Please do not send your application by post
Submit your application online. If you make your application in Word send it to us by email.
If you need to apply for registration as a new provider of care, this guide explains what you'll need to do.
If you intend to provide services to people living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
You should contact the respective regulatory authority or authorities to check whether you also need to register with them.
- Scotland: Health Improvement Scotland
- Wales: Health Inspectorate Wales
- Northern Ireland: The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority
You may need to apply because you're starting a new service that will be regulated by us. For example, you may need to register a new care home, hospital, dental surgery, GP practice or home care agency. Or you may need to register because of a change in the legal entity that runs your existing services.
- Before you apply
- How long it takes to register
- DBS checks
- Supporting documents
- Statement of purpose
- References and financial viability
- The application process
We may prioritise your application if your service is critical to increasing capacity in the health and social care system or supporting recovery. Read about urgent applications.
NHS trusts
To apply to register an NHS trust, please contact our National Customer Service Centre on 03000 61 61 61 or email enquiries@cqc.org.uk.
If you are a new provider of NHS health care services, you can apply for registration and NHS Improvement's provider licence at the same time. Find out more in joint licensing and registration.
Further information
Find out whether you need to register
Pre-application advice
After you have read this application guidance: if you have any further questions about an application you intend to make, contact us.
Tell us:
- you want pre-application registration advice
- the type of activity (service) you intend to register for
- where you and the service will be based (town/country/region)
We will respond within 3 working days.