Register a care service (excluding childminders)

Last updated: 15 March 2026

As part of the registration process we assess, that:

  • the applicant and manager of the proposed care service are fit to provide or manage a care service. This includes assessing a potential provider’s integrity, character, and financial background and, where the applicant will also manage the service, assessing their skills, knowledge, and experience

  • the premises in which the proposed care service will be provided are fit to be used for that purpose

  • the proposed service will make all the proper provisions for the health, welfare, independence, choice, privacy, and dignity of everyone using the service.

When completing the online application, you will be presented with, and only need to complete sections and questions relevant to the type of applicant you are (e.g. whether you are an individual or an organisation) and to the type of care service you propose to provide. The questions asked and the information required within the application are dependent upon both the applicant type and the care service type. If you provide inaccurate or inadequate information, it may be necessary to reject your application once received and you may be required to start the process again.

Once we have received your completed application and all the documentation we have asked you for, and you have paid the fee, we will contact you.  We aim to assess applications within six months.  However, this presumes that you supply us with a competent and fully detailed application, as well as any additional information we request.  It is in your interest to give us all the information we ask for in the application form to prevent any delays or the risk of us closing or refusing your application.

Once you have submitted your application, our national registration team will check:

  • that the information you give us in the application form is correct

  • that the correct fee has been paid

  • whether you are fit to provide and manage the service

  • if your premises (where the service is to be provided) are fit to be used for that purpose

  • that the proposed service will make all the proper provisions for the health, welfare, independence, choice, privacy and dignity of everyone using the service.

We may also check the financial viability of the service.  Any information we ask for during this process is in accordance with the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010