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Applying for a UK National Insurance (NI) numbers

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Applying for a UK Government National Insurance (NI) number

You will need a UK Government National Insurance (NI) number if you live in the UK, have the right to work in the UK, are working, are looking for work, or have an offer to start work in the UK.

After you apply online to get a NI number, you will get an email with your application reference number.

The email will tell you if you need to provide more proof of identity.

When you have proven your identity, getting your NI number can take up to 16 working days.

This guide gives you the essential information on applying for NI numbers in the UK, the background on UK government national insurance numbers and the tax benefits of having a UK NI number.

What are the basics of NI numbers?

You usually get sent a UK National Insurance number (NINO) before your 16th birthday.

The government uses records for child benefit claims to identify children approaching their 16th birthday to send out NI numbers in the UK.

If your parents or legal guardians have not claimed child benefits, you must apply for a NI number.

Alternatively, a social worker should apply for a NI number for you three months before your 16th birthday if you are a looked-after child.

A NI number is unique to you throughout your life but is not a form of accepted identity proof in the UK.

Every person working in the UK has their own NI number.

If you come to the UK from abroad to work, you must apply for one.

You can apply for a NI number if you live in the UK, have the right to work in the UK, are working in the UK, are looking for work in the UK, or have the offer to start work in the UK.

You must apply online and prove your identity to get a NI number.

A passport from any country and a biometric residence permit (BRP) can be used to prove your identity when applying for a UK NI number.

You can also use a national identity card from an EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

You can still apply for a NI number if you have no documents, but you may need to attend an appointment to prove your identity.

You may be able to prove your identity online by submitting digital photos of your identity documents and yourself.

If you cannot prove your identity only when applying online for a UK NI number, you may need to post photocopies of your documents.

I recommend following all the required steps online when applying for a UK NI number to reduce delays or disappointment.

Will you pay more UK tax without a NI number?

It is essential to have a NI number to pay the correct amount of income tax on the money you earn while working.

The following people may need to know your NI number:

– HMRC

– Employers and pension providers

– DWP

– Local council

– The Student Loans Company

– Banks and building societies

I advise you not to give your NI number to anyone who does not need to know it.

Your UK NI number is an important document and should be kept safely to ensure that you do not lose it.

What you should do next

The danger is that you read this article and then take no further action when it comes to applying for a UK NI number.

I recommend that you apply here online for a NI number.

Do yourself a favour and book time with one of my tax advisors to discuss NI numbers and tax.

FAQ

How do I get a UK National Insurance number?

To get a National Insurance number in the UK, you need to follow these steps: Check if you already have a National Insurance number: If you have previously worked in the UK, you may already have a National Insurance number. You can find your National Insurance number on your payslip, P60 or tax return. Apply by phone: You can apply for a National Insurance number by phone if you are over 20 years old and have the right to work or study in the UK. To do so, you need to call the National Insurance number application line on 0800 141 2075. Apply by post: If you are not eligible to apply by phone, you can apply by post. To do so, you need to download and complete the National Insurance number application form (CA5403) and send it to the address on the form. Attend an interview: Once you have submitted your application, you may be asked to attend an interview to confirm your identity and eligibility for a National Insurance number. The interview may be conducted over the phone or in person. Receive your National Insurance number: After your application has been processed, you will receive your National Insurance number by post. Keep this number safe, as you will need it when you start work or claim benefits in the UK. Note: It can take up to 16 weeks to receive your National Insurance number after you apply.

How to apply for a UK National Insurance number overseas?

If you are currently living overseas and want to apply for a UK National Insurance number, you can follow the steps below: Check your eligibility: To apply for a National Insurance number, you must be over 16 years old and have the right to work or study in the UK. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, you can contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) National Insurance Helpline for advice. Contact the International Pension Centre: If you are living outside the UK, you should contact the International Pension Centre (IPC) to request an application form for a National Insurance number. You can call the IPC on +44 191 218 7777 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm UK time) or email them at nino.queries@thepensionservice.gov.uk. Complete the application form: Once you have received the application form, you need to complete it and provide any supporting documents requested. This may include proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of your right to work or study in the UK. Return the application form: After you have completed the application form, you need to return it to the address provided on the form, along with any supporting documents. You may also need to attend an interview to confirm your identity and eligibility for a National Insurance number. Receive your National Insurance number: Once your application has been processed, you will receive your National Insurance number by post. Keep this number safe, as you will need it when you start work or claim benefits in the UK. Note: It can take several weeks to receive your National Insurance number after you apply. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, you can contact the HMRC National Insurance Helpline or the IPC for assistance.

What documents are required for NI number UK?

To apply for a National Insurance number in the UK, you will need to provide proof of your identity and your right to work or study in the UK. The specific documents you will need to provide may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but in general, you may need to provide the following: Proof of identity: This may include a passport, national identity card, driving licence or birth certificate. Proof of address: This may include a utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill. Proof of your right to work or study in the UK: This may include a visa, work permit or letter from your employer or educational institution. Other documents: You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your individual circumstances. For example, if you are applying for a National Insurance number for your child, you may need to provide their birth certificate or passport. It's important to note that the exact documents you need may vary depending on your situation, so it's best to check with the National Insurance number application line or the International Pension Centre if you are applying from overseas, to ensure that you have all the required documents before you apply.

Can you work in UK without National Insurance number?

It is possible to work in the UK without a National Insurance number, but it is not recommended as you may end up paying more tax than you need to. Employers in the UK are required by law to verify that their employees have the right to work in the UK, which includes having a National Insurance number. Without a National Insurance number, you may be taxed at a higher rate until you provide one, and you may also miss out on certain benefits and state pension contributions. If you are starting a new job and do not yet have a National Insurance number, you should inform your employer as soon as possible and provide evidence that you have applied for one. You can start work without a National Insurance number as long as you can show evidence that you have applied for one, such as a letter from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirming that you have submitted an application. However, it is important to note that it can take several weeks to receive your National Insurance number after you apply, so you may experience some delays in receiving your pay and benefits if you do not have one. It is therefore recommended that you apply for a National Insurance number as soon as possible if you plan to work in the UK.

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