Working as a doctor in the United Kingdom
Despite Brexit causing concern and adding complications for overseas doctors wanting to work in the United Kingdom, it still remains one of the best career destinations worldwide for medical professionals.
How to work in the United Kingdom as a Doctor
To work as a doctor in the United Kingdom, all doctors must obtain registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and licence to practice. The exact requirements for registration will depend on several factors, like nationality, the country of your primary medical qualification and any postgraduate training.
The first step is checking that you possess an acceptable primary medical qualification to apply for registration. Find out about joining the GMC register.
The whole process can take between 1 to 3 months but you must allow yourself plenty of time to complete everything and adhere to any deadlines.
*If you wish to work in the UK as a General Practitioner (GP) then you must also join the GP register.
- PMQ and EPIC verification - Checked and accepted by GMC
- English Proficiency - IELTS Academic 7.5 or above or OET Medicine grade B
- Proof of Clinical Knowledge – PLAB, Postgraduate qualification, Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)
- Evidence of Acceptable Internship or two years of continuous work practice evidence after graduation
- 5-year activity record – medical work, clinical attachments, periods of unemployment or study leave
- Certificate of good standing – You will need to provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority you've been registered or licensed with in the last five years. Each certificate is only valid for 3 months
- ID Check – Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to book an identity check within 6 months. This takes place in either Manchester or London. Guidelines on the identity checking process can change at any time due to Covid-19, please visit the GMC for the latest guidelines.
Key Country Facts
Currency: £ – British Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Consultative and confidential discussions to understand your key area of expertise, aspirations, and career goals and search for the clients that would meet your criteria.
- Consultation on the employment package and compensation structure, as well as other related information including relocation and living in Singapore.
- Step-by-step guidance in the completion of your medical practice licenses, employment passes, and other documents as required by local regulation.
Salary and Tax
Typical salary expectations as of January 2021 and based on a 40 hour week. Enhancements are often offered for nights/weekends/on-call.
Foundation (FY1 and FY2): £28,243 to £32,691
Speciality doctor basic salary: £41,158 to £76,751
Doctors working in the NHS will typically take home between £2,000 and £4,500 per month. It largely depends on the level of seniority and the number of hours worked.
For Tax In the UK, most people have a ‘personal allowance’ (an amount up to which you can earn and not be taxed). If your annual salary is higher than this amount, you will pay tax at a rate which is determined by how much you earn.
Foundation (FY1 and FY2): £28,243 to £32,691
Speciality doctor basic salary: £41,158 to £76,751
Doctors working in the NHS will typically take home between £2,000 and £4,500 per month. It largely depends on the level of seniority and the number of hours worked.
For Tax In the UK, most people have a ‘personal allowance’ (an amount up to which you can earn and not be taxed). If your annual salary is higher than this amount, you will pay tax at a rate which is determined by how much you earn.