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.
hello I’m a german citizen and I want to work in the UK what is the fastest way to get NI number?
Hi Shany, The fastest way is with the help of a service. Because you are from a European country you will have to attend an interview. The benefit of a service is that they can organise this for you and you have less to worry about. Turn around time are typically 2 to 4 weeks. Cheers, Quinn
Hi, I am a British born citizen and I have lost my NI number.I moved to Australia back in 1978 and I am now wanting to live back in the UK ,How do I find out my NI number?. can I apply from Australia?. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Patricia Chalmers.
Hi Patricia,
If you lost it – that means you still have one – Just need to retrieve it. There are three ways you can read about here – https://easyninumber.com/national-insurance-numbers-for-british-citizens/ Not sure if you can do it from Aus, but I do not see why not…. One of the options is by post another by mail.
Cheers, Quinn
hi, I’m a Portuguese born citizen but i also have British citizenship and just recently moved to the UK I’ve applied for my N.I. number on 11/09/13 and as past already 4 weeks and i don’t have an interview scheduled and i still haven’t received any forms to fill in. is this normal? thank you
Hi Paulo,
You have to schedule the interview yourself or get a service to arrange it for you. It sounds like you have not done that. After that it really depends on the workload of branch where your interview is being held. Typically a week to a few weeks.
Quinn
Hi guys,
I have two questions,
To apply for the National Insurance Number, you need an address so JobCenter Plus can send the forms to fill in, and inform you about your interview, now my question is: Do you need a proof that you are living at that address or it can be a friends address for example?
So you can understand properly, I`m am a hungarian citizen, I would like to come and work in the UK, but yet I don`t have a place for my own there, so can they send me the papers to my friends address?
I`ve seen on the previous comments that this can take a while(2-6 weeks), is this taking so long? Can a be employed by a company until i get the National insurance number, or I`ll have to wait until i will get one?
Hi Seb, You will have to be in the country and attend an interview. The address you give them will need to be proven as yours – this is where they will send your card, but they also want to make sure you are who they say you are. 2-6 is pretty standard – depends on how busy they are where you do the interview. If you want things to run smoothly I suggest using a service, as they aan help you with the specifics for your case – https://easyninumber.com/apply-for-a-national-insurance-number-online/
Hi Quinn, thx for the info. Now, I have found some info on this website http://money.workgateways.com/working-uk-taxation-ni-number.html , and apparently i can be employed(i have the right to work in UK) and until I will have my NI number i will pay some emergency tax, meanwhile if I understood what that article said, it is easier to apply for the national insurance number if you are employed. Am i correct Quinn? Sorry I ask all this questions… but i have no one to ask, i will come on my own in UK and I can`t ask anyone, because no one I know knows this things:)
Hi, I’m a British Citizen who left the UK when I was 12 and moved to Australia. Now, I am looking at returning and start work etc.
How would I go about getting a N.I. number? Have tried on one site, but couldn’t progress as I have to put nationality as “UK” and then it throws up errors.
Hi Matthew,
Should not be a problem – they definitely help Brits all the time!. Which site? I will check into this for you.
That’s good to know! The site from the top of my head is – https://ni-apply.co.uk/ I am guessing I have to phone up or something?
Hey i have just arrived in the uk from New Zealand on a tier 5 working holliday visa and had a couple of job interviews and they asked if i have a NI number which i dont i gave the job centre plus a call and i have to wait 7 to 10 working days to get my application forms. So i pretty much told the companys thats i will work for free until my NI number arrives is there anyway i can get it faster then going through Work centre plus and do i need a interview to get a NI number?
Hi Vance! There should be no need for you to work for free. Did you see the services page? – I highly recommend the first one because you will not even have to go to an interview. Let me know if you need any further help. Quinn
Cheers Quinn i just went through the first option like you recommended and we paid for it but it says that they will send an application form that will take 7 to 10 working days which is the same as the job centre plus so i pretty much paid for nothing when i could of done it through job center plus for free is there something i am missing?
Hi Vance,
Thanks for the question. No you definitely did not pay for nothing.
The application forms originate from a UK government department so that part does not make much difference.
However, here is where these guys will help;
– A consultant will have been assigned to your file to ensure things run smoothly. For example, many people have emailed me to say that they are having problems getting their NI number because they filled out the forms incorrectly or changed address. This can easily happen especially to people coming from overseas because you have less documentation to show you are who you say you are or change addresses because you are getting settled.
– Some other emails I get are from people who have to go back for a second interview (which takes weeks each time). When you send your forms in a service first checks to ensure smooth sailing.
– Another things these guys do is make sure the forms get filed at the right time. The application forms are only valid for a period of up to 3 weeks so they have a system in place to get in contact with you if the forms have not been submitted in two weeks.
– In some cases you may not have to attend an interview at all (this takes weeks) and these guys can make that happen – if you go direct you have to attend.
For many people using a service like this is a great way to make sure things get done right, as quickly as possible the first time without stress.
Hope that helps!
Quinn
Hi,
I was born in the UK and have a UK birth certificate. I moved to Australia pretty much straight after my birth and i am looking to move back to the UK. So i’m not sure if i ever had a N.I Number. Could you give me any advice?
Thanks in advance,
James
I am a British citizen and i have been living overseas since birth i have a British passport but not a national insurance number. I am currently living in the USA and planning to move to London soon, is there any way that i can apply for a NI number while in the United States?
Basically no – You will have to attend the EOI interview which is held in the UK.
Hope that helps.
Hello ! I am looking for a job at the moment but i don’t have NI number,but how the Job centres work is you must have job in order to get NI number but on the interview the interviewer is asking where do u work.So in other words,for job u need NI number and for NI number u need job?I can’t say that i understand that loop.
You can certainly get an NI number without a job and vice versa BUT I have heard this before many times.
People are confused by what needs to happen. My advice is to just do both ASAP. If you use a service to assist you with your NI Number you find things run quite easily.
I tried agencies to look for a job,but they said “As soon as your NI number comes,pop up here and we can search for a job u want”
I applied for NI number and went to an interview,but after (2-4 weeks like the interviewer said)they sent me aletter saying that they declined it.
Seems i can’t use agencies to find work at the moment and i cant wait another month without a job to wait for the NI number interview
Is it the fact that im Bulgarian may be the problem ?
I am thankfull for your help !
I wonder if you had had a job previous to going to the interview, would you have received your NIN?
Should not be a problem what Nationality – you need an NI number to work simple as that. Hope you have having some luck by now!
My interview for NIN is scheduled on Thursday… but I have recently found out that I need to show proof that I am currently looking for a job. I am actually, and I have been invited to an interview by phone. Can i just tell them that? Considering the fact that I am a student and I will need NIN to apply for a student loan, is it necessary to provide proof that I am looking for a job?
Best thing to do would be to take paperwork – like a copy of emails with recruitment agencies etc.
How long does a interview for NI number last?
is it like 10 minutes or 2 hours?
