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Newcomers Guide

Welcome home to Northern Ireland

Practical, step-by-step guidance for settling in — from registering with a GP to finding your nearest kababayan.

  1. 1

    Register with a GP (HSC)

    Healthcare in Northern Ireland is run by Health and Social Care (HSC), not NHS England. Register with a local GP practice using your BRP/eVisa share code and proof of address. You'll receive a Health & Care Number by post.

    nidirect: Registering with a GP
  2. 2

    Get a National Insurance number

    You need a NI number to work and pay tax. Check your BRP or eVisa first — it may already be printed. Otherwise apply online through GOV.UK.

    GOV.UK: Apply for a NI number
  3. 3

    Find a home

    Most newcomers rent privately. Landlords must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme and protect your deposit within 28 days. Social housing is through the Housing Executive (NIHE).

    NIHE: Housing advice
  4. 4

    Enrol your children in school

    School places are applied for through the Education Authority. Applications for P1 and Year 8 open in January; in-year transfers can be made anytime.

    Education Authority NI
  5. 5

    Getting around

    Translink runs Metro buses in Belfast, Ulsterbus and NI Railways. Get a Smartlink or use contactless. You can drive on a Philippine licence for 12 months, then must pass the NI test.

    Translink
  6. 6

    Consular services

    The Philippine Embassy in London covers Northern Ireland. Passports, dual citizenship and civil registry (births, marriages) are handled by appointment or at outreach missions in Belfast.

    Philippine Embassy London
  7. 7

    Emergency & welfare support

    Emergencies: 999. Non-emergency police: 101. Out-of-hours GP via your practice. For workplace problems, debt or immigration advice, contact Citizens Advice NI or reach out to us in confidence.

    Advice NI