How long does CQC registration take for my private GP service?
How long each stage takes, what the CQC’s own targets say, what causes delay, and how to plan your opening date around it.
- England
The short answer
Allow several months. The CQC says registration can take a few months, and its target for 2025/26 was to issue 80% of decisions within 10 weeks of receiving a valid application. Getting ready to apply, including a DBS check that can take up to 60 days, adds weeks or months before that clock starts, so most new private GP services should plan on three to nine months from starting preparation to seeing their first patient.
Key points
- The CQC says registration can take a few months, and that its assessment can take several months to complete.
- Its 2025/26 target was a decision on 80% of valid applications within 10 weeks. The clock starts only when a complete application arrives.
- Preparation usually takes longer than the CQC stage: premises, policies, a statement of purpose and an enhanced DBS check.
- Incomplete applications are rejected, and a resubmission goes to the back of the queue.
- In Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland says processing takes a minimum of six months once an application is complete.
What the CQC says
The CQC does not promise a fixed timescale. Its registration guidance says the process “can take a few months”, and its guidance on assessing applications says assessment “can take several months to complete”. You cannot carry on the regulated activity until registration is granted.
After criticism of registration delays, the CQC set itself a target in its 2025/26 business plan: from the third quarter of 2025/26, 80% of applications should have a notice of decision within 10 weeks of a valid application being received. It excludes delays it considers outside its control. It has since recruited more registration inspectors and changed its processes, but treat 10 weeks as the best case for the CQC stage, not a guarantee.
The stages and how long each takes
| Stage | Typical time | What controls it |
|---|---|---|
| Decide structure, services and premises | Weeks to months | You. Premises often take longest. |
| Enhanced DBS check | The CQC says up to 60 days | DBS and police forces. Start early. |
| Statement of purpose and policies | Several weeks | You. Policies must fit your service. |
| Registered manager application, if needed | Prepared alongside | Must be submitted with the provider application |
| CQC initial checks | Part of the CQC stage | Completeness of your application |
| CQC assessment: interview and site visit | Part of the CQC stage | Availability. You must agree dates within 28 days. |
| Decision | Target: 80% within 10 weeks of a valid application | The CQC |
The CQC also asks you to apply only when your locations and staff are ready. So you may be paying rent on premises you cannot yet use while the application is assessed. Build that into your budget.
What causes delay
- Missing or wrong documents. The CQC rejects incomplete applications. A resubmission counts as a new application and does not keep its place in the queue.
- Generic policies. Documents must be accurate and relevant to your service. Templates that describe services or staff you do not have can lead to rejection.
- DBS problems. A certificate more than 12 months old, a copy instead of the original, a check without the right barred list, or an Update Service check will all be rejected.
- Slow replies. Missing the CQC’s requests for information or failing to agree interview dates within 28 days can lead to your application being returned.
- Premises not ready. The CQC can refuse premises that are not suitable, for example where records cannot be kept secure.
- A more complex application. Several regulated activities, several locations or an online service with extra documents all take longer to assess.
Can it be fast-tracked?
Rarely. The CQC prioritises applications only where the service is critical to increasing capacity or reducing pressure in the NHS or social care, and the request must come from a senior NHS trust, integrated care board or local authority leader. Financial pressure on a new private practice does not qualify on its own.
Planning your opening date
Work backwards from the date you want to see patients:
- Six to nine months before: choose your structure and premises, speak to your indemnity provider and apply for your DBS check.
- Four to six months before: write your statement of purpose and policies, fit out the premises and set up your systems.
- Three to four months before: submit a complete application.
- While you wait: prepare for the fit person interview, set up pathology, prescribing, clinical waste and your website, but do not take bookings for regulated activities.
- Once registered: confirm indemnity is live, test your systems and open.
The full application process is set out in how to register with the CQC, and the wider start-up sequence in how to start a private GP practice.
Adding services later
Adding a regulated activity or a new location means applying to vary your registration, and you must have the variation granted before you make the change. Allow time for this too. See do I need different CQC registration for different services?
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland said at the time of review that, because of high demand, processing takes a minimum of six months once it has a full and complete application, including the registration fee. Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and RQIA in Northern Ireland run their own processes, so check their current timescales before you commit to premises.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 10-week target start when I send my application?
No. It runs from receipt of a valid application. If your application is rejected as incomplete, the clock starts again when you resubmit.
Can I see patients privately while I wait if I don’t charge?
No. Registration depends on the activity you carry on, not whether you charge for it. Treating patients before registration is an offence unless an exemption applies.
Can I sign a lease before applying?
You usually need to, because the CQC expects your premises to be ready when you apply. Try to negotiate a rent-free period or a break clause to cover the registration period.
Will I hear from the CQC while it assesses my application?
Yes. It will contact you to request more information or arrange an interview and site visit. Reply promptly, because delays on your side count against you.
