Living Abroad

How to Get a National Insurance Number as a Newcomer to the UK

Updated 4 min read

In this guide
  1. Who can apply for a National Insurance number?
  2. Do you need a job offer first?
  3. What do you need to apply?
  4. Step by step: how to apply
  5. What if you cannot upload photos?
  6. Can you start work before your number arrives?
  7. What if it takes longer than 4 weeks?
  8. Common mistakes
  9. Frequently asked questions
    1. Is a National Insurance number the same as a tax code?
    2. Do I need an NI number to open a bank account?
    3. Does my NI number ever change?
  10. Key takeaways
  11. Related guides
  12. Sources

Quick answer: You apply for a National Insurance (NI) number online on GOV.UK. You must live in the UK, have the right to work, and be working, looking for work or have a job offer. You prove your identity with a passport (or an EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland national identity card) and upload photos, including one of you holding your passport. Allow up to 4 weeks after your identity is proved. You do not need a job offer, and you can start work before the number arrives if you can prove your right to work.

The National Insurance number is one of the first pieces of UK paperwork a newcomer needs, because employers use it to set you up for pay and tax. It also sits alongside the other early tasks in your first weeks, such as opening a UK bank account and registering with a GP. For the full order of tasks, see our first 90 days in a new country guide.

Who can apply for a National Insurance number?

You can apply if you live in the UK, have the right to work here, and are working, looking for work, or have a job offer. If you hold a biometric residence permit (BRP) or an eVisa, you can apply only while you are in the UK. If you already have an NI number, you do not need a new one, even after a change of name or address. It stays the same for life.

Do you need a job offer first?

No. An offer is not strictly required. Looking for work is enough. You also do not need a number to start a benefits or student loan application, although you may be told how to get one if it is needed before payment. You do not need one for the EU Settlement Scheme.

What do you need to apply?

  • A passport from any country, or a national identity card from an EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
  • A smartphone, tablet or digital camera to take photos. Someone else can take them for you.
  • A photo of you holding your passport, plus photos of any other identity documents the application asks for.

Step by step: how to apply

  1. Start the online application on GOV.UK. The application is made online.
  2. Enter your identity details from your passport or ID card.
  3. Upload your photos following the instructions on the page about how they must look.
  4. Check your email. You will receive an application reference number and a message saying whether you must provide more proof of identity.
  5. Wait for your number. Allow up to 4 weeks after your identity is proved.

What if you cannot upload photos?

You can still apply online, but the process takes longer. You may need to attend an in-person appointment or post photocopies of your documents. The email you receive after applying explains what to do next.

Can you start work before your number arrives?

Yes, if you can prove your right to work. Tell your employer your application is in progress and give them your reference number if they ask.

What if it takes longer than 4 weeks?

Call the helpline if you applied more than 4 weeks ago, have moved, or your details have changed. Have your application reference number ready; it is in your confirmation email.

Helpline (Mon–Fri) Number and hours
England, Scotland and Wales 0800 141 2079, 8am to 5pm
Welsh-language line 0800 141 2349, 8am to 6pm
Northern Ireland 0800 587 0024, 9am to 4pm

Common mistakes

  • Applying before you arrive. If you have a BRP or eVisa you can only apply while in the UK.
  • Applying again when you already have a number. Check old payslips or letters first.
  • Blurry or cropped photos. Follow the instructions exactly to avoid delays.

Frequently asked questions

Is a National Insurance number the same as a tax code?

No. The NI number identifies you in the system; your tax code is set by HMRC and given to your employer.

Do I need an NI number to open a bank account?

Generally the checks are about ID, immigration status and address, as covered in our UK bank account guide. Check the specific bank’s rules.

Does my NI number ever change?

No. It remains the same for life.

Key takeaways

  • Apply online; you can apply while job-hunting.
  • Use a passport (or an eligible EU-area ID card) and upload clear photos.
  • Allow up to 4 weeks, and keep your reference number.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change, so confirm details on GOV.UK. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Apply for a National Insurance number
  • GOV.UK: How to apply for a National Insurance number

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