NMC Registration Fee Increase 2026: How Much Does It Cost to Maintain Your NMC Registration?

Oct 6

5 min read

For nurses, midwives and nursing associates working towards or maintaining a career in the UK, keeping your professional registration active is essential.

From 1 October 2026, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) annual registration fee increased from £120 to £143. This is the first increase in the NMC's main registration fee in 11 years.

For international nurses planning an NHS career, this is an important reminder that the cost of building and maintaining a UK healthcare career goes beyond exams and registration.

What is the new NMC registration fee?

From 1 October 2026, the standard annual NMC registration fee is:

£143 per year

Previously, the fee was £120 per year.

The increase is £23 annually, equivalent to around £1.92 per month.

The NMC says the increase is intended to support the regulator's financial sustainability and its work to protect the public and regulate the nursing and midwifery professions.

What if my payment notification was issued before 1 October 2026?

The date of your NMC notification matters.

According to the NMC:

Notification before 1 October 2026 → £120
Notification after 1 October 2026 → £143

Your payment is due by your individual fee expiry date, which you can check through your MyNMC account.

Why is the NMC fee important for NHS professionals?

NMC registration isn't simply an administrative requirement.

Nurses and midwives must be registered with the NMC to legally practise in their regulated profession in the UK. Maintaining your registration is therefore an important part of protecting your ability to continue practising.

If you do not pay your fee on time, your registration can automatically lapse. The NMC states that readmission to the register can take between two and six weeks, meaning a missed payment can potentially interrupt your ability to practise.

For healthcare professionals already working in the NHS, keeping track of your registration deadline should therefore be part of your professional planning.

What about international nurses?

For nurses trained outside the UK, the financial planning is more extensive.

The NMC has also increased several fees associated with international registration.

From 1 October 2026:

NMC requirement	Previous fee	New fee
Qualification evaluation	£140	£167
Registration fee	£153	£182
Annual registration fee	£120	£143

The NMC's current guidance states that the total cost of its fees and tests for an overseas-trained nurse or midwife who needs the Test of Competence is now £1,226, before expenses such as visa costs, flights, accommodation and travel in the UK.

This is particularly important for international nurses planning their UK career budget.

Is the NMC fee the only cost of working as a nurse in the UK?

No. The NMC fee is only one part of the overall cost.

Depending on your circumstances, an international nurse may also need to budget for:

English-language requirements
Qualification evaluation
CBT
OSCE
NMC registration
Visa and immigration costs
Travel to the UK
Accommodation
Local transport
Professional expenses
Potential examination or application resits

The NMC currently lists the total fees and tests for an overseas-trained applicant requiring the Test of Competence at £1,226, and specifically notes that this does not include visa, flight, accommodation or UK travel costs.

This is why prospective international nurses should create a realistic financial plan before starting their UK registration journey.

What is the difference between NMC registration and revalidation?

Another important point for nurses is that paying your annual fee and completing revalidation are not the same thing.

The annual fee helps maintain your registration.

Revalidation is a separate process that takes place every three years and requires you to demonstrate that you continue to meet the NMC's requirements.

The NMC explains that professionals need to renew their registration every three years through revalidation, while the annual fee must be paid to maintain registration.

So, simply paying £143 does not mean that all your registration responsibilities are complete.

What should NHS nurses do now?

If you are already registered with the NMC, consider these practical steps:

1. Check your fee expiry date

2. Check your payment method

The NMC allows payment by annual or quarterly Direct Debit, or by credit/debit card.

3. Keep your registration active

Don't assume that your employer will manage your NMC registration for you.

Your professional registration is your responsibility.

4. Keep your revalidation requirements in mind

Your three-year revalidation deadline is separate from your annual fee.

5. Budget for professional development

Maintaining a UK healthcare career involves more than obtaining your first job. Registration, professional development, mandatory training and career progression all require ongoing planning.

What does this mean for nurses planning an NHS career?

The 2026 NMC fee increase is relatively small compared with the overall cost of an international healthcare career.

But it highlights a bigger lesson:

Getting registered is only one step. Maintaining your professional status and planning your career are ongoing responsibilities.

For international nurses, understanding these costs before starting the UK journey can help prevent unexpected financial pressure.

And for nurses already working in the UK, keeping registration, revalidation and professional development on your career checklist can help you avoid unnecessary interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NMC registration fee in 2026?

From 1 October 2026, the annual NMC registration fee is £143, increased from £120.

When did the NMC fee increase?

The new annual fee came into effect on 1 October 2026.

What happens if I don't pay my NMC fee?

Your registration can automatically lapse if you do not pay by the required deadline. You would then need to apply for readmission before you can practise again. The NMC says readmission can take between two and six weeks.

How much does NMC registration cost for an international nurse?

The total cost depends on the individual's route and whether they need the Test of Competence. The NMC currently estimates £1,226 for fees and tests for an overseas-trained applicant who needs the Test of Competence, excluding visa, flights, accommodation and UK travel costs.

Does paying the annual NMC fee mean I have completed revalidation?

No. Annual fee payment and revalidation are separate requirements. Revalidation takes place every three years.

Final Takeaway

The NMC's 2026 fee increase is an important update for nurses, midwives and nursing associates across the UK.

For international healthcare professionals, it is also a reminder to look at the complete UK career journey rather than focusing only on one exam, one registration step or one job application.

A successful NHS career requires preparation, professional registration, financial planning, continuous development and a clear understanding of how the UK healthcare system works.

At J’Crew Career Experts, we believe your NHS career journey should be approached with the right information, preparation and professional guidance — from registration and job applications to long-term career progression.