Prove your right to work to an employer

Skip contents

Get a share code online

You can get a share code to prove your right to work in the UK if :

You cannot get a share code if your certificate of entitlement is a vignette sticker in your passport. You can apply for a digital certificate of entitlement, which you can use to get a share code to prove your right to work.

Your employer can use the share code to check:

  • the types of job you’re allowed to do in the UK
  • how long you can work in the UK for

There is a different way to prove your right to work if you’re a British or Irish citizen.

Who can get a share code

You can use this service to get a share code if you have:

  • a biometric residence permit (BRP) - you can use it for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card
  • a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll have a UKVI account if you’ve ever:

  • applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
  • used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove your identity when applying for a visa
  • created one when applying for a visa (you’ll have received a UKVI account confirmation email)
  • created one to get access to an eVisa (a digital record of your identity and immigration status)
  • created one when you applied for a digital certificate of entitlement

If you cannot use the service, you can prove your right to work with your original immigration documents.

If you’re an employer, there’s a different way to view a job applicant’s details after you’ve been given a share code.

Get a share code to prove your right to work online

You’ll need one of the following:

  • your BRP number
  • your passport or national identity card

Start now

View a printable version of the whole guide

This page is Part of Start a new job: step by step

  1. Step 1 Get your National Insurance number

    You'll need your National Insurance number to start your new job.

    1. Find your National Insurance number
    1. Apply for a National Insurance number if you do not already have one

  2. Step 2 Accept the job offer

    The offer might be ‘conditional’ or ‘provisional’, which means you may need to give further details to your new employer or pass pre-employment checks.

    1. Find out about your rights when accepting a job offer

  3. Step 3 Share your details for any employer checks

    Give your new employer what they need to complete any pre-employment checks.

    1. Find out what checks your employer can make
    1. Find out how to prove your right to work
    1. Find out about criminal record checks

  4. Step 4 Review your employment contract

    Your new employer should give you an employment contract. Check the terms before you agree to it.

    1. Find out about employment contracts

  5. and If you're leaving a job, hand in your notice

    Tell your current employer that you’re going to leave and when your last day will be. This is known as handing in your notice.

    1. Find out how to hand in your notice

    When you hand in your notice, ask your employer when you’ll get your P45.

    1. Find out about the P45

  6. Step 5 Prepare your personal information for your first day

    To get paid, you’ll need to give your new employer:

  7. Step 6 Give your P45 to your new employer

    Your new employer will use your P45 to work out how much tax to take from your pay.

    1. Find out about the P45

  8. or If you do not have a P45, fill in the starter checklist

    Use the starter checklist to give your employer details they need to work out your pay and tax.

    1. Fill in the starter checklist

  9. Step 7 Check your first payslip

    Your employer must give you a payslip on or before payday.

    1. Find out what should be on your payslip

    It’s your responsibility to make sure you’re paying the right amount of tax.

    1. Check if the tax on your payslip is correct

    If you think the tax is wrong, your tax code may be incorrect.

    1. Find out what to do if you think your tax code is wrong