UK National Insurance as an Expat
Find out how your National Insurance obligations and options change as and when you relocate outside of the UK with our online guide
Last updated 7 January 2019
In essence if you live and work in the UK and have sufficient income you will automatically pay National Insurance contributions. However, if you have moved abroad, your National Insurance contributions will cease.
Why are National Insurance contributions important?
Ultimately your National Insurance contributions pay towards things like your UK state pension, any benefits you may receive when you live in the UK. As a British Expat, if you have made sufficient contributions over the course of your lifetime, you will still be entitled to receive a state pension.
Can you make voluntary contributions?
If you don’t already do so, you can start making regular voluntary contributions. There are two types of contribution that you can make, either Class 2 or Class 3.
To qualify for Class 2 NICs, you must have been "ordinarily" employed or self-employed immediately before you went abroad.
Class 2 contributions count towards your state pension when you retire and they entitle you to Employment and Support Allowance and bereavement benefits if and when you return to the UK.
Class 3 contributions can be more expensive and have fewer benefits in that they you won't be entitled to the Employment and Support Allowance.
Making up for missed years
If you haven’t been making any contributions for some time and are short of your 30 qualifying years, then you can make up to 6 years worth of contributions. If you are unsure about the current forecast of your state pension, you can request a State Pension Forecast which will give you the information you need to know to be able to make up payments in each of these years.
Experts for Expats has been featured in...
What expats say about our experts
Having very little idea about my tax and personal finance obligations as a potential expat, both the information provided on the website and the advice I received from the consultant during the consultation was extremely helpful in answering my key concerns.
Jason D.
Tax introduction in United Kingdom
I appreciated the whole Introductory process. It was fast, efficient (lots of feedback) and professional. My query was answered by the recommended company within the 15 minute time frame. I have kept the accountant's name and contact details on record for future reference. This was a great way to locate a professional from a long way away. I am sure I will use the company again in the future.
Gail B.
Capital Gains Tax introduction in South Africa
Great Service! I was worried that I would be opening myself up to endless marketing emails and calls. This was not the case at all. A thoroughly professional service.
Paul E.
US/UK dual tax matters introduction in United States
I found the session with the consultant to be very helpful in that it helped allay any concerns I had around my choice to manage my pension post-Brexit. I really valued the opportunity to be able to discuss what I was planning with an someone who could give an independent perspective.
Carl P.
Pensions and Brexit introduction in Spain