How to Get a National Insurance Number for the UK
Reduce emergency tax and stress
You probably already know, you need an “NI Number” to work in the UK.
Unfortunately, some employers often want it before they even hire you because they think you can’t work legally.
Fortunately, many employers don’t ask, but the truth is it takes up to 16 weeks working days to get it.
Meanwhile, employers in the UK have to tax you at a higher rate – this is called emergency tax and it all goes away as soon as you get your NI Number!
How to Get One
It’s much easier to apply for your National Insurance (NI) number online. Before you start, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Your passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- A national identity card (if you’re from an EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland)
Once you’ve gathered these documents, go to the National Insurance application website and fill in the required details. You’ll also need a camera to take a photo of yourself holding your passport, as well as clear photos of your documents, and submit everything online.
Important: You must be physically in the UK to apply for an NI number. The website will check your location, and if you’re not in the UK, it won’t let you continue the process.
If you don’t have any of the documents listed above, you can still apply for an NI number. However, you’ll need to attend an in-person appointment to verify your identity.
1. What is a National Insurance Number?
It is a unique personal number allocated to you that is used to identify you to HM Revenue & Customs and the Department of Work and Pensions.
It ensures the Government correctly records any contributions you are entitled to. Your contributions go towards the UK social security and the state pension system.
Everyone who works in any capacity in the UK will need to register for a national insurance number.
2. How it Works
If you intend to work in the UK, you need to apply as soon as possible. You will need to quote yours to your employer’s accounts department for taxation purposes and contributions will be taken each time you are paid.
If you don’t have one, you will be taxed more than normal so it’s wise to get yours as soon after arriving in the UK as possible.
The Revenue and Customs Department (the HMRC) no longer issue ‘temporary’ National Insurance numbers. After applying you will receive your National Insurance Number and card in the post a while later and you should ensure your employer is aware of this number.
2.1 If you have employment:
It is better to get it ASAP so that you pay no emergency tax.
2.2 If you are not yet employed:
If you have not yet secured employment you can still apply, as long as you have the right to work in the UK
Visit gov.uk NI number for more detailed information
Table of Contents
FAQs
Answers to some questions you might have
Do I need an NI number to work?
Yes, you do. A common misconception however is that you need one to start work – you do not. However, employers may ask for it when you apply to see that you can legally work in the UK. If they do ask, simply explain that you are applying and offer other proof of your ability to work legally in the UK.
Do I need the card originally issued?
No. Although you may have one from the time when you first applied. All you need is the actual number. In fact, if you lose the original you will no longer be re-issued with one by the HRMC.
How soon can I expect it?
Anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.
Is there a way to speed up the process?
No. However, ensuring everything gets submitted right the first time can minimise delays.
Can I apply from anywhere in the world?
No. You must be in the UK when you apply for an NI Number.
Do I have to complete an interview?
If you don’t have the documents needed to prove your identity during online application then you will need to attend the in-person interview although this may take your application longer.
“You can still apply if you do not have any of these documents but you may need to attend an appointment to prove your identity.”
I finished my application months ago, and I never received my number. What are the next steps?
To learn why your application is delayed, you must call Jobcentre Plus. Service is particularly helpful in this situation as they deal with this issue daily, and they know exactly how to advocate on your behalf.
Can I be hired and receive an income without one?
Yes. By law, the lack of an NI number should not prevent you from being employed or paid. If your employer insists on having an NI Number before hiring, explain that you are in the process of securing one.
I left the UK long ago, but I’m finally returning. Is my previous number still valid?
Yes. You are only assigned one Number in your lifetime. If you have forgotten, you can recover it. It does not expire.
Can I get a rebate on my National Insurance contributions when I leave the UK?
Sort of… Most working travellers are in the UK for a good time and not necessarily a long time so many won’t be around to claim their National Insurance contributions in the UK when they reach retirement age. The UK government will not refund your NI contributions when you go home.
However, there is a way to get something back from your contributions. By opting to ‘contract out’ your contributions you put them in an approved private pension that you can transfer back home. You will not be able to get the full amount back, but it can translate into a significant rebate. Check if your employer runs a contracted-out pension scheme.
Also worth considering the contributions you have made may be small compared to the tax you may be entitled to in a refund.
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