National Insurance if you work abroad

You might have to pay National Insurance in the UK while you’re working abroad. It depends on where you’re working and how long for.

If the country you’re working in does not have a social security agreement with the UK, you may need to pay social security contributions there.

If the country you’re working in has a social security agreement with the UK, you’ll usually pay National Insurance in the UK. You may need to get a certificate showing you’re exempt from paying social security in the country you’re in.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Apply for a certificate

Check if you need a certificate and how to apply.

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Other reasons you might need to pay National Insurance in the UK

You need to pay National Insurance in the UK for the first 52 weeks of working abroad if you meet all of the following conditions:

  • you’re working abroad temporarily
  • your employer has a place of business in the UK
  • you’re ordinarily resident in the UK
  • you were living in the UK immediately before starting work abroad

Your employer will deduct your National Insurance from your earnings.

Pay voluntary National Insurance contributions

You might be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions in the UK while you’re working abroad.

Check if you’re eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions while abroad.

Your payments will protect:

  • your benefit entitlement
  • your State Pension whether you choose to return to the UK or stay living abroad

Voluntary National Insurance contributions do not cover your health insurance in the country where you live.

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