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  As Of               Filer                 Filing     As/For/On Docs:Pgs              Issuer               Agent

 4/07/06  NML Variable Annuity Acct C o..Co N-8A        4/07/06    1:1203                                   RR Donnelley/FA

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: N-8A        Nml Variable Annuity Account C                      HTML  7,417K 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-8A

NOTIFICATION OF REGISTRATION FILED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 8(a) OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

The undersigned investment company hereby notifies the Securities and Exchange Commission that it registers under and pursuant to the provisions of Section 8(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and in connection with such notification of registration submits the following information:

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TRUSTEES – As of April 1, 2006

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS – As of April 1, 2006

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OTHER OFFICERS – As of December 1, 2005

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The business addresses for all of the executive officers and other officers is 720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the sponsor of the registrant has caused this notification of registration to be signed on behalf of the registrant in the City of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, on the 7th day of April, 2006.

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December 31, 2005              THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Group Combination Annuity Account C

Letter to Contract Owners

December 31, 2005

In a year marked by contrasts, the economy and the markets held up remarkably well throughout 2005. The destructive hurricanes that hit the Southern coast threatened to derail economic growth mid-year but, surprisingly, the economy never skipped a beat. On the contrary, the potential for rebuilding turned what was considered a disaster into a potential economic stimulus that bolstered stock market returns late in the year, particularly in the Industrials and Materials sectors. Substantially higher energy prices affected the entire country but failed to dampen consumer spending, and consumer confidence ended the year higher.

Buoyed by fiscal and monetary policies aimed at constraining taxes and raising interest rates gradually, U.S. gross domestic product increased at a healthy rate in 2005. Promised government spending in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, coupled with rising home values throughout most of the year, aided the economy and boosted consumer confidence. Housing continued to play a major role in economic activity during 2005, as rising home values allowed homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes at attractive long-term rates. Huge mortgage equity withdrawals fueled consumer demand for everything from home appliances to autos.

The U.S. stock market advanced overall for the third consecutive year in 2005, though returns were lower than in the previous two years. Despite rising oil prices, higher short-term interest rates and the hurricanes, U.S. corporations enjoyed a solid year, reporting good corporate earnings and strong consumer demand. The market enjoyed low volatility throughout the year, and all major indexes posted gains. The S&P 500 Index — a benchmark of U.S. equity performance — gained 4.91% for the year, while mid- capitalization stocks and international equities were the clear winners in 2005. Mid-cap stocks gained 12.56%, as measured by the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and foreign stocks gained 14.02%, as measured by the EAFE Index. Energy was once again the top performing sector for the year.

It was a fairly uneventful year in the bond market, which was also marked by low volatility. Bonds posted a positive, but small, gain of 2.57% for the year, as measured by the Citigroup US Broad Investment Grade Bond Index. High yield bonds, which had enjoyed above-average returns in 2003 and 2004, gained 2.07% for the year, as measured by the Citigroup High Yield Cash Pay Index. The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond barely moved over the twelve-month period, ending the year at 4.39%, up from 4.21% on January 1, 2005. Short-term interest rates, however, continued to climb as the Federal Reserve Board raised rates eight times in 2005, increasing the federal funds rate by 200 basis points, or 2%, to 4.25% at year end, the highest the rate has been since May 2001.

While the consensus calls for 3.5% GDP growth in the first half of 2006, we believe several factors may work together to keep growth lower in the coming months. Gasoline prices were high throughout 2005, but higher home heating costs only began to reach consumers late in the year. Taken together, higher energy costs may put a dampening effect on other consumer spending as we head into the new year. We expect positive, but slower, growth in 2006, given a continued slowdown in housing sales, a fairly valued stock market, and additional interest rate hikes that could be reflected in higher mortgage rates. We caution investors to recognize that risks exist this late in the business cycle, when slower economic growth is typical.

Despite our tempered enthusiasm, the remarkable resiliency of the U.S. economy cannot be understated. Consumer confidence remains high despite concerns, and productivity continues to be a real positive for our economy. In the past, U.S. corporations have continued to find ways to compete successfully in the global marketplace, and we see no fundamental reason for this to change.

Our best advice continues to be to keep your expectations in line. Slow, steady growth is best achieved with a well-thought-out plan and a well-balanced portfolio of investments. Working with your financial representative to determine the mix of assets best suited to your risk level and stage of life is the key to long-term investment success.

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How To Get More Information

Northwestern Mutual Express:

1-800-519-4665

Contact Your Northwestern Mutual Investment Services representative, if you have questions about your contract or any of the contract owner privileges.

Information on the Internet:

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

WWW.NMFN.COM

For information about Northwestern Mutual visit us on our Website.

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Contents

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Performance Summary    as of December 31, 2005

Front Load Contract