It is not necessary for expats to register with any particular organisation upon arrival in London. All visas and work permits must be secured prior to arrival. Information regarding the different types of visas available, how to apply for a visa, and the cost of visas can be found on the Home Office's UK Border Agency web site: www.ukvisas.gov.uk.

A National Identity Scheme was introduced in 2008. ID cards for foreign nationals became available in 2008, and British citizens should be issued with ID cards in 2009. To be eligible for an ID card, you must be over the age of 16 and have been a resident of the U.K. for at least three months. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) is responsible for issuing ID cards. Information about ID cards, including how to apply for one, can be found at the following web site: www.ips.gov.uk/identity.

It may be necessary for some expats to apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN) before starting work or claiming public benefits. Information about NINs can be found at the official web site for the Department of Work and Pensions.

Directgov (www.direct.gov.uk) is a very useful web site that provides information on a variety of public services available in the U.K., including employment, taxes, health services, education, and motoring, among many others. Links to local councils and registry offices, where expats can obtain parking permits and register marriages, births, and deaths, can be found on the Directgov web site.

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