Hello - re the NIN, I'm trying to obtain mine before I actually arrive in the UK. I went to a Job Centre on my last visit and was told that I couldn't get one if I wasn't looking for work or signing up for benefits; I in fact won't be working and will not be getting any benefits for a while once I've moved. Anyone with experiences similar? I'm assuming having the number will smooth a lot of processes we'll need to do once arrived, but they were pretty firm in not giving me one. Will I in fact need it to do anything other than employment or benefits?
Thanks
You cannot apply for a National Insurance number until you have your visa, because you have to be able to prove your right to live and work in the UK in order to apply for one.
However, if you aren't planning to work, then there isn't really any need to apply for a National Insurance number anyway. The reason most people apply soon after arriving is because a) it makes it easier to apply for jobs (as most employers ask for your NI number on the application form) and also so that b) they make sure they are paying the correct amount of income tax on their employment earnings.
You cannot claim benefits for the first 5 years anyway, since you need to have ILR in order qualify for benefits, so that won't be an issue for you, and if you aren't working, you won't need to make use of the employment-based benefits based on NI contributions either.
So, really, the only reason for you to apply for one right away is if you plan to make voluntary National Insurance contributions towards your state pension for the future.