Varies a bit depending on how well organised you have your documentation – for example if you do not have everything sorted you can be asked to come back. On the other hand if you do – the interview might only be 10 – 20 mins… might spend longer in the waiting room.
Hello!
Help to solve my problem.
I already have national insuranse in the database, but I lost all the documents and I do not have available the stored number … I filled out the paper Form CA5403, passed in the office HM REVENUE, told to wait up to 6 weeks, I waited 2 months national insuranse but nothing to my email address does not reach, spending all their money in anticipation of the paper I left the country … I’m left with the UK summer 2013, but even in winter 2014 to my address where I lived in the UK did not come … How can I be this situation?
Jezz Stan, Can understand your frustration. May I suggest you try one of the other ways to retrieve your number? Many mix ups involve documentation being sent to the wrong address. The address they have on file and the one where you live can be the issue. Hope that helps!
I am an American citizen who lives in the Middle East. I’ve recently been offered a job with a large, American company through their office in the UK.
I won’t be living in the UK (I travel and work from home- outside Europe) but I would need to be paid through their office in London. I don’t have a work visa (or an NI number) so I’m not sure what it would take for them to “employ” me. Do I even need a visa? Would just an NI number suffice?
Hi Dale, It really depends on how they are paying you. If you are paid through a contract (not PAYE) then the British company can just pay you as they would any other company. In this case you would deal with your taxes and other visa requirements only for the country in which you work (no need for UK visas or and NI number). Hope that helps! Quinn
He Quinn
I had a question about your anwser to Dale’s comment.
My situation is similar to his, i am a resident of the netherlands, while i get paid on a contractual basis by a company in england.
Now if i look at the contract between the netherlands and england about taxes (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxtreaties/in-force/2008-netherlands-uk-dtc.pdf , article 14 ) it says that i do have to pay taxes in the country where i get paid(england).
So i was wondering if i am reading this document wrong, or that i do need to pay tax in the uk, and therefore also need an NI number?
hilbert
Hi Hilbert, First let me say I am no tax expert at all – I hire tax experts for my own taxes. That said, generally most countries have agreements so that you do not get double taxed, generally this is the country where you live (and qualify to pay taxes). I have lived in Canada, UK and Australia and I only ever paid tax in the country where I was resident – this makes sense to me but I have no idea about UK/Netherlands – Sorry but I would recommend asking an accountant in Netherlands.
Hi,
I was born in Canada & my parents are Portuguese. I just recently got a dual citizenship with Portugal and was told I was able to work anywhere in Europe including the UK as long as I got my social security number along with my dual citizenship, which I did and now have.
Have I been misled? Does the social security number for Portugal not work in the UK and I still have to apply for a UK national insurance number?
Really look forward to your response
Christopher
Hi Chris, The National Insurance Number is specific to the UK.
Hi Quinn,
I am a Canadian national looking to start a business in the UK. What is the best way, if any, to get a NI and start my business?
Hi Andy, Are you in the UK or not? NI has nothing to do with starting a business – its a personal number.. If you are in the UK I would look to get the advice of an accountant if not you probably do not need an NI number at all. Hope that helps!
Hello,
I am a Canadian citizen but hold a EU British Passport as my father was born in Scotland. I will be moving to Spain for 6 months and would like to work while there and possibly other countries in Europe. Do i only need one NI number to work anywhere in Europe? Also can i apply and get one while still in Canada, and can i obtain it while in Barcelona when i arrive or do i have to go to the UK? Thanks 🙂
Hi Chris, NI is just for the UK. If you plan to work in the UK you will need one and yes you can start working with an assistance company before you arrive in the UK – https://easyninumber.com/national-insurance-numbers-for-non-british-citizens/
Hi Quinn,
I lived and worked here in the UK around 10 years ago. I’m Australian and not a British citizen. I obviously had a NI number, but I returned to Australia returning to the UK recently. I’m in the process of becoming an EU passport holder – what has happened to my NI number? Do I have to apply for another NI number or is my old one still in the system, but just not active.
Cheers
Andrew
Hi Andrew, You will be in the system already and you can just retrieve your old NI number! Look at the British page to see the various ways you can do this – https://easyninumber.com/national-insurance-numbers-for-british-citizens/
Hi I was born in the United states but both my parents are from North Wales. They got in touch with the british embassy when I was born and got me a british birth certificate. I am now 18 and want to move to Wales when I graduate high school. I will need to get a job as soon as possible so how can I go about getting a NI as fast as possible?
Hi Katherine, You will need to get an NI number just like everyone else – British or Non-British it does not matter you will need to go through tthe same process. You can DIY or go through a service that helps you. It can be faster going through a service mainly because they make sure you get it right the first time and ensure everything is done correctly. Having to go in for a second “proof of identity interview” is not fun and slows things down for sure.
Hi
I am currently in NZ and am wanting to get a NInumber. I have got a tier 5 working visa and a job lined up to start at the end of march. I understand that I can apply for it through first contract and they post the forms to me. Would I be able to get someone to fill the forms out on my behalf?
Hi, Not sure what you mean exactly. You will need to fill out the forms to some extent – they will not know your DOB for example. After that though then they will check the forms and make sure everything is right and handle all the logistics like setting up an interview (although probably not required in your case) and making sure you the info they send out to you gets sent to an address in the UK where you can pick it up. Hope that helps!
I have read through everything here and thank you for being so helpful with everyone. My situation is a bit different than the others. I am American. I married an Italian. We lived in Italy for 8 months, I have 5 year residency and right to work in EU. We recently moved to England in January.
I have a EEA Family Permit to live and work here. It expires in April so naturally jobs are not very willing to hire me. I read that I am allowed to stay here due to EU law because my husband is here, but once that expires I cannot work. I plan to apply for my residency card but I will not be approved until my husband is working and paying taxes. He is still seeking work. I am self-employed. This process is currently backed up about 8 months for approval.
We both have an appointment next week for our NIN. A roommate told me that once I have that number I then have the right to work in the UK. I wanted to see if this is true. If it is true, do you know what is the point of the residency card?
Thanks!
You are welcome! NI number has nothing to do with your ability to legally work in the UK. I have an NI Number too but my work visa has expired therefore I cannot work in the UK.
Hello!
I went to appointment for my NI number,it was on 11.february,waiting for my number how long it will take to get it?
Thank you
You should have it by now, but it does change – usually a couple weeks or more.
Hey Quinn just want to ask what happens if u already have NINO and u are EU citizen and if u dont want to use anymore the number and never come back how can u somehow shut down the number or something like that if u dont want to come back anymore to uk
Hi Daniel,
You cannot “shut it down” that I am aware of – basically it is an identifier for you in the UK system and could be used at a later date to pay you old age pension (even if you are out of the country) or when you return…
hi guys i applied for my nino in feb when i went for the interview was wondering how long it takes to rec i cld them a few wks bk and they said smetimes tkes upto six weeks but still hvnt heard anything so starting to wonder
Any info or advice would be great
Generally that is too long – I would follow up with them for sure. If you used as service to help you get them to do everything on your behalf.
