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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Government, citizens and rights
    3. Living in Northern Ireland
    4. Asylum seekers and refugees
    5. Support for Ukraine

    Ukrainian nationals: banking and getting a National Insurance (NI) Number

    Opening a bank account, accessing local currency and getting a National Insurance Number when arriving in Northern Ireland from Ukraine.

    Opening a bank account

    There are a range of banks and you can choose one that suits you best. There are also online-only banks which you can use.

    To open a bank account, you will usually need to show a form of identification. 

    Acceptable forms of identification are: 

    • your passport
    • your Biometric Residence Permit
    • your driver’s licence
    • your identity card

    You should ask about any charges when you open a bank account. Once you open your account, you will usually be issued with a debit card.

    Many cards are contactless, and some shops will only accept contactless payment. 

    You can also arrange for bills to be paid directly from your account using direct debit. Ask your bank about this.

    More information on how to open a bank account is available at: 

    • Getting a bank account 

    Access to local currency

    If you have a working bank card or cash card, you will be able to use them to withdraw money from the ATMs at your point of entry.

    National Insurance (NI )Number

    A National Insurance (NI) number is used to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only. This is a code with letters and numbers and never changes.

    You can look for and start work without a National Insurance Number if you can prove you can work in the UK by showing your Biometric Residence Permit. This will have your Right to Work status printed on the back.

    Employers must do Right to Work checks on everyone they hire.

    Having a National Insurance number is not part of these checks and does not prove that someone has the right to work.

    If you do not have a National Insurance Number you can find information on how to get one at: 

    • National Insurance Numbers

    When you make an application you will need to give a copy of your passport and proof that you have the right to work. The employer will tell you what documents you need to provide.

     

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    Support for Ukraine

    • Arrival and transport to your accommodation
    • Arriving in Northern Ireland from Ukraine
    • Bringing a Ukrainian vehicle into the UK – tax and registration
    • Homes for Ukraine scheme: accommodation and emergency accommodation
    • Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme – information for sponsors
    • Information for Ukrainians arriving in Northern Ireland
    • Supporting Ukraine
    • Travelling to Northern Ireland from Ukraine with pets
    • Ukraine schemes: visas, biometrics and passport renewals
    • Ukrainian cash support scheme
    • Ukrainian nationals: banking and getting a National Insurance (NI) Number
    • Ukrainian schemes: babies born in the UK

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    Email 
    dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

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    customerservice.unit@communities-ni.gov.uk

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    Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

    Employment and Support Allowance

    Call 0800 587 1377

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    Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

    Personal Independence Payment

    Call 0800 587 0932

    If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

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    For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and for queries about your certificate, email covidcertni@hscni.net.

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    • Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN
      contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea
       
    • Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing
      contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

    If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

    For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

     

    For queries or advice about passports, contact HM Passport Office.

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