UK Citizenship Practice Test 2026 - Free Citizenship Practice Questions and Study Guide

Applying for a National Insurance number is essential when starting a new job in the UK. This number is used to track earnings, contributions to social security, and entitlement to certain benefits. Employers need to report your earnings and calculate the appropriate tax and National Insurance contributions to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and having a National Insurance number allows for this to be done accurately.

In contrast, while buying property, opening a bank account, or renewing a passport are important processes, they do not specifically require a National Insurance number. Property transactions are generally dealt with through other forms of identification and financial verification. Bank accounts may require other identification, such as proof of identity and address, but not necessarily a National Insurance number. Additionally, renewing a passport involves providing personal identification and photographic evidence but does not involve a National Insurance number.