Our family is British but my son has lived in Spain since he was three. He is 18 and is now a university student in Scotland. He will be looking for a summer job. How does he get an NI number as he’s a British Citizen but not currently looking for work?!
Hi Yvonne – He will have to get his number just like other Non-british and British people who have lived outside the country while the number is normally issued. See my page on DIY or Services to assist him.
Hi Quinn,
I’ve made an appointment for my National Insurance number 10 days ago on mobil. They gave me a password. I lived in Putney 10 days ago, but now I live in Ilford. Is that possible that I go for an interview to Ilford or is it necessary to go to Putney in a Job centre? And can I go to any Job centres?
Hi Gabor, They will most likely want you to attend the interview location for your current address. If you interview is soon – I would go to it in the hope that they can fix this up for you or call them again and explain … alternately if you go through one of the services I recommend they will be able to enquire and reorganise on your behalf.
Hi Quinn,
I am a Danish citizen and just applied for a uk NI and I have already got a date for interview. My question is, In the paper that I received from the jobcenter plus says, when I am coming to the interview I need to bring with me a proven address. As I understood you can only prove your address if you pay a bill in the house which i dont do yet because I dont have NI.
so how can i prove my address when u just arrived here in UK
kindly regards
Ahmed Hassan
Yep – Its chicken before the egg type stuff I know. That is why many people use a service because they can help you with stuff like that. In this instance they may provide you with a postal address. Not sure of you personal circumstances and what exactly would be required to satisfy the requirements of the interview – but can I suggest you try to create some paperwork – like a phone bill (mobile) … just an idea
How much I need to pay that I can get NI number?
£30 if you get help from a service
HI
i applied for my nino in feb and i already finished the interview smoothly. And i am waiting the NI letter of any notifications more than 7 weeks, but my friends already have a NINO who applied it in same day. Then i call the hotline and 08456415008 or 01983273123 for many times, but the line is busy, I go the job centre plus neady, they just ask me to keep calling the phone. So what can i do now, my boss want my NINO.
You just have to get through on the number I am afraid. I know if can be very frustrating – I went through it too. I assume you did not use a service – if so you can just ask them to follow up for you.
Hi there
I have applied for a NI number on 6th of February ,and still haven’t received it! Called them last Tuesday , and was told to wait for another two weeks before calling again. That’s becoming really annoying
Same problem…I don’t know how much I have to wait. I applied at the end of February. I want to start work,but I can’t
Seems like people are waiting 6 weeks or more right now based on the comments and emails… hold tight.
Hi Quinn,
I have a similar situation- I get paid on a contract basis by a firm in the UK. I have a NI number since I have lived in the UK for 5 years. ?So far I have paid taxes and NI contributions in the UK.But now I live in the US since 3 years and wish to file my taxes here.
Do you think it would be possible?
Gavy
Hi Gavy,
Here is the UKs information on Tax Treaties – http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxtreaties which are designed so that double taxation does not occur. Sorry I cant give a direct answer – income tax is outside the scope of this website but I believe you find your answers in the link I just provided.
Hi Quinn. I have Canadian and Turkey passport.Can I get a NIN in uk? If so how?thanks
The Nationality on you passport does not matter. Even British people have to go through the same process if they are applying for the first time. That said, if you entered on a Canadian work visa – use a service because you most likely will not have to attend the EOI interview! Even if you entered on your Turkey passport a service can help you avoid a lot of the worries.
Hi Quin,
I have applied for my NI number last January but changed residences while I was waiting for it. I wasn’t able to receive my number after 6 weeks. I called them on the first week of March and was told to file for a CA5403 because I changed addresses. Up until now, I still haven’t received my NI number. I followed up last week and they told me it usually takes 5-6 weeks before I receive it in my mail. Will i take their word for it and wait? Or do they have cases wherein people don’t receive their NI numbers at all?
Is it advisable for me to hire a service that can assist me in filing for a new NI number at this time?
Thanks.
I would probably not get a service at this time since you probably already have a number getting processed and applying for another may only confuse things more … Sorry but I think you just have to continue to follow up yourself at this point. That said, it sounds like you are doing the right things.
Hi,
I am in UK on spouse visa, my wife is UK citizen. I have applied for NI Number and awaiting for interview. All the placement agencies and organisations I have contacted are saying that I can not work without NI Number.
however after I searched websites I have come to know that individual can start working and for that heavy portion of salary may be deducted as temporary NI Number, but unfortunately non of the company/consultancy/shop owner is ready to offer me job.
I have come to know about your website two weeks after I submitted my application for NI Number.
In this case can you please guide me that can I start work without having NI Number if yes then can you please give me that website reference so i can start working.
Thanks.
You absolutely CAN work without an NI – although yes you do want to sort this out ASAP. Placement agencies and employers have no problem recruiting you if your experience is in demand for their needs. I would just continue to focus on the job hunt – make sure you target employers who need your skills!
I went on the interview 6 weeks ago, but I’m still waiting for answer. I phoned so many times, but the line was busy. What should I do?
The phone number is notoriously busy – Just hold until they answer.
I am from ireland and i am wondering how long it will take for me to get a NI number
It really depends on where your application is processed but right now processing times seem longer then usual – 6 weeks would be possible… really hard to know.
HI I have my work visa and i’m moving from Canada to the UK on the youth mobility scheme. can I use my work visa untill i get my NI or should i apply for my NI now??
Hi Shelby, You need both and you need to get the NI ASAP. You can use the service I recommend to get the ball rolling – this will ensure things happen most quickly after you arrive, but ultimately you need to be in the country for process to start with British government. Lots of time can be saved because you will prevent stuff ups from happening. The other main reason a service is a good idea is to avoid hassles like changes of address (or just having an address) and making sure your interview (EOI) goes smoothly. Hope this makes it clear, but if not follow up with another question. You are going to love the UK!
I am from India and I am coming to UK on my Work permit for 4 months.Will i have to apply for National Insurance number and what will be my contribution to this from my take home salary.
Hard to say I am afraid, it is a sliding scale depending on what you earn.
Hi! I received application of NIN just after 2 months and I cant start work until i get it. can I do it faster. i need it now!
You can start work but I understand employers may think you need one. I know its frustrating but have a look at this, “If you are already working but don’t have a National Insurance number, you must get one.” from this page – http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/migrantworkers/uk-tax.htm
In other words, you can work before you get one.
Hi
my name is saba i applied for nic but still i dint recieve i was applied 6 weeks ago is there any way to fint out about my nic?
i am not britsh born
Hi
I’m a director of a UK registered limited company. I have never been a UK citizen or resident and live abroad. My accountant is telling me I need a NI number in order to file the self assessment so I called the job center and HMRC and I was told that I can’t get a NI number because I don’t reside in the UK. The work I do for my company is also abroad. Any info that could help?
Thanks
Interesting one for sure… Does not make sense that you need an NI or a self assessment (for what?) to me if you are living overseas … What did you accountant say when you told them the UK would not give you one? Sorry but this question is a bit out of my league without knowing all the details.
