Piotr
I didn’t realise how important my identity and other documents were until I tried to register with services and couldn’t! It’s not the most interesting thing you will do, but getting these documents ready will make the next steps easier.
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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Proof of identity & address' and 'Employment documents'.
Key information
1. ‘Proof of identity’ and ‘proof of address’ are key documents you will need
You will be continually asked to show these documents to organisations, particularly when you register to access services such as seeing a doctor and going to a library. They provide evidence of who you are and show that you live in the UK. You usually need one ‘proof of identity’ and a second ‘proof of address’.
2. You can still get a ‘proof of address’ while staying with someone
Most people will provide a ‘proof of address’ that shows their name on a rent (tenancy) contract or household bill. If you’re staying with someone, you can use a written letter from that person which details that you have permission to stay, along with an official document with their name and address.
3. You don’t need a work permit in the UK
As an EU citizen, you currently have the right to freely work in the UK but every resident needs a ‘National Insurance Number’:
- You need to apply and it can take a few weeks to arrive
- You can start working while your application is being processed if you prove you have the right to work in the UK - show your employer your EU passport or National Identity card
Proof of identity & address
Many public services such as health centres ask for ‘proof of identity’ and ‘proof of address’ to register with them. You usually need to show one ‘proof of identity’ and a second ‘proof of address’.
'Proof of identity'
This is simply proof of who you are. Here are your options:
- Passport (valid and signed) - some organisations will accept a copy but it’s better to show the original
- National identity card - issued by your country of origin
- Driving licence - a full EU photocard driving licence
'Proof of address'
This shows that you live in the UK
You can use any of the documents below as long as they are dated within the last 3 months and show both your name and address:
- A household bill (e.g. electricity, gas, water, phone, council tax)
- A bank or credit card statement
- A tax notification statement from the tax office (HMRC)
If you’re staying with someone or don’t have any of the above, you can use a letter written by:
- The person you are staying with which details that you have permission to stay, along with an official document with their name and address (dated within 3 months)
- Your local doctor (GP) that confirms your UK address - you need to register with them first and you may need to pay for this service and wait some time for it to be processed
- Your employer that confirms your UK address
Employment documents
Every resident needs a ‘National Insurance Number’ to work in the UK
It’s like a social security number that allows the government to identify who you are and record the taxes you pay, and entitlements you receive correctly:
- You can start working while you wait for your number to arrive
- This can take a few weeks so apply early!
How to apply for a ‘National Insurance Number’
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Step 1: Get help to apply if you are not confident in English
- A local organisation - such as 'Connected Communities' or ‘Haringey Migrant Support Centre’. Read about other organisations in ‘Other local help & support’
- Your local JobCentre Plus - as part of an application for financial support from the government
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Step 2: Call the number to start your application
You must be in the UK to make this call. You will be asked for basic details like your name and date of birth to register your application.
- It’s free to call 0800 141 2075
- Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
- There is no translation service available
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Step 3: Attend an interview
You will receive a letter from the DWP inviting you to an interview at a local Jobcentre Plus to show your identity documents. This is usually a valid passport, national ID card or a full photocard EU driving licence.
- Read the information in the letter carefully for instructions
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Step 4: Wait for the delivery of your ‘National Insurance Number’
Within two weeks of your interview, you should receive a letter by post detailing your number. You can start working while your number arrives if you prove you have the right to work in the UK - simply show your employer your EU passport or National Identity card.
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Step 5: Reach out if you need help
If there’s a delay in receiving your ‘National Insurance Number’, call their helpline on 0800 141 2075 to enquire further.
- If you need help with any of the steps, get in touch with local organisations such as the ‘Connected Communities’ team
- Read more about other organisations in our dedicated section ‘Other local help & support’