How to get a share code for right-to-work or right-to-rent checks

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Establish the purpose of the check

A share code allows an organisation to check particular information about your immigration status. An employer checks your permission and conditions for work; a landlord checks eligibility under Right to Rent. These are different checks: start with the service for the correct purpose and answer its questions accordingly.

You must prove your right to work ↗ before starting work in the UK. Right to Rent ↗ checks apply to England; the equivalent requirement does not apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. British and Irish citizens usually prove eligibility with documents; the official service also describes particular digital certificate of entitlement cases.

Obtain the code yourself

For employment, use Get a share code to prove your right to work ↗; for renting, use the Right to Rent service ↗. Have your document or UKVI account details and access to your sign-in contacts ready. Check the address before entering them into a page supplied by an unfamiliar intermediary.

Review the displayed information before sharing the code. Report incorrect status or personal details to UKVI. The employer must see conditions relevant to the proposed job; having a code does not remove visa restrictions.

Give the code and your date of birth

UKVI guidance ↗ says the recipient needs the share code and your date of birth. A code lasts 90 days, and you can obtain another when needed. The service tells you which personal details the checker will see.

Send the information directly to an authorised HR contact or a verified landlord/agent. They do not need your UKVI password or one-time sign-in code. An eVisa screenshot does not replace the official online code check. Keep a record of when you sent it and confirm that verification is complete, especially before starting work or signing a tenancy.

If a code cannot be obtained or accepted

First check that you selected the correct service, supplied the correct date of birth and have an unexpired code. Use account recovery if you cannot sign in; if the eVisa opens but will not generate a code, report an error ↗.

If the usual proof route is unavailable, the official guides provide an employer checking service or Home Office right-to-rent check, requested by the relevant organisation. Accepted documents also depend on status: do not promise that any old card can replace a code. Give HR or the agent the applicable GOV.UK section and agree the next step in writing.