Hello! I am from China, I am now doing my master degree in UK. I went for the NI interview 4 weeks ago, but haven’t received the mail yet. I don’t know how long will it take and I am a bit stressed now cuz I need it urgently for my part-time job in the summer, and I saw comments saying some people’s application were declined after 2 months. Can I know when can I receive the mail please? Thank you.
Hi, Wait a few more weeks before you get worried, 6 weeks is typical but lately they have been slower than usual it seems – then call. If you went through the service I recommended, call them – they know what is going on exactly and can make specific recommendations based on your application.
Hi, I am Overseas student from China, currently holding Tier 4 visa which allows me to work up to 20 hours per week. May I apply for a NIN number online?
Yes, Makes no difference which visa. If you are working in the UK you will need one.
hi,
I currently received my right to work and live in the UK, and i had to wait for 9 weeks to get that right. So now i recently have been offered a job in a local village, but i haven’t started working yet. What i need to know is,if i apply for my NIN and it takes about 8 weeks to wait for it, can the employer still pay me for the work? or do i have to wait for 8 weeks to get my NIN and than get paid? because 8 weeks is a long time. Another thing is, does the agency services speeds thing up from 8 weeks to 6 weeks?
The agency cannot speed things up but where they often save people a lot of time is in ensuring everything goes smoothly. NI Number lost in the mail, or EOI interview that require you to go back because they don’t have the right information is what that help to avoid. You still are subject to the UKs process. Hope that is clear. OK, now for the question about getting paid – you will get paid, just less until it is sorted out.
Good Morning
Our daughter received her work visa for the UK and has moved there. She has found work and is currently trying to get her NI. Am I correct in reading that applying online for her NI she will not need an interview because she has her Work Visa from before she left Canada.
Also, I understand that the banks hold funds for up to 6 weeks from a Canadian bank daft, but do they hold the funds so you can’t withdrawal them until you have your NI.
Thank you
Correct about not having to do an interview if she uses the service I have recommended. If she goes direct she will. I assume she went through all the standard ID checks for get her visa. As for, “banks hold funds” has nothing to do with her NI. Actually I do not understand how or why a bank would do this under any circumstances, so I would look in why they would do that in the first place.
Good morning
I am Armenian national, my husband is a Polish citizen who has been living in the UK for 14 years. I have a current ‘C-Visit – Marriage/CP’ visa. Do I have the right to work in the UK and apply for a national insurance number?
Thank you.
I am not an expert on visas and am not familiar with that one, but if you have a visa to be in the UK by marriage you are most likely free to work and therefore NEED an NI number.
I have a spouse visa im from zimbabwe I phoned for the NI and I was told forms will be sent tome and the forms came and I filled the forms now its been 5 weeks I havent had any response my father is in a critical condition in hospital I need to go back to see him as he asking to see me .will going back to zim for a month affect my application or will they call me for an interview if im gone .
If you went through the service I recommend please ask them. They will ensure it all get sorted out and know what to do. If not, yes they will most likely try to schedule an interview soon… but without more information its really hard for me to know what to do.
Quinn,
How are you keeping?
Could you please inform me on the expiry time/date for the NI application advised me by the job centre this afternoon as a non EEA citizen married to an EU spouse? I am only thinking that I might miss the deadline for submission as I need to tidy up things like formal employers’ documentation from abroad and many other things.
thank you
Hi Yomi, I am great thanks. Not 100% sure I understand your question but there is no deadline although you should get the process underway ASAP and figure things out while you wait… hope that helps.
Good Day,
I am a Bermudian Citizen, born and raised. I am traveling to the UK for schooling and would like to apply for an NI number, how do I go about doing so? Do I have wait until my arrival, or can I apply online.
You can begin the process by using a service online before you get there. (BTW if you are not working you probably do not need one) Please note that getting the ball rolling before you arrive does not mean you have an NI number before you arrive. The process with the government only begins when you are in the country, but a service can help ensure everything runs smoothly and quickly as possible – making sure you have everything in place for the EOI interview amongst other things I discuss here
Hi,
I am French and have algerian dual nationality. I have an appointment scheduled next week but my algerian passport has expired for a long time and I didn’t change it because I never use it. Will it be accepted anyway? Thank you
Hi Mag, It may help your case, so take it with you. If you have a French passport they may just use that in addition to other documents you provide.
Hi, I have been to England before on a working holiday visa in 2009. i have a NI number and was wondering if i will be able to use the same number when i go back next year on an Ancestry visa or if i will have to apply for a new one? thanks
You are all set – Lucky you! Just use the old one.
Hi there, I am from Maldives, I have recently applied for NI number. Got the application form through post, which says to fill it and send if only my current visa was issued outside UK. My current visa was issued from Colombo. However as I am starting work in few days, I have already applied for a new visa (Sent my passport to UKBA already). From what i have read the processing for the extension of my current visa may take unto 2 months. I applied for my Visa extension with in the UK this time. So I am a bit confused whether i can send the application for now or not. To post the form they have sent i only need a copy of my current and previous passports with the current visa. I have got copies of those. So my question is can i apply for the NI number with these copies and would it be okay?
once i get the extension, since i applied with in the UK, i will be required to attend an interview with the original documents, meaning i will have to wait till i get my visa outcome and passport back.
Hi Meena, You question is outside the scope of my understanding. I would highly recommend using the service I suggest as they will know what to do and even have a team of visa specialists to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Hi, I’m Portuguese and I moved to UK. I’m finishing my thesis and I have a scholarship from Portugal until February. Can I apply now for the NI number even though I will only start looking for a job within a few months? Thank you.
Hi Ana, You you can apply – no problem – actually it’s a good idea to do so.
Im a Nigerian I came here when I was twelve now am sixteen. But. I’m not a uk residence. How do I get my ni number
If you are now British as well you may still get one, if not – apply. If you have no residence it will be a challenge.
Where do I apply?
And how?
Please help me! I’m still waiting my NIN,Eu citizen, it past 8 weeks after interview, what I have to do. I’m working have contract, employers wants nin. Thank you.
You could call but not sure they will be able to help. If you have moved address though you need to let them know.
I am currently on a spouse visa and am in the UK at the moment. I was looking to understand the application process for the NI. Specifically, will I need to send in my passport with the application? My situation is unique as I want to apply for a new passport (citizenship status has recently changed) – but my visa will be linked to the old passport (which will be cut on the corner to cancel it) which may prove to be a problem?
Secondly I want to understand whether I can use my husbands proof of address as my own (as he is the uk citizen , the bills and bank accounts are all in his name).
Your passport will be helpful (possibly necessary) in the EOI interview but you do not need to send it away. I would recommend using a service to help you with all the other questions. Sorry but I simply do not know enough about your circumstances to answer intelligently. That said, there will be a way to make it work well for you!
Hi Quinn,
I recently worked at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, after which I was due wages of about £2000.
