How to Get a National Insurance Number for Expats

If you’re moving to the UK to work, you’ll need to get a National Insurance Number for expats (NIN or NI Number). All citizens receive their number automatically in the mail when they turn 16, but if you’ve moved to the UK you’ll need to apply for yours manually.

Here’s what you need to know. In order to be eligible for a NIN, you must be in the UK and have the right to work or study in the UK.

How to get a National Insurance Number

Thankfully, this service has recently moved online so you can apply for an NI number from your computer!

If you’ve received a Youth Mobility visa (sometimes called a Working Holiday visa) you may be working with an immigration company like Swap Working Holidays. If that’s the case, Swap (or a company like BritBound in the UK) will provide you with help getting your National Insurance Number. In most cases, they will give you a form to fill out, return to them and they will finish up the process.

How long does it take to get a National Insurance Number?

Typically it takes about 4 weeks to receive your National Insurance number after you’ve applied. However, the UK Gov website does warn that sometimes it can take longer, depending on how many applications they’ve received.

Can I work without a National Insurance Number?

There may be a small period of overlap where you’re legally working in the UK but haven’t received your National Insurance number yet. Technically, you can start work before your NI number arrives.

Make sure to tell your employer that you’ve applied for a NI number but it hasn’t arrived yet. Once you’ve been given your NI number, let your employer know right away.

Without your NI number, you’ll need to prove you can legally work in the UK when you start your employment. You can do this by showing your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that you receive when you first arrive in the UK. This card looks almost like a driving license but proves your visa status and ability to work or study in the UK.

Typically, you’ll need to show this at job interviews anyway, to prove you can legally work in the UK.

If your employer needs a bit more information, the UK Government offers a “Right to Work” search that you can complete and show your employer. This search shows what types of jobs you’re legally allowed to do as well as your expiry on your visa.

What is a National Insurance Number and why do I need it?

The National Insurance Number used in the UK is for the administration of the National Insurance system or social security system. It’s also used when calculating and administrating tax. The UK Government refer to the NI number as a “personal account number.” Every single UK resident has their own unique number.