Starting work in the UK without a National Insurance Number

When you first land in the UK there are a bunch of things to organise that can only be done once you're living in the country as a resident. Getting a National Insurance Number is one of these important things as you legally need to pay National Insurance contributions when working.

Not having a National Insurance number shouldn't prevent you from starting work in the UK or applying for jobs in the UK, but there are some essential things to know.

‍

Understanding National Insurance

Before understanding the logistics of starting work in the UK without a National Insurance Number it's important to understand what one is and how the system works.

‍

What is a National Insurance

National Insurance is a system of contributions paid by workers and employers in the United Kingdom to fund state benefits and services. It is primarily used to finance state pensions, healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), and other social security benefits.

National Insurance contributions are deducted from employees' wages and matched by contributions from their employers. The amount of National Insurance paid depends on factors such as income level and employment status. Contributions are recorded against individuals' National Insurance Numbers, which serve as unique identifiers within the system.

‍

What is a National Insurance Number

A National Insurance Number is a unique identifier used by the UK government to track individuals' contributions to the National Insurance system. It is crucial for tax purposes and accessing state benefits, including healthcare and pensions.

Country equivalents for a National Insurance Number:

• Australia 🇦🇺 Tax File Number (TFN)
• Brazil 🇧🇷 Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas (CPF)
• Canada 🇨🇦 Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• France 🇫🇷 Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE)
• New Zealand 🇳🇿 Inland Revenue Department Number (IRD)
• Singapore 🇸🇬 Unique Entity Number (UEN)
• Spain 🇪🇸 Número de identidad de extranjero (NIE)
• United States 🇺🇸 Social Security Number (SSN)

‍

Which government department is responsible

The department responsible for National Insurance in the UK is Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

‍

Who has to pay National Insurance

If you earn income from work in the UK, you'll likely need to pay National Insurance contributions. National Insurance contributions are paid by employed or self-employed individuals earning above a specific threshold.

There are exceptions for some self-employed individuals, those under the state pension age with low earnings, and people at state pension age.

‍

Applying for a National Insurance Number

To apply for a National Insurance Number, you need to:

1. Gather the required documents (passport, BRP, proof of address, photos of yourself)
2. Apply for a National Insurance Number via GOV.UK
3. Wait to hear from HMRC if you need to provide further proof of identity
4. Book and attend an interview with HMRC if requested

Applications typically take at least 4 weeks to complete.

You won't be able to apply for a National Insurance Number from outside the UK.

Starting work without a National Insurance Number

If like many new Londoners, you have started work without a National Insurance Number here is what you need to know.

‍

Starting or applying for work

If you don't have a National Insurance Number when you start work, you can still start your employment. Your employer will typically ask you to provide proof of your right to work in the UK, such as a passport or biometric residence permit.

When starting work without a National Insurance Number, make sure you let your employer know what stage of the National Insurance Number application process you are at so that they know how to proceed with your contributions.

‍

National Insurance contributions without a National Insurance Number

If you've started work without a National Insurance Number your employer will withhold deductions from your pay at a higher rate. This is only a temporary measure and will end once you have a National Insurance Number that your employer can assign your contributions to.

‍

Recouping additional National Insurance contributions

To recoup any additional National Insurance deductions that your employer may have withheld whilst waiting for your National Insurance Insurance number speak with your employers payroll, finance or appropriate HR team.

As soon as you're approved for your National Insurance Number and have the details, be sure to pass them on to your employer so that they can update the records.