However, I am an Irish Citizen and only have a PPN (this is what we have instead of NI numbers). At the time of accepting the job, my employer said this was fine. I have since applied for a NI number, but will have to wait about 8 weeks.
I have now been waiting 12 days to be paid and was informed today that without a NI number, they cannot sign off on my wages yet.
As I understand it, I am still entitled to receive my wages now but will take a large tax hit (which I can then claim back once I have a NI number). Is this correct?
It seemed a bit ridiculous that I should have to wait 8 weeks for my wages. I worked about 85 hours a week for 3 weeks. I now have rent and bills that need paying by Monday.
Thanks
“As I understand it, I am still entitled to receive my wages now but will take a large tax hit (which I can then claim back once I have a NI number). Is this correct?” – 100% correct. Many employers think they can’t pay you but this is not the case.
Hi, can i get my national insurance number through the uk embassy in new York? Thank you.
Unfortunately not.
Hi, I’m an Irish citizen but have recently got a job with Thomas Cook working overseas but in order for me to go through their pay roll I need a national insurance number to pay tax back in to the UK as they’re a UK company. Do you think it will be more difficult to get an NI number if I will not actually be working in the UK?
Hi Lauren, Good question – I assume Irish republic. I do not think it will be possible and nor do you need one if you are not working in the UK. I am sure someone in accounts at that company can assist you. Sounds to me like they are just following procedure but you are outside of the norm.
Good evening,
I call to Job Centre to apply NIN. I got reference number and an appointment date/time on the phone, also I been told that I will get a confirmation letter about an appointment. Just wondering when letter should come, as I called to 2 weeks ago and interview is next Tuesday, but still haven’t got one?
Thanks
Would highly recommend going to the interview and hope that the letter just got lost in the mail.
I filled the NI application sent to me and posted it on July 7th. I have not received my NI till now and when I call the JobCentrePlus, they are telling me to wait until Sep 12th. I tried calling 08456415008 several times. It keeps ringing and nobody picks up. Same is the case with the other number “01983273037”. What can I do to know the status of my application?
Thanks!
Not sure – try calling again?… This is one of the reasons why I started this website and I recommend people use a service because they can follow up for you. Sorry cold comfort to you I know but from here it is just a waiting game without knowing how it will turn out.
Hi Quinn,
I went to london in 2001 and studied there, I was able to get an NIN. If I go back to the UK, am I allowed to work if present my NIN number? My current citizenship is filipino. Thanks
Your NI number and work visa are completely separate I am afraid. You need a work visa too.
HI my name his Vincent from ireland, i want to apply for and NI for me and my wife ,did you think i will gate the same date of the interview with my wife.
Hi Vincent, If you call and book at the same time I guess you could make this happen… depends on who picks up the phone.
Hi Quinn,
I’ve called up job centre plus to apply for NI no. Got the form and posted back. Its just been over 2 weeks, and haven’t heard from them. Shall I call them again to see if they’ve recieved it? Do you know how they will get back to me via post/phone? Im assuming an interview is the next step. Im from Malaysia and studied National Diploma for 3 years and need NI number for work. I haven’t got a student visa but I have got the UK’s right of aboad on my passport which entitles me to work. Any advice would be great! As im sitting at home doing nothing, as I was told that I cant work unless I have the number.
Hi Alya, You Can Work Without an NI Number. Two weeks to be honest is not a lot of time for anything related to the government. I hate to say it, but I really wish you had invested in a service to help step you through the process. Assuming nothing weird has happened, it will be by post. Hope that helps.
hello
I am a british citizen however I have been living outside the country for the last 20 years. i left the UK when I was five so i never got a NI number. I would like to move back to UK now so i am wondering how long process will take or if it is possible to apply from abroad and start making contribution?
THANK YOU!
Hi Rheana, You will need to get one just like everyone else I am afraid.
I just added some FAQs to this page that I think contain all your answers!
Please check these out and let me know if you have further questions.
Also, I called Jobcentre plus but no one ever picks up the phone..it just keeps on ringing and ringing 🙁
Hi.
I worked in London in 2002 for approx 6 months
I had an NI number at the time but I have no records or tax forms/wage slips from that time
so I cannot retrieve my old number.
I am now back in London seeking work.
What is the fastest or easiest way I can retrieve my old NI number please?
Advice would be much appreciated.
Did you see this? – https://easyninumber.com/national-insurance-numbers-for-british-citizens/ – Personally I would go with option 2 becasue option 3 would frustrate me too much, but up to you.
Hello.
When I came to England year ago my friend said that there’s no problem to be without Ni number if I’m planning stay just for few months(that was my plan). Now year went by and my plan changed. May I have troubles to get In number now? After year? I was constantly working and paying all taxes… Thanks.
Not a problem – Not sure why you would to pay all that extra tax upfront even if only for a few months – You will be fine
Hello,
I recently applied for a job at Tesco, tommorow will be my interview. I am a hungarian girl, I have the right to work in UK,I have proof of address and I got a bank account as well. I’ve applied for NI number but i haven’t received yet. On the phone for the interview with tesco the lady said I have to bring with me my NI number and they can’t employ me without. As far as I know, and I’ve read everywhere that they can employ me and put me on emergency tax up until I have my NI number. Most of the companies I’ve applied for online ask for one in the application form or if not they say you can’t work without. I find this really frustrating, because I don’t want to sit around for weeks doing nothing till I can provide my number. Any advice what should I do?
Hi Susanna, Unfortunately I hear this all the time. The employers who think you need an NI number before you start work are only hurting their own businesses. The ultimate solution is to educate employers but I understand that while you are trying to do that – someone else will get the job. If it were me I would go to the interview and just explain it is in the post when you get there. It may be that they are just trying to stop people who cannot legally work in the UK – so take all your other documents with you and show that you can work in the UK. Also if you have anything from the DWP show them that too. Hope that helps.
Hello!
I applied for my NIN one week ago, but now I’ve moved to another flat before receiving it. How can I change my address? I don’t want it to arrive to my old one. Thanks in advance.
Hi Rosana, If you used a service, no worries just let them know – they will make sure it gets sorted out. If not, start calling and following up… not sure what else to say to say except, make sure you get it changed.
Hello!
I am going to the UK this December and I’m having a hard time understanding how the system works.
I am a British citizen (Father is British) but I was born and raised in Hong Kong (Asia). My sisters who grew up there have their National Insurance numbers as well. I am under the age of 20 and I plan on living in the UK.
1) Will I need to pay for a Insurance number?
2) Will the process be easier for me as a British citizen?
3) What do I bring to the centre?
4) How long will it take for me to get one?
5) Is there anything in particular I should be aware of before applying?
Cheers!
Great Questions Lea,
1) No you can DIY for free. I recommend using a paid service, because of the potential issues that can and do arise all the time.
2) No easier. Ironically it is easier if you are non-EU but only because of visa process those people have already gone through which helps to prove their identity.
3) Check out the DIY section
4) Check out the FAQs on this page
5) Many things which the FAQs hopefully address – please ask any more specific questions!
