CQC Registration and Annual Fees Explained (2024/25)

The CQC registration fee

The CQC charges a one-time registration fee when you submit your application. For 2024/25, the fee is £1,522 per regulated activity. This fee is non-refundable — if CQC refuses your application, the fee is not returned. It is therefore essential to ensure your application is well-prepared before you submit.

Annual fees

Once registered, you will also pay an annual fee to maintain your registration. Annual fees are determined by your service type and the number of beds (for residential services) or the number of staff (for domiciliary care and supported living services).

For care homes, fees range from approximately £1,200 per year for small services of 1–10 beds to £6,200 per year for larger homes of 50 or more beds. Nursing homes, which carry higher risk and require more intensive regulatory oversight, attract higher fees — from around £1,550 for 1–10 beds to £8,400 for 50 or more beds.

Annual fees are invoiced quarterly in advance. Late payment attracts a 10% surcharge.

Using the CQC fee calculator

RegisterCQC includes a free CQC fee calculator that estimates your registration and annual fees based on your service type and size. You can access it at registercqc.co.uk/tools/fee-calculator. Always verify current fees at cqc.org.uk before applying — fees are reviewed annually and may change.