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What is a National Insurance Number?
You will need a National Insurance Number if you are going to earn an income in the UK, or plan to receive state benefits (government-funded aid). The NIN is not related to the health system.
A National Insurance Number is composed of letters and numbers: AA123456C.
It is unique for each individual, and never changes.
National Insurance Numbers apply for adults and children above 16 years old. Children under 16 do not need National Insurance Numbers.
How to apply for a National Insurance Number
There are currently 2 ways of obtaining a National Insurance Number
1 – Check your visa
In some cases, your National Insurance Number may be printed on your UK visa. Unfortunately, it is not always included, and the Home Office does not specify in which circumstances it will appear. Therefore, always check your visa documents first.
2- If you cannot find the NIN on your UK Visa, you can apply online:
https://www.apply-national-insurance-number.service.gov.uk/apply/welcome
You will need to answer a few questions and enter some information:
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Whether you have a dual nationality
- Whether you have lived in the UK all your life
- If not, date of your arrival in the UK
- Full UK address
- Phone number
You should only apply once you are physically in the UK, and have an address where you will receive your correspondence.
3 – You might have to attend a physical appointment, to show your Passport, in addition to your online application.
To obtain an appointment, you will need to call the Department for Work and Pension – the number will be indicated after you have submitted your application online.
Unfortunately you will not be able to choose the date or location of the interview. However, you can cancel and rebook an appointment if it doesn’t suit you.
What happens then?
If you have completed your application for a NIN, a letter will be sent to you within 16 weeks. It will contain your NIN.
You should keep it safely, but, should you lose it, you can always call the Department for Work and Pensions to request for them to re-send you a confirmation letter.
There is nothing else to do, your NIN is recorded in the government’s system forever.
What if you have lost your National Insurance Number?
You can always ask for a letter confirming your NIN by visiting the following website:
https://www.gov.uk/lost-national-insurance-number
How Simply London can help
Our settling-in experts can provide personalised support to help you feel at home in London from day one. From setting up utilities and registering with a GP, to understanding local services and finding your way around your new neighbourhood, they’ll handle the practical details so you can focus on enjoying your new life. Get in touch today!
Article originally published in March 2022 and updated in August 2025 for accuracy purposes.
