What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
Definition
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is the credit-card-sized residence permit issued to most non-British UK visa holders. It shows the holder's photo, fingerprints, personal details and visa conditions on one physical card. Used as identity document inside the UK for the visa duration.
Key facts
| Issued by | UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office. |
|---|---|
| Issued to | Most non-British UK visa holders staying longer than 6 months. |
| Physical format | Credit-card sized; embedded RFID chip; photo on front. |
| Validity | Matches the visa duration, typically 2.5 to 5 years. |
| Replacement timeline | Being replaced by a digital eVisa from 2025 onwards. |
What the BRP is used for
Daily identity verification inside the UK: bank account opening, NHS registration, tenancy agreements, employer right-to-work checks, age verification. The BRP is the proof that a non-British resident is legally in the UK.
How the BRP photo is captured
The photo on the BRP is the biometric photo captured at the Visa Application Centre during the visa appointment, not the photo uploaded with the online application. The visible quality on the card depends on the VAC capture device — generally good but not as high-resolution as a passport photo.
The transition to eVisa
UKVI is phasing out physical BRPs in favour of a digital eVisa system from 2025. Existing BRPs remain valid until their printed expiry date. New visas issued from 2025 onwards may receive a digital eVisa instead of a physical BRP.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a BRP if I have a UK Skilled Worker / Student / Spouse visa?
Yes. Almost every UK long-stay visa (Skilled Worker, Student, Spouse, Ancestry, Youth Mobility) results in a BRP being issued on arrival or by post. The BRP is the physical proof you can live and work in the UK.
What happens if I lose my BRP?
Report it to UKVI within 3 months of loss and apply for a replacement. Replacement costs £19. A lost BRP outside the UK requires a Replacement BRP visa to return — handled at the nearest UK consulate.
Can the BRP photo be reused for my UK passport application?
No. BRP photos are captured at the VAC for residence-permit use only. A UK passport application uses its own photo capture process and accepts only HMPO-compliant photos.