How to get a National Insurance number to work in UK construction
You apply online on GOV.UK, prove your identity with photos of your passport or ID card, and get the number within about 4 weeks. You don't have to wait for it to start work — your right to work is what the site or employer checks.
In Northern Ireland you use the same online service; nidirect says it can take up to 16 working days after you prove your identity.
How to apply, step by step
Check you can apply
You must live in the UK, have the right to work here, and be working, looking for work or have a job offer. You can only apply while you're in the UK.
Check you don't already have one
If you have a BRP, look on the back. If you have an eVisa, look in your UKVI account. If you worked in the UK before, it's on old payslips or a P60. You never get a second number.
Apply online on GOV.UK
Go to gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. Have your passport or national ID card ready — you may need to type in details from it.
Upload your photos
You take photos of your document and a photo of yourself holding it. A phone camera is fine, and someone else can take the photos for you.
Keep the reference email
You get an email with your application reference number. It also tells you if you need to prove your identity another way — by post or at an appointment.
Wait for your number
It can take up to 4 weeks after you've proved your identity. If you can't upload photos it takes longer.
Can I work on site without a National Insurance number?
Yes. GOV.UK says you can start work before you get your National Insurance number if you can prove your right to work. The employer's right-to-work check is about your passport or share code — the NI number is not part of it.
If you're not British or Irish, you prove your right to work with a share code from GOV.UK. British and Irish citizens show their passport.
If you're on PAYE, your employer can still put you on the payroll. HMRC lets them report you with your full address until your number is known — so give it to them as soon as it arrives.
Self-employed on CIS?
UTR first
To be paid under CIS as a sole trader you need a UTR. You get it by registering for Self Assessment as self-employed — usually by post in 15 working days, sooner in the HMRC app. See how to get a UTR number.
NI number on the CIS form
GOV.UK says you may also need your National Insurance number to register for CIS, depending on your circumstances. Apply for it early so it doesn't hold you up.
Until you're registered
If you're not CIS-registered, the contractor takes 30% instead of 20%. See CIS explained.
Lost your National Insurance number?
Look on your papers
It's on payslips, your P60 and letters about tax, pensions or benefits.
HMRC app or personal tax account
If you live in the UK, the HMRC app shows your number and lets you download a letter with it. Your personal tax account does the same.
Phone wallet
If you saved it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before, it's still there.
Not by phone
HMRC can't give you your number over the phone or on webchat. Use the app, your account or the checker on gov.uk/find-national-insurance-number.
The application is on gov.uk. GOV.UK lists no fee for it. If a website asks you to pay to “apply for your NI number”, it is not GOV.UK — close it and use the official service.
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See open jobsCommon questions
How do I get a National Insurance number?
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. You prove your identity by uploading photos of your passport or national ID card. You get an email with a reference number, and your number follows within about 4 weeks.
Can I work without a National Insurance number?
Yes. You can start work before you get it if you can prove your right to work in the UK. Give the number to your employer when it arrives.
How long does it take to get a National Insurance number?
Up to 4 weeks after you've proved your identity. It takes longer if you can't upload photos. In Northern Ireland, nidirect says up to 16 working days.
What documents do I need for a National Insurance number?
A passport from any country, or a national ID card from an EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. Without these you can still apply, but you may need an appointment.
I applied more than 4 weeks ago — what do I do?
Call the National Insurance number application helpline on 0800 141 2079 (England, Scotland and Wales, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). Have your application reference number from the confirmation email ready.
I have a BRP or eVisa — do I already have an NI number?
Maybe. It's printed on the back of your BRP, or shown in your eVisa account. If you don't have one and plan to work, you must apply.
How do I find my lost National Insurance number?
Check payslips, a P60 or HMRC letters, or log in to the HMRC app or your personal tax account. HMRC can't give it to you by phone or webchat.
Do I need a National Insurance number for the EU Settlement Scheme?
No. GOV.UK says you don't need one to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