Hello, good evening,,
I write because I ordered the number in uk, but before it arrived, I had to return to my country, Spain, so I guess it will be lost. my question is, if I fill the application ca5403 putting my current address Spain to send it to Spain, or if instead it must be a uk address.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Diego, Good question – really not sure of the answer. I would call the number for DWP and ask. I suspect they will need a UK address. If you are in Spain though, do you even need one now?
Not now, but maybe, yes in the future. Anyway, thanks for the response.
Greetings .
Not now, but maybe, yes in the future. Anyway, thanks for the response.
Greetings .
Hi there, I need information about obtaining the NI
I am Algerian who came to the uk joining my husband who is french and I already had sent all my documents to the home office to obtain the residence visa .
Now I want to know if I can apply for the IN as I am planning to look for a job but my question is can I start to apply for it now? Or I must wait to get the visa first then apply the NI, as to get my residence visa might take up to 6month to get it
Thanks for your response in advance
Best regards
Hi, Yes you will need to be able to show that you can legally work in the UK before you will be granted an NI number.
Hello there,
Hope I can get some sort of an answer here as HMRC all offices are telling me different things !!.
OK I am a sole trader in Southern Ireland and was called to work in the UK by a UK company for 4 months of the summer 2014 so I gladly excepted and took the work as a sub-contactor.
I called the HMRC in June and explained how I’m working and how to sort out TAX as I’m a non UK resident and pay my Tax in Southern Ireland. I was told at the end of work to send my CIS certs ( Pay slips ) and a P85 form into Liverpool HMRC and I would be issued a Temp NIN to get my 30% tax back , I didn’t need to apply for a UTR or NIN as its was only for 4 months work , if I work over 6 months then yes I need to apply.
So I’ve done this and sent it registered post and it was signed for on the 29th Sept 2014 and still no response from HMRC.
So I’ve called at least 10 different HMRC offices to see if I could be traced and see how my claim was coming on as I was advised it takes 4-5 weeks due to post……………. To my shock and horror after 8 weeks I could not be found on any system in any office I called.
I’m lost , HMRC are lost ….. what to do ???
I anyone can or will help me through this please do as I’m at my wits end with them
All the Best
I what to work and live in the UK. Right now I live in the USA. I work for Wal-Mart and I know that I can transfer to the UK. And I have a friend that I can live with. If I do get transfer to UK do I still need a NI Number?
Everyone who works in the Uk needs and NI number. Good luck with the move!
Hi Quinn,
As citizen of a commonwealth nation like Nigeria,do I have an automatic right to work in the UK? please advice.
No. You need a work visa.
Hi,
I called Job Centre to make an appointment for the interview, but they couldn’t get me one during the current week because they are busy and I’m at work. So the operator gave me this Reference Number I wrote down, and said to call again the next few days… to rearrange I think? I’m afraid I didn’t get it and the credit in my mobile phone was running out… but he didn’t tell me anything about time and date of the interview. What should I do? Should I call on monday or today to rearrange?
Probably yes but in honesty I would use a service to help sort it all out. You can spend hours of wasted time on this unnecessarily.
Hi Quinn,
Please I need you to help me answer this.
Recently I attended an interview on Skype for a UK company from Nigeria and after that I got a mail from the HR un that wanted to know if I had the right to work in the UK? currently I don’t but would certainly want one,my questions are
1.Does not having the right to work in the UK at the moment disqualify me from being employed?
2.If yes,what can I do to get one?
3.If no,what processes do I go through to get one.
4.How do I go about getting my NI number,is it before or after arriving the UK?
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you soon?
I will like to know if I can apply for an NI number if I do not have any prove of address in the Uk but rather use my address here in Sweden since I am a Swedish national?
Hi James, You will need proof of a UK address – if you purchase a package they should be able to arrange on for you.
Hi Quinn,
How’s going? Hope you can help to answer my questions, Thanks for your kindly help 🙂
1, i’m the British citizen and live in hong kong for several years. i’m planning to back to uk for good, do i really need a n.i. number for my living in uk for any benefits, work, etc.? if yes, how can i apply for it?
2, as said, i’d like to back to uk for good and would like to buy a house, am i qualify to get any benefits for the housing like “newbuy” or any other benefits if applicable?
Thanks so much and looking forward to your reply. Have a great day!
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
1. Yes you need one. You can apply yourself of with the help of a service.
2. Yes the NI helps with all of this.
You are welcome – thanks!
Hi I am from India, I travelled to UK in year 2011 and got a NI number. I left Uk in same year 2011 after working for 7 months . Now I am coming back to UK to work for a different company, can I use the same NI number.
If I can use the same NI, do I need to get any details changed like my address, company details?
Hi Sareth – Yes you actually have to use the orginal NI number 🙂 The NI is linked to you as an individual so no need to change the company details. Address is probably good idea but I suspect this will happen automatically as some point like when you do your tax.
Thanks Quinn
Hi Sareth
I moved with my parents to New Zealand when I was 14, (9yrs ago from the UK), we are British Citizens and retain our passports as well as I have my own bank account still in the UK but any post or statements are sent to my parents address here in New Zealand
I’m coming back to visit and work in September and have not as yet decided when I return to NZ. I have not got a a NI number or if one was sent to our old address it would have be lost I guess. I will for a while be living with my grandparents when I arrive.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Alix
Hard to know if you would have one or not… If you have time I would try to retrieve it and then apply based on that. If you want to work immediately, I would probably do both personally – sorry I am not sure there is an easy answer.
Hi Quinn
Im from Australia & have arrived in the UK with my husband, I have no intention of working, do I need to apply for an NI Number?
My husband is self employed & has applied.
Thanks in advance for you help
Cheers
Leanne
Hi Leanne, Good question. Technically no, you don’t but there may be other benefits like tax, benefits and pensions that you may want to access at a later date. Great question for an accountant depending on your personal circumstances – but probably no rush needed.
Hi, I’m irish do I have the right to work in the UK without a work visa. And only have my passport and birth certificate and going to stay with my girlfriend. Will my passport and birth certificate and girlfriends home address still get me a NIN?
Thanks
Hi Mike, Hard for me to tell if you would have enough. The lack of address in your name will be the difference. I suggest using a service to guide you and they can even give you an address if required.
I worked on a one-year fixed-contract basis for a British company in London from 2008 to 2009 and then started working as freelancer from my country. I had a NI. I what to know whether this NI is still valid.
Fortunately Yes that is your NI. Just need to retrieve it so you can use it again.
Hi
I am wondering if the length of distance is normal?
I phoned up the number 0345 600 0643 and was given an interview appointment but it is 60 miles from where I live.
Why are they making me travel such a long distance when there is job centre plus in my town where I live and also many more in surrounding towns? Does it mean that only certain job plus centre branches deal with NIN application requests???
I was wondering if you could help me, I have dual citizenship a swiss and south African passport and I recently just got a job offer but I can’t complete the dbs because I don’t have necessary documents yet so this is where the problem comes in, I went for my national insurance interview and my birth date on one passport says may instead of March, so I gave them my birth certificate, sa passport and my old swiss passport to prove that my real birthdate is in March because of this slight problem could I be denied national insurance number????
