Paying voluntary National Insurance contributions if you’ve worked or lived abroad
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Pay online using your bank account
You can pay voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 National Insurance contributions directly using your online or mobile bank account.
You must apply to pay National Insurance contributions and wait for an acceptance letter from HMRC before making a payment. The letter will include your 18-digit payment reference number.
You’ll need:
- a UK bank account
- your online banking details
- the 18-digit payment reference number on your HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) acceptance letter
If you do not have an 18-digit reference number, you cannot use this payment method.
If you use the wrong reference number, your payment may be delayed or used to pay a different tax bill that you owe.
The payment is usually instant but can take up to 2 hours to show in your bank account.
After you’ve paid
Your National Insurance record and personal tax account will be updated after HMRC gets the payment. This can take up to 8 weeks.