for Non-British and British Citizens
Everyone who works in the UK requires a National Insurance (NI) Number. Without one you will be charged a hefty emergency tax (until you do) and may even also encounter problems getting a job!
In 5 min or less I will show you how to get one easily.
But wait there is more:
The process of applying for an NI number involves an online application and up to 16 week wait. This can be stressful.
Click here if you are a British Citizen in the UK and think you may already have one.
Current Alerts
Beware of services promising same day registration as this is not technically possible
Keep Calm and Get Yours ASAP …
PLEASE NOTE: As over 250 comments below show, getting your NI Number can be a frustrating process. HOWEVER it does not have to be that way!
This page will show how to get one as well as how a service can save you time and stress. We even have our top recommendation.
Also See – FAQs Below
Jump Links
What is a National Insurance Number?
An NI number (often called NIN or NINO) is similar to your Tax File Number in Australia, IRD in New Zealand or SIN number in Canada. In the UK the NI number is also used as a form of identification by many departments including the free NHS healthcare system.
Usually during your first week of work, your employer will ask for your NI Number.
If you don’t have one, your employer has no way of advising the British Tax Department (HM Revenue and Customs) the amounts you need to NI contributions for state pension and the British social security system should be. You must pay emergency national insurance contributions (emergency tax) until you get one – typically a big percentage of your take home pay!
How to get an NI Number
A typical application process can take up to 16 weeks and involves an online application. Fortunately there is much easier way. A number of companies in the UK exist to help with this process. For as low as £25 there are online services which help in a number of ways:
- Preparation of your application and instruction on what to do next
- If required, the interview can be arranged for you (this is usually no longer required)
Please Note: Since this video was made, the need for an interview has changed and wait times are now up to 16 weeks (2021).
The advice is simple – Save yourself a lot of worry by using a reputable service to assist.
2023 Update >> Go direct to the official UK website to do it, these days it has become pretty easy to arrange these for yourself.
If you want to know more about how a service can help – click here
Now, you can always get your NI Number without assistance but it can be stressful.
Step 1
Apply online:
You need to prove your identity in order to get a National Insurance number. If you have any of the following documents, you can use them when you apply:
- a passport from any country
- a biometric residence permit (BRP)
You can also use a national identity card from:
- a country in the EU
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
- Switzerland
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.
Step 2
Wait…
Step 3
Wait longer or follow up if required. Assuming everything goes well you will receive your number and card by mail. Although you do nothing, this step can be the hardest because while you are waiting you are still getting charged emergency tax. You will also often have no idea if your application will be successful or not.
Note: Wait times vary but current time are up to 16 weeks.
WARNING: Changing your address (which many people do after first arriving to the UK) can result in having your NI number lost in the post (read the comments below, it happens all the time!). Cut the red tape, avoid the frustration
Use a reputable service to assist you in your NI Number application.
They will:
- Assist you with preparation of your application and instruct them on what to do next
- Make sure you have the identity you need
Unfortunately the process of obtaining an NI number normally takes up to 16 weeks from the time the online form is filled out. In the meantime, you will be issued with a temporary national insurance number, but this is just to keep track of the extra contributions you will be making until you get your NI card in the mail and advise your employer.
Fortunately there are some paid services that Work and Travel Companies provide that help to avoid a lot of worry.
However I also want you to know that we get emails daily and many comments of people having issues – here are some from below:
“4 weeks have passed already and I don’t have an interview scheduled and I still haven’t received any forms to fill in” Paolo
“I applied for a NI number and went to an interview, but after (2-4 weeks like the interviewer said) they sent me a letter saying that they declined it.” Hristo
“I filled out the paper Form CA5403, passed in the office HM REVENUE, (and was) told to wait up to 6 weeks. I waited 2 months but nothing … ” Stan
2023 Update >> Go direct to the official UK website to do it, these days it has become pretty easy to arrange these for yourself.
Note: If you are British (and in the UK when your were 16 years of age) you will have been sent your NI Number by mail. If you are were not in Britain not in Britain of have misplaced your NI Number there are other ways to get assistance – please see our British section.
More Information
Different options apply based on your Nationality
Non-European Economic Area Citizens (Any country outside of Europe)
Two Options:
All European Citizens
Two Options:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need an NI Number to work in the UK?
A: Yes and No. No, not initially but eventually yes. You can work immediately without an NI Number however you must start the application process as you will eventually need to provide your employer with your NI Number. Until that happens you will be paying an emergency tax—which could be a large portion of each pay day.
Q: How long does it take to get a National Insurance Number?
A: Up to16 weeks is typical (Mid 2021)
Q: Do I need to be in the UK when I apply?
A: Yes. If you are doing it yourself you must be in the UK when you apply. For peace of mind, you can start the ball rolling with a service before you arrive (but the actual form cannot be submitted until you arrive). That said, knowing exactly what you need and what to do when you get there can be really helpful especially when you are dealing with many other issues like jobs, places to live and settling in.
Q: Can I expedite the process?
A: While using a service doesn’t mean the process is expedited, they can help with your documentation and the application.
Q: I had my interview a couple months ago and still have not received any notifications in the post. What should I do?
A: Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is call the Jobcentre Plus and follow up. This is one reason why using a service is helpful. They can troubleshoot these issues on your behalf and have a better understanding of timing since they handle these requests every day.
Q: I am in the process of applying for an NI Number and have moved. What should I do?
A: You will need to contact the DWP to advise them.
Q: My employer says he can’t pay me (or employ me) until I have an NI number. Is this true?
A: No. You are legally entitled to your wages and it will not hinder your employment prospects if you understand the process and can explain it to them. Inform your employer that you are in the process of applying but assure them you are getting one – you will. They will have to pay an emergency tax contribution in the meantime but this does not cost them anything extra – it comes out of your pay. Withholding wages is not legal and understanding the process can be helpful if your new employer is not familiar with hiring people who have just arrived from overseas.
Q: Once I receive my Number can I get the emergency tax I paid back?
A: Yes. Once you receive your NI Number you can enter a claim to receive the money deducted for emergency tax back – usually when you submit your tax return at the end of the financial year.
Q: Other than an NI Number, do I need anything else to work in the UK?
A: Having an NI number does not equate to having a right to work in the UK. Normally a visa (specifically one allowing you to work) is also required. We do not specialize in offering information about visas. We suggest using a visa company if you have questions about your work status.
Q: I am working outside of the UK but for a UK-based company. Do I need an NI Number?
A: Normally, if you are working abroad (not residing in the UK) you should not need one (as you will be taxed in your country of residence). We do not specialize in offering information about taxation. We suggest contacting your employer or a personal accountant for further information.
Q: I had an NI Number before. I’m going back to the UK. Do I need to apply for a new one?
A: No. You will only ever have one NI number. It is associated to your person forever. If you have misplaced your NI Number you can learn about how to retrieve your NI number.
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