Applying for a National Insurance Number

Note: Commonwealth Contractors does not deal with applications for National Insurance Numbers

If you plan to work as a freelance contractor it’s important that you apply for a National Insurance Number as soon as possible.

A National Insurance Number (NI Number) is a unique personal identification number. The Number is used by your employer and the HM Revenue and Customs to make sure that the Income Tax/National Insurance you pay is properly recorded by the council if you ever make a claim for state benefits. If you do not apply for a NI Number you could find that the HM Revenue and Customs generate multiple unique identification numbers for you which could result in you paying too much tax.

If you are considering working in the UK as a Freelance Contractor call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 to find out how we can help or Submit your details and we will get right back to you. Our experienced Account Managers can provide assistance with, among other things, finding a contract and advising on a contract solution (Umbrella Company or Limited Company).

How do I apply for a National Insurance Number?

In order to gain a National Insurance Number (and a NI card) you need to attend a 30-45 minute meeting with an advisor at a Jobcentre Plus. This meeting should only be arranged once you have actually started work as you will require a letter of employment.

To book a meeting with an advisor call Jobcentre Plus on 0845 600 0643 between 8am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. The advisor will inform you of the documents you need to bring to the meeting (please see the document list below) and assign a time.

What documents are required?

In order to apply for a National Insurance Number you should prepare some of the following documents:

Passport
Full Driving Licence
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Tenancy Agreement
Payslips
A Letter from your Employer
Contract of Employment

What happens after the meeting?

After the meeting with a Jobcentre Plus advisor you will be sent a letter detailing your National Insurance Number, so long as you have been successful. Sometime after the letter a National Insurance card is sent to confirm the number.

To find out more about Contracting in the UK call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or submit your details and we will get right back to you

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