Hi Belinda, I am sure you will be able to sort it out. You might get invited back for a second interview but I am sure they see things like that relatively frequently.
Hello i’m a french citizen and my interview is on thursday i would like to know what documentation do i have to bring for the interview i know i will need to take with me my id and address what else do i need?
What kind of questions do they ask for the interview?thank you
Thanks very much for replying am still confused what will they ask me in my second interview?!!
Hi Quinn,
I’m Jeevan form Srilanka and currently I’m living in Poland. I. Have polish temporary residence permit for three years with working rights. Can I work in UK as polish citizens?. Or can I make a working visa for England?
Hey Jeevan – You question is more visa related and I am not qualified BUT in general EU Citizenship – any country enable you to work in the UK. However temporary residence does not mean you are an EU Citizen. Hope that helps!
I’m going to work for 1-2 weeks per month in the UK for a UK-based company. During the weekends I’m staying in The Netherlands. In the Netherlands I’m self employed.
Do I need a NI number and how to apply for one while I’m not living in the UK (I’m stayin in hotels)?
Hi Johan, Probably should speak to an accountant and make sure you are not a “resident for tax purposes” – I would say probably no need to get one, but you really need professional advice. Many people visit the UK for business and do not need an NI number but I am not sure where the line is drawn.
In croydon, I was working in year 2001. I went to get the NI number to a center for citizens near Thronton. He asked me to get a full year’s financial statement of bank with all the pay statements and then only he would accept the form for application for the National Insurance Number.
Being from India and not knowing the correct procedure, I had gone to their office and the guy at the counter misguided me. Due to his misguidance I lost 8000 pounds in the full year.
Hi, I would like to use your service. Do you have any office to walk in person in the Bournemouth area?
Thanks, Mauro.
Hi Mauro, All done on the phone – based in London. If they had offices everywhere they would cost a lot more I expect.
Hi There,
I am an Indian Citizen. A few days back, I called up the Tax office and asked them the steps to apply for National Insurance number. They have sent me a CA5400 form. I have filled the whole form however, the section where I have to fill my work related details has been crossed. Does it means that I don’t have to give any of my employer’s details in UK? Please suggest.
Did you work in the UK previously? The CA5400 is used if you already have an NI – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-get-your-national-insurance-number-in-writing-ca5403 It says, “postal form to get written confirmation of your National Insurance number.” If you did not previously have an NI Number – https://easyninumber.com/national-insurance-numbers-for-non-british-citizens/
Hi,
I worked in the UK just for a Xmas job for two weeks. But they have taken a lot of tax from my pay. I was recently sent a form to fill out but I don’t have a NI number because I live in Ireland . what can I do, I am a student, will I be able to use the pps number instead?
Kind of a tough one I am afraid – PPS will not work and you need to be in the UK to get one. You don’t say what the form is for…
Hi there,
i am Greek and moving in the UK in a month..i will be staying in a friend’s house, so no proof of address. should i be using the
service? what king of proof do i need for the interview? I have been a student for 7 years in the UK back in 1997 if that helps. Now i am moving back to work. Any advice?
Highly recommend that you use a service to step you through the process – your situation is common and potentially problematic – this is why they are a good idea. If you did not work while you were a student you will not likely have one but if you did make sure you retrieve the one you have already.
Hi,
I am Sampaio, I came from Portugal and I have moved to UK. So, I have been trying to book an appointment to get an national insurance number but, no one answer the phone. Then, I would like to know if there is another way to do it?
Thank you
Hi, I have a Bailiwick of Guernsey passport and altough Guernsey is not in the eu, my passport says British citizen. I am currently living in Turkey, but wish to go to scotland to work.. can anyone tell me if I will need to attend an interview to get a national insurance number, or should it be pretty straigbt forward? Also, how to I get a rights to work document, well my Guernsey rights to work document be sufficient?
Thank you
Hi Denise, Yes you will have to attend an interview. Sorry no idea about rights to work… As usual I would recommend a service.
Hello Quinn! I tried to find answer for my question, but I couldn’t!
So, my situation is: I’m from Romania, my boyfriend from Estonia, both leaving in Uk, we would like to married, and I will take his citizenship – Estonian ! I will not change my sure name.Is this circumstance will affect my NI? Should I apply for another NI?
Will appreciate any reply, thanks
Nothing to do with getting an NI – If you can legally work, over 16 and are in the UK – you can get an NI.
Hi Quinn! Can I apply for a NINO before I find a job?
Yes! Actually it is a good idea if you can.
I am a British citizen with a British passport. However, I have never lived or worked in the UK. I am now retirement age and would like to live in the UK. What do I need to do to apply for an NI number?
Hi Emily, I recommend you use a service to assist you – http://4ui.us/Easy-NI-Number as you can see from the comments on this page it can be a challenge. Otherwise this website also has a DIY section.
Hi i applied for the NIN one month ago and I’m still waiting for my NIN. My problem is that i lost the letter they gave after my interview. I’d like to know what I have to do now.
Thanks.
Concetta,
For the benefit of others – this is just one reason why I keep recommending the service (because they can follow up for you)! Sorry I am not sure how to assist at this point. Perhaps wait a few weeks and hope it turns up… 6 weeks is not uncommon. If not after 8 weeks I would begin the process of recovery (I wrote a page about this if required).
Hello Quinn,
I am a french citizen, I am planning to move to UK, I still have a chance to get NI?
Regards
Absolutely!
Do I need to be in the UK when I apply by phone for a National Insurance number or this can do my friend who love in UK?( I am EU-citizen)
Hi Mary, You need to be there for the interview. Cheers, Quinn
Hello Quinn, it is amazing to see so many questions followed by your comments! Good job and thank you for your time!
I have also two questions, if is possible, because i couldn’t find any similar on your FAQ or comments page:
First, i have my sister and even a good friend who live in UK, so i’m planning to use their addresses to stay for the beginning, but my question is: can i apply by phone for NI from my country (Romania) or they need to see a call from UK?
Second, regarding my future job, i’ve seen so many question related to this, “if need a job before”, but as far i heard, we can ask for help during the interview. Can I ask for assistance to get a proper job in UK according to my specialization. It is true? Or it will be done by my self after?
Hi Ramona, You can use the service I recommend (HIGHLY recommended due to BREXIT) to get the ball rolling and get confident everything is in order before you leave home. You do not need an NI Number before you get employed BUT the problem is many British employers think you do. To cut a long story short – the sooner you get it the better regardless.
Hi,
I saw that you have a good thread and with good replies.
Am a Danish and I would like to use the service as you suggested. I would use the address of my friend in UK.
I want to avoid traveling to UK before the interview date is set. Therefore, is it possible to pay for the service online, they send the form to me to fill and I return the form and they book the interview for me? So that I come to UK only for the interview.
Is that possible?
