Introduction
As the UK moves steadily towards a fully digital immigration system, the share code has become one of the most important tools for proving immigration status, right to work, and right to rent. Whether you are a new arrival navigating the UK jobs market, an employer carrying out compliance checks, or a landlord verifying a prospective tenant, understanding how share codes work is now essential.
This guide explains everything you need to know about UK share codes in 2026 – what they are, who needs them, how to generate one, and how they are used.
What is a share code?
A share code is a unique, alphanumeric code that allows an authorised third party to view a person’s UK immigration status through the Home Office online services. Employers use share codes to complete online right to work checks, and landlords or letting agents use them to complete online right to rent checks in England.
Each share code links directly to the individual’s Home Office record, allowing employers to confirm in real time whether a person has permission to work in the UK and on what terms – without relying on physical documents.
A right to work share code is always 9 characters long, begins with the letter “W”, and is valid for 90 days. A right to rent share code begins with the letter “R”. It is important to generate the correct type of code for the purpose at hand.
Why share codes matter in 2026
The UK has now transitioned to a fully digital immigration system. Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer valid as proof of immigration status, and individuals must use their eVisa and share codes instead. Existing BRP holders are required to transition to the digital eVisa system.
As the UK moves further towards a fully digital immigration system, most people with UK visas now hold eVisas instead of physical immigration documents. The Right to Work share code is now the standard – the standard and primary compliant methodβ for most workers with digital immigration status to prove their eligibility to work in the UK.
Types of share codes
There are three main types of share codes, each serving a different purpose:
Right to work share code:Β Used by employees to prove to employers that they are legally permitted to work in the UK. These codes always begin with the letter “W”.
Right to rent share code: Used by tenants to prove to landlords that they have the right to rent property in England. These codes begin with the letter “R”. Right to rent checks are only required in England, as different rules apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Immigration status share code: Provides access to broader immigration details such as visa type, conditions, and expiry dates. Each share code is generated for a specific purpose and will only display information relevant to that check.
Who needs a share code?
The following groups are required to use a share code to prove their status in the UK:
- EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme – EU passports or ID cards alone are no longer accepted for right to work purposes
- Skilled Worker visa holders and other work visa categories whose status is stored digitally via eVisa
- Student visa holders, whose share code will reflect any work restrictions such as the 20-hour weekly limit during term time
- Family visa holders, including those on spouse or unmarried partner visas
- Former BRP or BRC holders who have transitioned to eVisa status
- Individuals with a digital Certificate of Application (for example, under the EU Settlement Scheme) may also need to provide a share code where applicable
British and Irish citizens generally do not need a share code. They can prove their right to work using a valid UK or Irish passport.
How to generate a share code
Before generating a share code, you will need an active UKVI account. To set one up, you will need a mobile phone number, an email address, and one of the following: a valid passport with a visa application number, an expired BRP card,(an expired BRP (where accepted during the transition to eVisa)) or a unique customer number from UKVI.
Once your account is ready, follow these steps:
Go to the official GOV.UK portal Visit gov.uk/prove-right-to-work and click “Start now.” Always ensure the website address ends in .gov.uk to avoid scam sites.
Sign in to your UKVI account Use the identity document linked to your status – such as your passport, BRP, or national ID card. Enter your document details and date of birth, then complete the security verification using the code sent to your phone or email.
Select the type of share code you need Choose right to work, right to rent, or immigration status depending on what you have been asked to prove.
Β Generate the code The system will produce a 9-character alphanumeric code. This is valid for 90 days. You can generate a new one at any time if needed, and there is no limit on how many you can create.
Share it with your employer or landlord Provide your share code along with your date of birth. Both pieces of information are required for the verification check to be completed.
How employers check a share code
Employers go to gov.uk/view-right-to-work, enter the worker’s share code and date of birth, and view the live Home Office record. The check confirms whether the person has permission to work in the UK, any conditions or restrictions on the type of work they can do, and, where relevant, when their permission expires.
The same share code can be shared with multiple employers during its 90-day validity period. However, each employer must carry out their own independent verification and maintain their own records.
