How to obtain your National Insurance number (NI)

  • April 10, 2020
 

Attaining your national insurance (NI) number once in the UK is essential once in the UK.

Overseas doctors new to the UK will not have an NI number, and wll need to appy to ensure they are taxed and paid correctly. In this article we’ll help you to arrange your NI by addressing the following questions: 

What is National Insurance? 

National Insurance (NI) is a tax system in the United Kingdom paid by workers and employers for funding state benefits. It is a contributory form of insurance against illness and unemployment, and provides retirement pensions amongst other benefits.

Citizens of the United Kingdom pay National Insurance contributions to become eligible for State Pension and other benefits.

Why do I need a National Insurance number?

A National Insurance number is a unique number assigned to an individual looking to work in the UK. You will keep the same number all of your life.

Your NI number helps to make sure that the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded against your name. 

It also acts as a reference number when communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

When can I apply?

You can only apply once you are living in the UK.

Once in the UK you can work for up to 12 weeks without an NI number. However, we strongly recommend applying within your first few days of moving to the UK.

How do I apply?

Call the National Insurance number application line on 0800 141 2075 between the hours:

8.30am - 5pm

Monday - Friday

The phone call will be a 5-10 minute process. 

You’ll be asked some questions about why you need a National Insurance number, your background and circumstances. Following this call, you will be asked to attend an evidence of identity interview at your local job center which is followed by an email confirming the appointment.

They will ask you bring as many identity original documents as you can to the interview. Examples of documents which are acceptable are:

  • valid passport 
  • National Identity card 
  • residence permit or residence card including biometric immigration residency documents
  • full birth or adoption certificate
  • full marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • driving licence

In addition, you should provide:

  • evidence you are in work or looking for work
  • proof of address 

*If relocating from outside the EU, you will also be asked for your residence permit.

I’ve got my National Insurance number, what next?

If you were asked to provide additional information you will need to do this by the agreed date. 

If not, Jobcentre Plus will write to you and let you know whether your application was successful and what your National Insurance number is.

Provide your HR or Payroll department with your National Insurance number as soon as you have it.

Remember to keep the letter safe – you may need it in the future.


IMG Jobs 

Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK

IMG Resources

In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!  

Get in Touch

Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

            

 

Relevant Jobs

105,504 to 139,882
An NHS Trust is looking for a Consultant Histopathologist with an interest in GI & dermatopathology. The Histopathology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This role is open to both international and UK-based doctors, with portfolio support for CESR available.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
  • FRCPath or equivalent and Full GMC Registration are required.
  • The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
  • Provide histopathology services for diagnostics.
  • Participate in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
  • Collaborate in academic and educational activities.
  • Contribute to digital Histopathology system development.

LIFE IN THE REGION
The position is based in a city offering a mix of urban amenities and scenic rural living options. Families will find excellent schools, easy access to transport, and a range of leisure activities. The region has a rich cultural and historical significance.
105,504- 139,882

An NHS district general hospital in the North of Scotland is looking for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with an interest in Lung, Head & Neck, or Breast cancer. The oncology department comprises a team of 7 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCR (or equivalent) are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

FRCR, full GMC registration with specialist registration or within 6 months of CCT, along with broad experience in prescribing radiotherapy and SACT, are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Lung, Head & Neck, or Breast radiotherapy should apply. The salary will be between £107,144 and £142,369 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Manage a subspecialty caseload in Lung, H&N or Breast radiotherapy, delivering high-quality care and treatment planning.

  • Participate in MDT meetings, clinical governance, research and teaching activities.

  • Contribute to acute oncology on-call cover and peripheral clinics across the region.

  • Lead or support the development of new services or innovations in clinical delivery within the department.

LIFE IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

This job is based in the Scottish Highlands, a region known for both its bustling city of Inverness and rural escapes like Beauly or Fort Augustus.

The Highlands offer excellent schools, strong transport links including rail and air connections, and year-round recreational options from hiking to arts festivals. The city also has a vibrant cultural and social scene for families and professionals alike.

