How to get a National Insurance number (NIN) in the UK

This is a complete guide on everything you need to know about the UK National Insurance number (NIN).

When you arrive in the UK one of the first things you need to do is to apply for your National Insurance number. This number is essential for day-to-day living in the UK. You will need this number for working in the UK, to use public services like the National Health Service (NHS) and to make it a lot easier to set up a UK bank account (the letter issuing you with your National Insurance number is a trusted proof of address). There are businesses which can help you get your National Insurance number for a fee. However, I was able to get this without help and I think it’s something you can too. Here is some information to make this process a little easier.

What is a National Insurance number?

The National Insurance number (NIN) is the UK equivalent for Australia’s Tax file number (TFN). It is used to pay your taxes to the HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) which is the UK government department responsible for collecting tax. Hence, your future UK employer will want it and it will ensure you are paying the correct amount of UK tax and nothing more!

The National Insurance number also acts as a means of identification when you use free public services like the National Health Service (NHS, the UK equivalent for Australia’s Medicare).

Note:

• The name is misleading. The National Insurance number does not provide you with any insurance at all.
• Once you have received your National Insurance number you will keep it for life regardless of whether you leave the UK or not.

How does a National Insurance number look?

Your NIN will consist of 2 letters, 6 numbers and then 1 letter. For example, SZ293482B.

Why do you need a National Insurance number and what is it used for in the UK?

It is highly recommend you apply for your National Insurance number as soon as possible as it will make your life a lot easier for a number of reasons:

• You do not need a National Insurance number to work. However, many, if not all, UK employers will want you to have one. Some will also be reluctant to employ you without it. As getting a job is a top priority for most Australians entering the UK it is important to make yourself as employable as possible.
• If you are lucky enough to be employed before obtaining your National Insurance number, you will still be required to pay tax. Without this number you will be taxed at a higher rate termed, “Emergency tax”. You will also not be able to claim tax refunds. So supply your National Insurance number to your employer as soon as possible to ensure you are paying the correct amount of tax.
• You need your National Insurance number to claim benefits or free services like the NHS. Medical bills are expensive everywhere in the world so try to get access to this service as soon as you can. I didn’t cancel my travel insurance until I could access the NHS.
• The letter you receive from the HMRC with your National Insurance number can be used as a proof of address when you are applying for a bank account at one of the UK’s major banks. This will make an already difficult process a lot easier.

When should I apply for a National Insurance number?

You should apply for your National Insurance number as soon as possible. Unfortunately you can only apply for it once you have landed in the UK. You will also need to know a physical address you can use to receive HMRC correspondence for the entire time you are in the UK.

How to get a National Insurance number?

Before you apply for a National Insurance number, check you do not already have one. If you look on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card it may have your National Insurance number on it. If you do not have one (which will be most of you), then you will need to apply for one.

To get the National Insurance number you need:

• To be living in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales). You will not be able to apply before you come to the UK.
• A UK visa
• A Biometric residence permit (BRP)
• Your passport
• A physical address: This may be difficult to get when you first arrive in the UK. However, think carefully before writing down your hostel’s address. This is because the address you write down will be used to send you the letter with your National Insurance number on it, along with any further correspondence from the HMRC including tax refunds. Possible alternative options include using a trusted friend’s address, using one of the transfer companies like BritBound which can provide you with an address or, in my case, my employer provided me with a rental property and an address I could use.

How to apply for a National Insurance number online?

The order of the questions may change from time to time but this is essentially what you will be asked:

1. Start your application online here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
2. They will ask you if you are working or looking for work in the UK. I recommend choosing the options which best describes your situation. Do not click “No, I am not working or looking for work in the UK,” as you will not get a National Insurance number.
3. Enter your full name as per your passport
4. Have you had a different name?
5. Gender?
6. Date of Birth?
7. Nationality – If you have dual citizenship, write the nationality of the passport you used to enter the UK.
8. Passport number? If you click no, and you are not from Europe, they will ask for your BRP number.
9. Have you lived in the UK all your life? Probably going to be a “No” if you are an Aussie.
10. When did you first arrive in the UK? Write in your arrival date.
11. Address? This is important as previously mentioned.
12. Contact details
13. Review your answers and confirm. After finalising your answers you will be sent an email with your application reference number. They may ask you to provide more proof of your identity at this stage.
14. Print the form which has been emailed to you. Fill out any further details. Mail this form along with a photocopy of your passport details page, vignette in your passport, BRP (both sides).
15. You will receive a letter with your National Insurance number at the address you put down. This can take up to 16 weeks.

Note:

• If you need help with your application you can call here: 0800 141 2079
• Try not to lose the document with your National Insurance number on it as it can be difficult to replace.
• Some people are required to go for an interview to provide evidence of their identity but I do not think this happens often.

How long do I have to wait to get a National Insurance number?

It usually takes 6-8 weeks for you to receive your National Insurance number. It can take up to 16 weeks. If you have not received it by this time, then call the HMRC on 0300 200 3500 to follow it up.

There is no way to fast track the application process, no matter what some companies will tell you, so apply for it as soon as possible.

What should I do if I have changed my address?

You should notify the HMRC and make the necessary changes:

• You can do this online here.
• You can call the HMRC here 0300 200 3500

What should I do if I have lost my National Insurance number? How do I find my UK National Insurance number again?

You can find out your National Insurance number by contacting the HMRC:

• You can check it online here or here.
• You can also fill out a CA5403 form and post it to the HMRC. They may require you to send two identification documents with the form. Further details can be seen here.
• Call the HMRC on 0300 200 3500 (Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm)

Can I work without a National Insurance number?

Yes you definitely can! Your UK employer will be able to use an emergency tax code while you are waiting for your National Insurance number. Note this emergency tax code will not factor in the tax free threshold so you will be paying more tax until you get your National Insurance number. Luckily you can reclaim this on your next salary payment after you supply your NIN.

Many employers will want you to get your National Insurance number as soon as possible though to allow you to be added to their electronic payroll system. You should also get it as soon as you can to make sure you do not overpay tax each time you are paid and so you can claim a tax refund at the end of the financial year if required.