Hi George, They wont book the interview until you are in the country. However they will make sure you are all set before you arrive and then make sure things run smoothly thereafter.
Hi George,
My daughter is 17, born in the UK with British Citizenship, but she moved out of the UK when she was 1. She wants to work in the UK for 4 weeks in the summer and needs an NI number but she’ll only be there for those 4 weeks with no UK address as the job provides accommodation.
What’s the process in such circumstances?
Hi Iain, She could get the NI as soon as she arrives and then the card will get forwarded to her after she has left. In this instance at least she can get back some of tax (probably all of it). Use the service who will most likely be able to provide an address. Use this link to ask your question (specifically about providing an address and her situation) and make sure they can help you – https://www.1stcontact.com/kickstart/l/the-best-start-to-life-in-the-uk
Hello
I am a Frecnh Sutdent and I will come fo UK to do a three months internship this summer, the company will pay me wages.. Do I have to apply for a NIN number for only a three months internship?
Thank you
Regards
Michel
Hi Michel, Yes. You will have to pay emergency tax but you can get it back in your tax return with your NI number.
Hello, I applied for n I number about 6weeks ago and I received letter from them which says you been allocated the number but I have not received the n I card yet.after how long card will come? Thx ,Abbasi
No idea sorry. Hopefully it arrives soon!
HI I’m Italian, I will come to England to work for a month, but I don’t have address, as a family will host me. How can I have ni number?
Use the service I recommend – they will help you with this. Cheers, Quinn
Hello, I have read through all these pages and I have found them well done.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything similar to my situation, so here I am trying to clarifying my doubts. I am an Italian journalist and I am moving to UK with my partner. As long as I will be working for Italian magazines, will I need a NI number or not, as incomes will be arriving from Italy?
Thanks!
Hi Connie, Sounds like you need to look into where you will be classed as a resident for taxation purposes because they are going to want to you pay tax and for the UK that is the NI.
Hi there,
I’m a Hungarian citizen but i would like to move next to my grandson in UK.
I’m 78 years old can i apply for National Insurance Number?
I would like to add as i’m a pensioner as well.
Could anyone help me please ?
Many thanks
You can apply just like everyone else. I would highly recommend the service I suggest on this page to guide you. You need clarity on your pension, work situation and residency etc. If necessary, you may also need to speak to an accountant. The service I recommend are accountants too so they will be able help you – just make sure you are clear on everything and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion on any accounting matters.
I’m a republic of Ireland citizen myself and my family moved here to get away from threats of violence my wife and 2 kids are here with me we’ve been housed and have been told in the job centre that we are entitled to universal credit we’ve even been given a date for payment but have also been told we will get nothing until we have our national insurance numbers. Don’t get me wrong I’m a decorator and also a fire protection Engineer so we’re not here as welfare tourists I’m actively looking for work I do have an appointment in aberdeen in a couple of weeks for an insurance number but by the time I get it over and then wait for the number to be issued we will be on the bread line.
I have leave to remain with work permitted. I applied for NI.went for interview waited for 3w only to recieve a letter that i dnt need an ni. I really hv to work. What do i do.amd can i use your service without going through the long process again.
Hi Nana, Ahhh – I can only imagine the frustration. To be clear – you do not need an NI to work. But you do need it. Highly recommend the service we suggest to help you through this process. They understand how the whole NI process works and where the potential pitfalls can be. To be honest at just £25 it is not worth the hassle for anyone to do themselves in my opinion. Hope it all work out sooner rather than later for you!
Hi, i am a uk citizen and i have found that my national insurance card was damaged whilst in my wallet. Can i get a new one and how long would it take?
Hi Leigh, They no longer issue them and you do not need it anyway – just the number.
Hi,
My husband is on Tier 2 ICT Dependant visa,wants to apply for NI for which he doesn’t have address proof.what are the other alternative ways to get POA?
The service I recommend will be able to assist you with an address.
Hi Quinn, I am an Australian citizen working self-employed in the UK on a working visa. I have been told different things about getting a NIN, do you know if I will need to apply for one? Thank you.
Hi Sam, Everyone working in the UK requires one.
Hello
I I arrived in uk last month March 2019 .
I am staying with my husband.
I didn’t have address of my own what
I tender as proof of address.
Can I use my husband tenancy agreement
And our marriage certificate
Hi… I want to apply for my ni number.
I’m British citizen, single mum,was living overseas but now decide to move to uk and live here.
I’m unemployed. The form asks for proof of address… as I’m currently looking for a place of my own, was wondering if a mobile contract under the address I’m currently staying at will work as proof of address.
Please help~
Hi Aneesa, Welcome back! Would recommend the service to you (actually everybody 🙂 because they can look at all the details of what you have and makes sure it all goes smoothly for you including what is required for proof of address.
Hi, I am german citizan and I want to apply for a NI number. I found a website where i can apply online, and there they wanted me to pay for the application. Can I trust that Website? And how much do I generally have to pay for an application?
Don’t know about other services but I trust the one suggested on my website having worked with them for years and used them myself personally.
Hi. I am EU national going to work in the UK this summer. I guess I will need NI number but I don’t have one. Can I apply before going to UK by calling the phone number that you gave? ıf I can’t then how long will it take once I apply when I’m in the UK? thank you
Hi Polat, Yep you will need one. No point in calling the number before you arrive however if you do it might give you an idea of how busy they are at the moment. To avoid waiting on the phone and any worries about getting one check out the service I recommend. Cheers!
Hi. I have passed through interview 4 weeks ago and still haven’t received anything confirming whether it was success or not. Today, however i got a HMRC letter to confirm Tax code for the year and it does have NIN on it. Can I consider this as my NIN or need to wait until official letter arrives?
Not sure exactly what the letter says but if you have a letter with it on it – it is done!
Hi, I was born in the U.K. and of course have a British Passport. I lived in the U.K. for about 3 to 4 years since birth. I lived most of my life in the United States and now I am returning to the U.K. Will I have to apply for a NI number or would I already have one? I am not sure?!?
You will have to apply Aisha. British citizens only get theirs on their 16th birthday.
Hey, I’m dual citizenship it’s the first time I use the British passport to visit Britain…would I get through the same procedures as the normal citizens to get the national insurance number.
and How long would the process take in this case?
Hi Sanad, The process is not the same as most British citizens because they get it automatically. Depends a lot on the timing of the office you go through – it can be months. Recommend using a paid service to give you more exact timing.
Thank you so much for answering, So the process would be the same as most foreigners?
the main thing is that I’m kinda confused…as you said it maybe take months which is a long time so what will happen if I left the UK after the interview and before getting the NIN would they send it to the Adress that I’ve applied with?
Mr. Quinn!
Hi,
I tried calling the no from gov.uk and they took all the details and send me a form which I’m advised to fill and submit back. I have a family joining visa and I hold indian nationality. Everyone I have checked with says they got an interview scheduled but the letter I received doesnt say anything about the interview. Any advice will be a great help.
Hi Norman, Sorry unsure of the nature of the letter… this is where the service I recommend could help.