All persons engaging in gainful employment in The Bahamas - whether employed on a temporary, probationary, part-time or permanent basis - are required to register with National Insurance. Registration should be undertaken before, or as soon as possible after commencing work.

Additionally, businesses (employers), and persons claiming benefits or assistance - even if they have never worked, must register.

The registration process involves the assignment of a number - for life - which creates an account into which all record of contributions and benefit payments will go. This National Insurance Number is distinctive and personal. Its digits include representation of the year and quarter of the registrant’s birth; the Local Office at which he/she registered; and his/her sex.

Once a number is assigned, the registrant does not have to register again - even if changing jobs, moving to a new island, or changing names.