Taking a break or retiring from medical practice
You are entitled to remain on the medical register even if you are not currently practising medicine. However, from 1 July 2024 there will be an annual fee payable.
It is important to note that being on the register does not allow you to practise medicine in New Zealand. You must also hold a current practising certificate.
If you are intending to retire from medical practice, you can ask us to remove you from the register.
Maintaining your registration while you're taking a break
You can remain on the medical register even if you are not currently practising medicine. However, from 1 July 2024 there will be a fee for this. This is currently set at $158.85 (incl GST) for 2023/2024 but may be adjusted annually following review.
In addition, you must keep your contact details up-to-date at all times using myMCNZ. We may remove you from the register if we try to contact you and our email or letter cannot be delivered.
It is important to note that being on the register does not allow you to practise medicine in New Zealand. You must also hold a current practising certificate.
If you're stopping practice (for example because you're taking maternity leave) and you have a current practising certificate, please email us at pc@mcnz.org.nz to let us know about what you're doing and when your last day will be.
Retiring from medical practice
If you are retiring from medical practice and are not intending to practise again in the future, you may find it easier to cancel your registration.
If you are removed from the register at your own request you are not automatically entitled to restoration. If you subsequently wish to re-register you will have to complete a full application for registration and be assessed against Council's current registration requirements.
To cancel your registration and have your name removed from the register, please send us a written request to pc@mcnz.org.nz. There is no charge to remove you from the register.
Working overseas
If you're working overseas, please see our page on Working away from New Zealand.
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If you are planning on leaving New Zealand to practise in another country, its medical regulator may ask you for a certificate of professional status (COPS) from us. Your registration is not affected by your decision to practise overseas but you must ensure that we hold current contact details for you.