United Kingdom (GB)

The National Insurance number (format: two letters, six digits, one letter — e.g. AB 12 34 56 C) is THE most important identification number in the UK for working, paying tax, and claiming benefits. Required by all employers before processing payroll. Applied for via HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) — apply online at gov.uk. Processing takes 3–6 weeks. Without an NINo, your employer can still pay you but will use an emergency tax code, which is usually inefficient. Apply immediately after arrival.

Required for all immigration purposes, opening a bank account, employer right-to-work checks, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, and all official registrations. Non-British nationals must carry proof of immigration status at all times. British citizens can also use a passport for domestic travel and identity purposes.

Non-British nationals with visas of more than 6 months receive either a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP — a credit card-sized document with biometric data) or, increasingly from 2024, an eVisa (a digital immigration status accessed via the UKVI online account). The UK is transitioning fully to eVisas — BRPs are being phased out. You must have one or the other as proof of right to live and work in the UK. Always ensure your UKVI account details are current.

An online account at gov.uk/check-immigration-status that holds your digital immigration status (eVisa). From 2024 onwards, employers, landlords, and others check your right to work/rent using a "share code" generated from this account. Essential for all visa holders. Without access to your UKVI account you cannot prove your status digitally.

A 10-digit number (format: 3-3-4 digits, e.g. 123 456 7890) unique to you in the NHS (National Health Service). Assigned when you register with a GP. Needed for all NHS services, appointments, prescriptions, and records. You can find it on any NHS letter, prescription, or by asking your GP practice. Not the same as a National Insurance number.

Unlike many continental European countries, the UK has NO formal address registration system (no equivalent to the German Anmeldebestätigung or Danish folkeregisteret). Instead, you prove your address via utility bills (gas, electricity, water), bank statements, or council tax correspondence dated within the last 3 months. Required for: opening bank accounts, hiring cars, many employment processes. The absence of a registration system makes the first weeks challenging — order a physical bank statement or utility bill as soon as possible.

When you move into a property in the UK, you must register with your local council for Council Tax — a local property tax paid by occupants (not owners) for local government services. Contact your local council within days of moving in. Failure to register can result in back-payments plus penalties. Council Tax bands run from A (lowest) to H (highest) and vary significantly by location.

Required for children's school enrolment, some employment DBS checks, citizenship applications, and marriage registration in the UK. Foreign birth certificates should be apostilled and translated if not in English.

Required for spouse visa applications, some benefits claims, next-of-kin medical situations, and name change processes. Foreign marriage certificates require apostille and certified translation if not in English.

Required for regulated profession registration (doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, lawyers), some DBS and employment checks, and visa applications in skilled worker categories. Foreign qualifications may need recognition via UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC). Must be apostilled and may require certified translation.

Your home country driving licence. Non-UK licences: EU/EEA licences are no longer automatically recognised post-Brexit and must be exchanged within 12 months of becoming a UK resident for most categories. Some non-EU licences from designated countries (USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan, etc.) can be exchanged without a test. Others must take the UK driving test. Keep the original — needed for the exchange process.

P45: given by your previous UK employer when you leave — shows your tax code and earnings for the tax year. Give to your new employer immediately. P60: end-of-year tax certificate from your employer showing total pay and tax deducted. Essential for Self Assessment tax returns and benefits applications. Keep all P60s for at least 6 years.

The UK government is rolling out One Login as a unified digital identity for accessing government services online — replacing multiple legacy login systems. Used for HMRC online, Universal Credit, passport applications, and many other services. Set up at account.gov.uk using email verification and identity documents.