NINO Application

Quick Applications
Start a New Application     NI Replacement Card
Changes to details     New UK Bank Account

Apply for NINO Number

Start the NINO process now

To make your application for your first UK NINO number, fill in carefully the form below. This simple step by step procedure will help in your application. Our experienced staff will check processing your application as well as booking your ‘Evidence of identity’ interview. We will send you an email confirmation that your interview has been booked, confirming the date, time and location for your interview. We will also provide you with your unique reference number.

Please complete this form carefully

  • Ensure you complete all the required areas and enter the details correctly
  • You must be able to provide a UK residential address
  • You must be over the age of 16
  • You must be truthful in your answers

Apply for a UK NINO Number within 5 minutes.
NINO Fast Tracked within 4 working hours with our easy to use online form below.

Discover How To Get Your NINO More Easily

Anyone that works or will want to work in the UK will need to have a National Insurance number. It is possible to begin working without this number but then you will be charged a higher rate of tax known as emergency tax until you get your national insurance number. When you are applying for a job there are some employers who are unaware, they can actually employ you even though you don’t yet have your number. We cover this and other important facts below but as you would expect, it’ll be easier if you already have your national insurance.
What NINO Application Will Do

Apply for NINO

If an interview is needed they will arrange a time that is convenient for you and they can often help you avoid it altogether. They will help you have all the documentation to verify your identity. If you have an address change they will help you deal with that appropriately.

The process of getting a National Insurance number will take on average of about 2 to 6 weeks but occasionally months from the time you first schedule a meeting. This is largely dependent on the availability of an interview time with the DWP office, as well as the time that it takes to actually get your number fully processed. While you are waiting you'll be given a temporary National Insurance number but this is used only to keep track of extra contributions that you will make until you get your actual NI card and present it to your employer.

In order to maximize how fast the process is completed and to avoid a lot of the frustrations, there are some paid services that can help you. If, as an example, you are not from EU then this service can help you avoid going to the DWP interview. The reason this is possible is because of the requirements you had to make to get your visa and this means it's possible to get your insurance number online.

Being able to avoid the interview is worth paying a small fee but even for those who do need to go to the interview, the service will make things run smoothly. One of the problems many people run into is a failure to have something needed at the interview and the service can help you avoid this. They will help with the application form as well as making an address change if necessary. A failure to do this correctly can cause delays in getting your number. Having the help of this type of service avoids a lot of problems. It is possible to do it yourself, however, and we can help you do that.

What Is The Purpose Of The NINO Number?

Apply for NINO Number

This number goes by several different acronyms including NI, NIN, and NINO and it functions as a tax file number similar to what you use in Australia, New Zealand, IRD, or like a SIN number in Canada. Inside the UK the number is used as identification and it gives you access to the NHS healthcare system. Most employers will ask you for this number within your first week of starting work. When you don't have a national insurance number it makes it difficult for an employer to advise the British tax department what amount you need to contribute towards NI for the social security system in Britain or for the state pension. This makes it necessary to pay the emergency tax until you have your number and this represents a pretty big percentage of your overall take-home pay.

Is it necessary to have a NINO to work in the UK?

Who uses your NINO

Answer: Yes, it is ultimately necessary but you can start work before you get your number. Once you start the application process you'll be able to go to work while you're waiting but you will ultimately need to give your employer your National Insurance number. During the interim, you will be required to pay an emergency tax which could represent a significant part of your total pay.

How much time will it take to get my NINO number?

NINO Timeframe

Answer: The usual time frame is 2 to 6 weeks. Unfortunately, however, it sometimes takes months. If you use a service they can arrange the interview and often they can help you avoid it which can save you weeks. How long you need to wait is dependent on how busy the particular office is in your area. Even after you complete the interview it will still be necessary to wait for your actual number and card to arrive. That can often take several weeks or more.

Is it necessary to be in the UK when I apply for my NINO?

National Insurance Number for EU Citizens

Answer: If you're going to do it yourself then you will have to be in the UK. If, however, you use a service you can get things started even before you arrive. It can help considerably when you know exactly what you will need and other things you will be dealing with such as where you will live and potential jobs.

Can I speed up the NINO process?

National Insurance number Process

Answer: If you use a service it won't specifically expedite the process but because they help you avoid any issues it can mean things go faster. They make sure that you have all the documents you need and that address changes and other things are handled correctly which will maximize how quickly the process goes.

Is it possible to bypass the NINO interview process?

