GMC registration: routes, documents and fees
GMC registration is entry onto the UK medical register held by the General Medical Council — which, together with a licence to practise, every doctor must hold to treat patients or prescribe in the UK, wherever they qualified.
Last updated 2026-07-11 · figures are indicative snapshots — confirm current values with the source
How does an international doctor register with the GMC?
There are three main routes: passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2; holding a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification (such as MRCP, MRCS or FRCR, which lets you skip PLAB); or, for experienced specialists, specialist or GP registration through the Portfolio Pathway. As of 2026 the GMC full-registration fee (application plus first year) is around £406–£408; a 50% reduction is available to lower-income applicants.
This is free information only, for internationally-qualified doctors who, of their own accord, want to understand the UK registration route. GeraClinic (Gera Services Ltd) is a telemedicine platform, not a recruitment agency: we do not place doctors into UK jobs, we do not actively recruit from countries on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List (which includes Pakistan and Bangladesh), and we never charge you a fee for finding work. You always apply to UK employers yourself, on your own account.
The three registration routes
Most internationally-qualified doctors reach full registration in one of three ways. The route you use depends on your qualifications and experience — the GMC confirms which applies to you.
- PLAB route: pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, then apply for full registration with a licence to practise.
- Recognised postgraduate qualification route: an eligible GMC-approved postgraduate qualification (e.g. certain Royal College memberships) can replace PLAB.
- Specialist / GP registration via the Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR/CEGPR): for doctors who evidence equivalent knowledge, skills and experience through a portfolio rather than a UK training programme.(GMC — Portfolio Pathway (specialist/GP registration))
Source: GMC — full registration for international medical graduates
Documents you need
Your application is evidenced by your qualifications, your standing as a doctor and your identity. Certificates of Good Standing are usually valid for only about three months, so their timing relative to GMC processing matters.
- A primary medical qualification from a school listed in the GMC-recognised World Directory of Medical Schools.
- A Certificate of Good Standing from every regulator you hold or have held registration with (typically valid ~3 months).
- Identity documents, evidence of your internship / clinical experience, and your English-language evidence.
Source: GMC — full registration for international medical graduates
Registration and the licence to practise
Registration and the licence to practise are two separate things: you need both to treat patients or prescribe in the UK, in the NHS or the independent sector. Doctors holding a licence must revalidate (regular appraisals and evidence) to keep it. As of 2026 the GMC set the full-registration fee at around £406–£408, with a 50% discount for applicants whose worldwide income is below the GMC threshold.
- GMC full registration with a licence to practise: approximately £406–£408 as of 2026 (confirm the current fee).
Source: GMC — the licence to practise
Global Doctor Career Map — a personalised roadmap across all three routes
A personalised written roadmap for your specialty and country: remote/telemedicine income now, the UK route (PLAB/GMC timeline and costs) and the GCC route (Prometric/DataFlow timeline and costs) — with a stage-by-stage plan you can work through. Delivered in 48 hours, money-back guarantee. It is an education and career-document service only: we never charge a fee for finding you work.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need PLAB to register with the GMC?+
Not always. PLAB is one route, but if you hold a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification (such as certain Royal College memberships) you may register without sitting PLAB, and experienced specialists can use the Portfolio Pathway. The GMC confirms which route your qualifications allow.
How much is GMC registration in 2026?+
The GMC full-registration fee (which includes your first year of annual retention) is around £406–£408 as of 2026, with a 50% reduction available to lower-income applicants. Fees are revised each year — confirm the current figure on the GMC fees page.
What is the difference between registration and a licence to practise?+
Registration puts you on the medical register; the licence to practise is what actually lets you treat patients and prescribe. You need both, and licensed doctors must revalidate through regular appraisals to keep the licence.
Earn as a telemedicine doctor while you plan your move
GeraClinic is a telemedicine platform where licensed doctors consult patients online. It is free to apply, with no signup or monthly fees — you set your own hours and fee and keep 85% of every consultation while you work through the pathway above.