Working in the UK

Can I work in the UK? (SOFA Rules)

The short answer is: YES! Under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), dependents of U.S. personnel assigned to the United Kingdom are permitted to work.

Employment authorization is not automatic, but the process is straightforward if completed in the correct order. The steps below outline exactly how spouses can become legally authorized to work while stationed in Northwood.

Starting these steps soon after arrival and permanent housing assignment will help minimize delays in your employment eligibility!

The 5 Steps to Employment Authorization'

1. Settle Into Permanent UK Housing Before starting the employment authorization process, spouses must have a permanent UK address. Temporary lodging (TLA or hotels) cannot be used. This is important because passports submitted for processing will be mailed back to the permanent UK address on file.

2. Request an Exempt Vignette Letter The first formal step is obtaining an exempt vignette, which confirms the dependent’s status under NATO SOFA. The service member will coordinate this step by providing the required information to the designated point of contact (Mr. Jason Lawrance), including:

• Service member’s rank, command, and tour dates

• Date of arrival in the UK

• UK home address

• Dependent information (relationship and date of birth)

• Result: Once reviewed, a letter will be issued to support the vignette application.

3. Apply for the Exempt Vignette Each dependent applying for a vignette must submit the following materials via mail through a UK post office (using recorded or next-day delivery), following the mailing instructions provided by Mr. Lawrance:

• No-fee passport

• Two passport photos (taken within the last six months, name written on the back)

• The issued vignette support letter

• Note: Passports will be returned by mail, so the accuracy of your home address is critical.

4. Apply for a National Insurance Number (NIH) Once the exempt vignette has been issued and returned in your passport, the dependent may apply for a UK NIH online. This application requires a letter from the service member’s command (on official letterhead) confirming:

• The service member’s assignment in the UK

• Tour duration and duty location

• Authorization for the dependent to reside in the UK

• Note: The US Element Admin team can assist with providing this required letter.

5. Begin Working in the UK! After receiving both the exempt vignette and the National Insurance number, the dependent is fully authorized to seek and accept employment in the United Kingdom in accordance with UK law and NATO SOFA provisions.

Keeping Your U.S. Job (Remote Work)

Many spouses want to keep their U.S.-based remote jobs when moving to the UK. While this is absolutely an option, you must coordinate it carefully to avoid tax and legal issues.

For information on how this works, contact Mr. Jason Lawrance below.