Rich in heritage, the Highlands are home to some of Scotland’s most renowned history—from clan culture to castles—making this region both a scenic and significant place to live and work.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists

  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice

  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions

  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

  • Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable

  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation

  • Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

96990 - 107155

An NHS acute hospital in the South East is looking for a Specialist Acute Physician with an interest in Same Day Emergency Care and Ambulatory Medicine. The Acute Internal Medicine department comprises a team of 13 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Acute Medicine job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (UK) qualifications are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

MBBS or equivalent, full GMC registration, MRCP, and a minimum of 4 years’ post-graduate NHS experience (with at least 2 years in Acute Medicine) are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in expanding SDEC and short stay services should apply. The salary will be between £96,990 - £107,155 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provision of the Acute Internal Medicine service, including same day emergency care, inpatients on the AMU, and the Short Stay Unit

  • Receiving referrals from primary care to provide clinical advice and triage for potential admissions

  • Supervision of junior doctors and alternative workforce, including advice on treatment plans

  • Participation in clinical education and governance activities, and supporting development of the department

LIFE IN THE SOUTH EAST

This role is based in a major coastal city in the South East, with nearby living options ranging from lively urban centres to scenic rural towns. The region offers strong transport connections, reputable schools, and a wide range of leisure pursuits including historic attractions, beaches, and outdoor activities. Known for its maritime heritage, this area has longstanding ties to British naval and defence history.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?*

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

105,504 - 139,882

An NHS teaching hospital in the West Midlands is looking for a Locum Consultant in Microbiology with an interest in clinical microbiology, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship. The Microbiology department comprises a team of 5 consultant microbiologists and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Microbiology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath qualifications are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

FRCPath (or equivalent) and significant experience in microbiology and infectious diseases are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in antimicrobial stewardship and infection control should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Provide clinical microbiology advice for inpatients and outpatients, including infection control and antimicrobial therapy recommendations.

  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings such as OPAT, diabetic foot, and spinal infection MDTs.

  • Be part of a 1:7 on-call rota, providing microbiology advice out-of-hours to hospital and community services.

  • Contribute to laboratory report validation, audit activities, and CPD, including teaching junior doctors and medical students.

LIFE IN STOKE

This role is based in Stoke-on-Trent. Many staff choose to live in Stoke itself for urban convenience, or in nearby towns like Stone or rural Cheshire for a quieter lifestyle. The area is well-served by excellent transport links, schools, and local amenities, with plenty of leisure activities including country parks, theatres, and restaurants. Stoke-on-Trent has a rich industrial heritage and is famously known as the heart of the UK’s pottery industry, offering cultural and historical interest alongside modern healthcare innovation.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists

  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice

  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions

  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
    Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

  • Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable

  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation

  • Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

105,504- 139,882

An NHS teaching hospital in the North of England is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with all interests considered. The oncology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration or MRCP (UK) are most encouraged to apply.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

Full GMC registration with a licence to practise and inclusion (or eligibility within 6 months) on the Specialist Register in Medical Oncology are required for this role. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Manage and treat patients with cancers as part of the site-specific MDTs.

  • Provide on-call and acute cover for oncology inpatients and new inpatient referrals on a rotational basis (1 week out of 8).

  • Attend weekly multi-disciplinary meetings.

  • Hold an honorary lecturer position at a local medical school and participate in undergraduate teaching.

  • Participate in clinical research as appropriate.

  • Train and teach specialty trainees in medical oncology.

LIFE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

This role is based in the North of England, a region that offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and rural charm. Residents can enjoy city living in York or find quieter settings in the nearby countryside and villages. The area boasts outstanding schools, excellent transport links, and a wide variety of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities. With its strong ties to Britain’s industrial heritage and the beautiful countryside on its doorstep, the North of England is a popular choice for healthcare professionals relocating to the UK.

HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?

  • CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists

  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice

  • At least two video calling interview preparation sessions

  • Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more

Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:

  • Document gathering and checking

  • COS and Visa Application support if applicable

  • Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation

  • Travel Arrangements

  • Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care

Would you like this version saved as a text document?

Search Vacancies

Ask a question

Check your salary

error: Content is protected !!