National insurance for people going abroad


Special rules mean that people often have to pay National Insurance contributions when they work overseas. These rules can help them to remain in the UK’s Social Security system when they go abroad. In many countries, where you continue in the UK scheme, you can be exempt from foreign Social Security contributions. 

When you are no longer required to pay compulsory contributions to the UK, you may be able to pay voluntary contributions to protect your right to some social security benefits.