National Insurance number Interview

Answer: Those who are not a resident have already gone through the process of getting their visa and this means they are eligible to avoid the interview if they get the assistance of a service. Those who are an EU resident or are British will have to attend the interview.

If I stay with a friend and don't have any bills in my name what else can I use for proof of address?

National Insurance number Address

Answer: It is pretty common for someone who has only just arrived in the UK to not have the proof they need for an address. When this is the case you will need to use a service that can help you establish your identity and get the documentation you will need.

If I move while in the process of getting my National Insurance number what do I need to do?

Answer: If you have an interview already scheduled you should still try to attend it. If you are waiting to receive your card and number then you need to contact the Jobcentre Plus immediately. If you have used a service then they will handle all of it for you.

Is it true that I cannot be employed until I actually have my NI number?

National Insurance number for working in the UK

Answer: No, this is not correct. If you understand the process correctly then it will not stop you from getting your wages or being employed. All you need to do is to let your employer know that you have applied and are in the process of getting your card. They will take out an emergency tax contribution until you get your card but it doesn't cost them anything extra because it comes out of your pay. It is not legal for an employer to withhold wages and you being familiar with the process can be helpful if your employer is not.

Is it possible to get the emergency tax back after getting my number?

Answer: Yes. Once you receive your National Insurance number then you will be able to file a claim to get back the money that was deducted in emergency tax. This usually takes place at the end of the year when you file for your tax return.

Do I need anything else other than a NINO to work in the UK?

National Insurance number Requirements

Answer: Just having a National Insurance number does not give you everything you need to work in the UK. You will need an appropriate Visa that specifically allows you to work in the UK. Our services do not specialize in helping with visas. If you need help then you should use a company that does specialize in helping someone get their visa and other questions related to work status.

If I work for a company that is based out of the UK but I am working outside of that area, do I still need a NINO?

If you are working outside of the UK and you're not living there then you won't need a NI number because you'll be taxed in the country where you reside and work. We are unable to offer any additional information related to taxes. You can ask your employer or an accountant for additional information.

If I have previously had a NINO and I'm returning to the UK will I need to reapply for a new one?

NINO Application

Answer: No, it will not be necessary. It's only necessary to get the number once because it will be your number forever. If you happen to lose your card and you don't know your number you can learn how to retrieve it.

How Can You Get A NINO?

How to get your NINO

It will often take weeks and sometimes months to complete the application process. You will/could have to make a number of phone calls as well as go through an Evidence Of Identity interview (EOI) along with a number of follow-up calls and long waiting times and that's if things go well. There are companies in the UK that are specifically there to help you with the process. You can get help online for as little as £30. With the help of these types of services, you may be able to avoid the EOI interview completely. (if it is necessary for you to have an interview as part of the service all this will be arranged for you. if you do have to have that interview the service will help you arrange it. All the information that you will need will be pre-checked, they will arrange for an interview to for you at the closest possible location to you and email you the date and time of the interview, as well as follow-up calls and any other issues, will be assisted by that service. It is possible to get your NI number without any assistance but it can be a stressful and time-consuming process without help. Step One Call 0345 600 0643 to reach the Jobcentre Plus during regular business hours and arrange your NINO interview. You will want to be prepared for the fact that it's likely to be very busy. It will need to be scheduled during business hours and the specific times will depend on how busy they are and they will set the appointment for an address that's nearest you. Keep in mind that if you are not an EU citizen then you can avoid this interview by going through a service. Step Two Gather all the documents needed for the interview. Once you have scheduled your EOI interview you'll need to get all the documentation needed for it. When you are from another country it can be a bit more difficult because you need to prove your identity by providing bills that are in your name and your address. To avoid some of these difficulties you can utilize a service that will help you with all the necessary documentation. Step Three It may be necessary to wait or to follow up. If everything goes as it should then you will not be invited back and this means you need to wait. In most situations, the process will take a few weeks but occasionally it can take months to get your number and your card in the mail. This part doesn't require you to do anything but it can be the most challenging because during the waiting period you are being charged emergency tax. The length of time that it takes will depend on the workload of the department but if you get a service they will be able to let you know what time frame you're looking at because they have the experience of providing successful registrations every day. Caution: If you change your address during the process your National Insurance number could be lost in the post. This happens quite often. This is another reason why it's recommended that you use a service because they will help you make all the appropriate changes and keep up with all the needed paperwork. By using a reputable service you can avoid much of the frustration and you can cut through the red tape.