What happens if a share code cannot be provided?
Not everyone is able to generate a share code. If a worker cannot provide one, employers must use an appropriate alternative. This may include a manual document check using acceptable original immigration documents, or a referral to the Home Office Employer Checking Service, which issues a Positive Verification Notice if the person has the right to work. Written consent from the individual is required before the Employer Checking Service is contacted.
Legal obligations for employers and landlords
Every UK employer is legally required to verify the right to work of every employee before they start work. This duty is set out under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Failure to carry out a compliant check – or using share codes incorrectly – removes the employer’s statutory excuse against liability. Civil penalties can reach up to Β£45,000 per worker for a first offence and up to Β£60,000 per worker for repeat breaches. In serious cases, criminal prosecution, sponsor licence revocation, and reputational damage may also follow.
Landlords and letting agents in England who fail to carry out compliant right to rent checks face similar civil penalties and enforcement action.
How Lawsentis can help you
Navigating the UK’s digital immigration system can be complicated, and the consequences of getting it wrong – whether you are an employee, employer, or landlord – can be significant. At Lawsentis, our experienced immigration law specialists are here to guide you through every step of the process.
We assist with:
- Setting up and troubleshooting UKVI accounts and eVisa access
- Advising employers on right to work compliance and audit procedures
- Supporting landlords with right to rent obligations
- Helping visa holders and settlement scheme applicants understand and use their digital immigration status
- Advising on the Employer Checking Service and fallback procedures
Whether you are an individual unsure how to generate your share code, or a business looking to build a robust right to work compliance framework, Lawsentis has the expertise to help.
Contact us today to speak with one of our immigration advisers. We offer clear, practical, and jargon-free advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Top 10 most frequently asked questions about UK share codes
1. What is a share code, and what does it do?
A share code is a unique 9-character alphanumeric code issued by the UK Home Office. It allows employers and landlords to securely verify a person’s immigration status, right to work, or right to rent in real time through the government’s online checking service, without needing to see physical documents.
2. How long is a share code valid for?
A share code is valid for 90 days from the date it is generated. You can generate a new one at any time if your existing code has expired, and there is no limit on how many codes you can create.
3. Who needs a share code in the UK?
Non-British and non-Irish citizens with digital immigration status need a share code. This includes EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status, skilled worker visa holders, student visa holders, family visa holders, and anyone who previously held a BRP and has now transitioned to an eVisa.
4. Do British and Irish citizens need a share code?
No. British and Irish citizens can prove their right to work using their passport or passport card and do not need to generate a share code.
5. What letter does a right to work share code begin with?
All right to work share codes begin with the letter “W”. Right to rent codes begin with the letter “R”. Generating the wrong type can cause delays or compliance issues, so always check which type is being requested.
6. Is it free to generate a share code?
Yes. The service is entirely free. You can generate a share code through the official GOV.UK website at no cost, and you can create as many as you need.
7. Can the same share code be used with more than one employer?
Yes. A share code can be shared with multiple employers within its 90-day validity period. However, each employer must carry out their own verification check independently and keep their own records.
8. What should I do if my share code is not working?
First, check that you are using the correct type of code – “W” for right to work, “R” for right to rent. Ensure your date of birth is entered correctly by whoever is checking it. If the problem continues, generate a new code. If your UKVI account details are inaccurate or your immigration status has not been updated, you may need to contact the Home Office directly for assistance.
9. Can I still use my BRP card instead of a share code?
No. Since January 2026, Biometric Residence Permits are no longer issued and are not valid for right to work or right to rent checks. If you previously held a BRP, you must now use the digital eVisa system and generate a share code to prove your status.
10. What are the penalties for employers who fail to check share codes properly?
Employers who do not carry out compliant right to work checks face civil penalties of up to Β£45,000 per worker for a first offence, rising to Β£60,000 per worker for repeat breaches. In serious cases, criminal prosecution, sponsor licence revocation, and significant reputational damage may also result.
Note:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please contact Lawsentis.