Can I Transfer My CQC Registration?
If you’re planning to sell your care business, restructure ownership, or change legal entities, you might be wondering: Can I transfer my CQC registration? This is one of the most common questions among providers in the home care and social care sectors.
In this article, we’ll explain what it means to transfer CQC registration, whether it’s possible, and what steps you may need to take depending on your circumstances.
Can You Transfer CQC Registration?
The short answer is no — CQC registration is non-transferable. This means that if you’re changing the legal entity behind your care service (e.g. from a sole trader to a limited company, or selling the company to new owners), the existing CQC registration cannot simply be passed on.
Instead, the new legal entity must apply for a new CQC registration, and the current registration must be cancelled when the transition is complete.
When Do You Need to Re-Register?
You’ll need to transfer CQC registration (i.e., re-register) when:
- The business is sold to new owners or a different company
- A sole trader becomes a limited company
- A partnership becomes a limited liability partnership (LLP)
- A new Nominated Individual or Registered Manager is appointed under a new provider
These changes all count as a change in legal entity, which legally requires a new registration.
What Happens If You Don’t Re-Register?
Operating a regulated activity without a valid CQC registration is illegal. If you attempt to continue services without the proper registration in place, the CQC can take enforcement action — including service closure or prosecution.
To avoid disruption, you must plan the transition carefully, allowing enough time (usually 10–12 weeks) for the new registration to be processed.
How to Transfer CQC Registration the Right Way
While you can’t literally transfer CQC registration, you can:
- Prepare a new registration application for the incoming provider
- Coordinate cancellation of the old registration once the new one is approved
- Ensure continuity of staffing, systems, and policies
- Work with experts to streamline the process and avoid delays
Get Professional Help with CQC Registration Transitions
At Hellocare Consulting, we guide care providers through every step of the re-registration process. Whether you’re changing company structures or buying an existing agency, we ensure you remain compliant and avoid costly downtime.
✅ From policy preparation to interview coaching, our 99% success rate speaks for itself.
👉 Learn more about CQC registration support here: https://hellocareconsulting.com/home-care-cqc-registration/