Question about national insurance contributions

dgtazzman

I'm in the situation where I work for a Dutch company (have for 9 years). I used to live there, but came to the uk 4 years ago. I pay income tax in the uk via self assessment, but still pay national insurance in the Netherlands. I'd like to stop doing this and start paying it in the uk, if I do it now I would still contribute for over 30 years and qualify for full uk pension.

I would like to know if this is possible and what class contributions I would have to make, working for a foreign employer. I assume it would be class 3 voluntary contributions, but it's a little confusing.

Also, I don't have an uk ni number, they wouldn't give me one as I don't work in the uk on paper. Would I need to apply for one in order to make contributions and how would I go about this?

I am a Dutch citizen, but could get the British nationality if desired, I was born in the uk from a British mother.

Your insights are appreciated.

I earn jyst over vbp 42k a year.

JezR

You get an NI number by calling JobCentre Plus on 0845 600 0643 who send you a form. You may be called to an interview to prove your identity and right to work in the UK - your Dutch passport should take care of that, although they might ask for additional ID too.

As to switching where you pay NI won't that be down to your employer paying you, or is it really your choice?

AlwaysLearnin

Just so you're aware, under the proposed state pension changes you'll need 35 years contributions to qualify for full state pension.

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/making-the-state-pension-simpler-and-fairer/supporting-pages/introducing-a-simple-single-tier-state-pension

JezR

The reciprocal arrangements will help though as contribution years into the Dutch scheme will count against this target (and vice versa), and each pension will be paid pro-rata.

dgtazzman

Just to clarify, a colleague of mine has a similar situation, though he lives in France. Stopping payments in Holland is an option, though they may ask for proof that you are paying into a pension elsewhere.

It would seem I need to get a ni number issued before I can proceed, hope they don't just fob me off again. Maybe if I claim my uk passport, they would issue one to me autltomatically?

My biggest question is if I'd have to pay class 1 contributions as an employed person, though my employer is a foreign company and I'm on their payroll abroad, or would I pay class 3 contributions on a voluntary basis. I read about the proposed changes and could pay an extra year of 2 of voluntary contributions to bring my total up to 35 years. I also have built up a right to 26% of a full Dutch state pension, so that will fill a small gap if need be and I have a good company pension fund on top of that, so I won't be struggling....

mania112

not sure how you stop paying Dutch NI, but there's no problem starting NI in the UK, as shown in post #2.

By the time you retire, it will be 35 years required for full state pension.