Moving to the UK as a Romanian doctor: start with registration, not with job adverts

For Romanian doctors considering a move to the UK, the first strategic question is not "Which hospital is hiring?" but "Which registration route fits my exact training history?"

The UK system is formal, document-heavy, and unforgiving of gaps. Doctors need GMC registration with a licence to practise before they can work clinically. For many international medical graduates, this means proving that the primary medical qualification is acceptable, demonstrating English language competence, and completing the PLAB/MLA route unless another recognised route applies. A postgraduate qualification may help only if it appears on the GMC's accepted list or is supported by appropriate Royal College evidence.

The second question is level. A doctor may be clinically experienced in Romania but still enter the NHS below consultant level if they are not on the GMC Specialist Register. For specialist or GP recognition, the UK route is usually either completion of approved UK training leading to CCT, or the Portfolio pathway for doctors who can prove equivalence to UK specialist standards. This is not a CV exercise. It is an evidence exercise: logbooks, appraisals, audits, teaching, governance, outcomes, CPD, references, and specialty-specific curriculum mapping.

The third question is immigration. Romanian citizens no longer have automatic work rights in the UK after Brexit unless they hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme or another valid immigration status. Many NHS roles use the Health and Care Worker visa route, but the role, employer sponsorship, salary threshold, and occupation code all matter.

The practical advice is simple: build the UK file before applying widely. Prepare certified diplomas, transcripts, internship evidence, certificates of good standing, English language evidence, employment history, references, appraisal-style documentation, and proof of procedural or specialty experience. Then decide whether the right entry point is FY2-equivalent, trust-grade, specialty training, clinical fellow, SAS, GP, or Portfolio pathway.

A good move to the UK is not just relocation. It is professional translation.

Sources: GMC guidance on acceptable overseas qualifications, PLAB/MLA, full registration, postgraduate qualifications, and the Portfolio pathway; NHS Medical Hub guidance on overseas applicants; GOV.UK Health and Care Worker visa guidance.