Everyone working in the UK pays National Insurance (NI) in addition to their normal taxes.
National Insurance pays for pensions and health services. Most employers require your National Insurance number before you start work and it's a good idea to get one as soon as possible as it makes it easier to access hospital services. Numbers are issued through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and getting one can be a hassle.
Once you arrive in the UK you can apply for your National Insurance number. For foreigners it is also recommended that, once you have a number, you contract out of the State Pension in order to receive a National Insurance rebate.
Phone 0845-6000 643 from 8am-6pm Monday-Friday to arrange an appointment.
Take your passport, a letter confirming you are employed or registered with an agency and two or three other pieces of ID. Within eight weeks you’ll get a number in the post.
Alternatively, if you’ve already started working, your employer may be able to apply for a National Insurance number on your behalf.
Ask for a CA5407 form which is completed by both the employee and employer and then sent to Jobcentre Plus in Glasgow. For more details visit HM Revenue & Customs or go to your nearest Job Centre.
>> Read more on National Insurance rebates