How to Get a National Insurance Number as a Romanian in the UK (2026)
Every Romanian working in the UK needs a National Insurance number (NINO), which is free to apply for online and must be in place before your employer can deduct the correct tax and contributions. This guide covers the application process, required documents, timeline, and what to do if your NINO does not arrive.
A National Insurance number is the reference the UK tax and benefits system uses to record your earnings, income tax payments, and National Insurance contributions. Without one, your employer cannot deduct tax at the correct rate, and your contributions will not be credited to your personal record. The application is free, takes around 20 minutes online, and requires only a valid identity document and a UK address.
What is a National Insurance number?
A National Insurance number — commonly referred to as a NINO — is a unique personal reference number in the format: two letters, six digits, one letter (for example, AB 12 34 56 C). It is issued by HMRC and remains yours for life. It is not proof of identity and does not indicate immigration status, but it is the primary reference used by employers, HMRC, and the Department for Work and Pensions to maintain your tax and contributions record.
Your NINO is needed when starting a new job, registering as self-employed, applying for certain benefits, and completing a Self Assessment tax return. It is also used when setting up a pension, claiming tax credits, and in some government service applications.
NINO vs UTR: your National Insurance number is different from a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). A UTR is only issued when you register for Self Assessment — typically when you have self-employment income. Most employees only ever need their NINO.
How to apply: step by step
The application is completed online via gov.uk. There is no paper form, no fee, and no in-person interview required.
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1
Go to gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number This is the official application page. Do not use any third-party service — the application is free and only available through HMRC directly.
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2
Create or sign in to a Government Gateway account You will need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have one, you can create one during the application. You will need an email address and your identity document to hand.
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3
Complete the online form The form asks for your full name, date of birth, current address, nationality, immigration status, and employment details. If you do not yet have a job, indicate that you are looking for work — this does not affect the application. Answer all questions accurately.
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4
Verify your identity online HMRC uses an online identity verification step. For most applicants this involves confirming details from your passport or BRP. In some cases you may be asked to complete additional verification steps or provide documents by post.
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5
Receive your NINO by post Once your application is processed, your NINO is sent by letter to your UK address. This typically takes three to four weeks. Give the number to your employer and keep the letter in a safe place — HMRC will not issue a replacement card, but you can find your NINO on payslips, P60s, and via your Personal Tax Account.
Documents needed
To apply for a NINO you need:
- A valid identity document — your Romanian passport or your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- A UK address where the letter can be delivered
- Your immigration status details (your visa type and expiry date)
- Employment details — current employer or confirmation that you are looking for work
You do not need a bank account, a UK phone number, a utility bill, or a National Insurance number from another country to apply. You also do not need your BRP if you have your passport — either document is sufficient.
Applying before your BRP arrives: if your BRP is still in transit, you can apply using your passport and visa details. Do not delay the application while waiting for your BRP — the sooner you apply, the sooner your NINO arrives.
Starting work before your NINO arrives
You can start work in the UK before your NINO arrives. Your employer is legally permitted to take you on and begin paying you using a temporary reference code while your NINO is being processed. This is standard practice and is not a problem for either party.
However, there are two things to be aware of during this period. First, your income tax may be deducted on an emergency tax code, which typically results in a higher deduction than your correct rate. This is usually adjusted once your NINO is confirmed and your proper tax code is issued. Second, your National Insurance contributions may not be immediately recorded against your personal record — they will be allocated once your NINO is in place.
Emergency tax codes: if you start work without a NINO or P45 from a previous employer, HMRC may assign an emergency tax code (such as 1257L W1 or M1). This means your tax is calculated on a non-cumulative basis, which can result in over- or under-payment. Once your correct tax code is issued — usually when HMRC receives your NINO and employment details — any overpaid tax is refunded, typically through an adjusted payslip or a P800 refund notice at year end.
As soon as your NINO letter arrives, give the number to your employer's payroll department in writing. Keep a record of when you provided it. Your tax code should update within a few weeks.
NINO for self-employed Romanians
If you are self-employed or plan to become self-employed in the UK, you need a NINO in order to register with HMRC for Self Assessment. You cannot register as self-employed without one.
The NINO application process is the same regardless of employment status. Apply online via gov.uk as soon as you have a UK address. Once you have your NINO, register as self-employed separately at gov.uk/set-up-self-employed — you will then be issued a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for filing tax returns.
How income tax, tax codes, and Self Assessment work for Romanians in the UK.
If your NINO has not arrived
If you have not received your NINO letter within eight weeks of submitting your application, contact the National Insurance helpline:
- Phone: 0300 200 3500 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
- From outside the UK: +44 191 203 7010
Have your application reference number ready, along with your identity document details and UK address. If you created a Government Gateway account when applying, you can also check your application status via your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk/personal-tax-account.
If you have already started work and need to prove your NINO is in progress, ask your employer to note the application reference on your payroll record. This is accepted practice while waiting for the letter to arrive.
If you have lost your NINO
HMRC does not issue replacement NINO letters or cards, but your number can be found in several places:
- On your payslips
- On your P60 (issued by your employer at the end of each tax year)
- On letters from HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions
- In your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk/personal-tax-account (once you have a Government Gateway account)
- On your Self Assessment tax return if you have filed one
The National Insurance number application is one of the most straightforward administrative tasks when arriving in the UK. The process is entirely online, takes around 20 minutes, requires no fee, and the main variable is the postal delivery time of three to four weeks. Applying on the day you have a confirmed UK address is the simplest approach.
The NINO is the foundation of your UK employment and tax record — it connects your contributions to your personal account, determines your eventual entitlement to the State Pension, and is required for almost every formal interaction with HMRC. Getting it in place early, before your first payslip, prevents the administrative complications that come with emergency tax codes and unallocated contributions.
If anything in this guide has changed or does not match your experience, use the contact form at the bottom of any page — corrections are applied quickly.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is for general informational purposes. HMRC processes and timelines can change. Always verify current requirements at gov.uk before relying on specific details. Last verified: April 2026.