Can you pay Class 2 contributions for years worked abroad in the past?

The Future Pension Service have confirmed that I have 16 years of full contributions and 16 years that are not full but "available to make up the shortfall". I am therefore completing the CF83 Form and explanatory cover letter now. Can you please clarify if you have to be CURRENTLY employed/self-employed in order to be able to pay Class 2 voluntary contributions for previous years (2006-2020)? Or do you just have to show that you were employed abroad during these "shortfall years" and pay Class 3 contributions on any years that you were abroad but not in full-time employment?

Hi samb100

When you return your CF83 application form please enclose a note to provide your periods of employment/self-employment from 6 April 2006, ie periods worked (from … to …) and what you were doing (employed/self-employed).  Our International Team will then be able to quote any voluntary class 2 National Insurance contributions that you may pay from the 2006-2007 tax year. For any periods that you’ve not been employed or self-employed overseas then you may pay voluntary class 3 contributions.

Thank you.