam (OSCE) taken in the UK. You also prove English through IELTS Academic or the OET, and your qualification is verified through the Intealth (MyIntealth) service. EEA qualifications are recognised on a qualification basis rather than nationality.

Step 2: Get the Right to Work

GMC registration is not permission to work. You also need the Skilled Worker visa on the Health and Care Worker route, which requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer; the Health and Care Worker route is designed for eligible medical roles. Consultants must be on the GMC specialist register, often through the CESR route for those trained abroad.

Language and Documents

You will need your medical degree and transcripts, evidence of internship and experience, a certificate of good standing, identity documents, and evidence of English proficiency. Strong English is essential for both registration and safe practice.

Salary, Specialisation, and Demand

Doctors’ pay in the United Kingdom follows national or collective agreements and varies by grade, region, and experience; specialists earn more than junior doctors. You specialise through structured postgraduate training after full registration. Demand for doctors is strong across much of Europe, so confirm the salary, hours, and contract in writing before accepting a post.

Avoiding Scams

Use only official regulators and ethical recruiters. Legitimate employers and agencies never charge a doctor upfront placement fees; if anyone asks you to pay to be placed, treat it as a likely scam and verify the employer and the General Medical Council (GMC) through official channels.

Official Sources

Confirm current rules with the General Medical Council (GMC) and the United Kingdom immigration authority, as procedures, exams, language levels, and fees can change.