A guide to UK business visa requirements

Scale-up Worker visa (hybrid sponsored and non-sponsored route)

Who is it for?

The Scale-up Worker visa is designed for growing businesses that have demonstrated significant growth potential. If your business needs to hire talented overseas workers to support such growth, this type of UK business visa can help you on your way.

Your UK business can qualify for the Scale-up Worker visa through either the standard pathway, assessed by the Home Office, or the endorsing body pathway.

To qualify for the standard pathway, your business must:

• Have grown by an average of 20% within the three-year period before you seek approval in either staff count or total sales.
• Have had at least 10 employees at the start of that three-year period.

The endorsing body pathway requires approval from an endorsed body to confirm your eligibility for a sponsor licence.

Applicant eligibility

To qualify for the Scale-up Worker visa, applicants must:

• Have a confirmed job offer from an approved scaleup business for at least six months at graduate level or above.
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer detailing the role (this is mandatory for first-time applications). 
• Have an offer for a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
• Have a job offer with a minimum salary of £36,300 per year or the going market rate (whichever is higher).  

Visa length

If successful, the Scale-up Worker visa lasts for two years and can be extended for another three years under an unsponsored application. After five years, workers can apply for permanent residency (also known as settled status) in the UK. 

During the sponsorship period, workers can also study and engage in self-employment or voluntary work.  After the first six months, they can either continue working for your business unsponsored or switch employers, as long as they continue to meet Scale-up Worker visa eligibility criteria.  

Key points to remember

• Applicant must prove that they can speak, read, write and understand English.
• They must also be able to show evidence of personal maintenance funds for a set period.

Processing time

Applications typically take between three and eight weeks to process. If available, you can use the priority service to speed up the processing time to just five days. 

Innovator Founder visa (non-sponsored route)

Who is it for?

The Innovator Founder visa is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to start a company in the UK. This visa has replaced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Start-Up, Innovator visa and non-media Sole Representative of an Overseas Business route.

Applicant eligibility

To qualify for the Innovator Founder visa, applicants must:

• Be either a sole founder or instrumental member of a founding team.
• Have a business idea that is endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body.
• Play a key role in the day-to-day running and development of the business.

While investment is not required to apply, your business idea must meet the following criteria:

• The business idea must be new – it cannot already be trading.
• You must have a unique business idea that addresses market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage in the UK.
• The idea must be viable and demonstrate strong growth potential.
• The business must have the potential to create jobs and grow in both national and international markets.

Visa length

The Innovator Founder visa allows you to stay in the UK for three years and can be extended as many times as you need. After the initial three years, you may be eligible for settled status (permanent residency).  

Key points to remember

• Applicants must meet the English language requirements and provide evidence of sufficient personal maintenance funds for a set period.
• Alongside working for your business, you can also do skilled work outside your business.
• You’ll need endorsement for the initial application, as well as any extension, and if you apply for permanent residency.

Processing time

It typically takes between three and eight weeks to process an application. However, you can use the priority service to reduce processing time to five days.

Representative of an Overseas Business visa (non-sponsored route)

Who is it for?

This visa is for anyone employed by an overseas media agency that’s on long-term assignment in the UK. Eligible applicants include journalists, producers, camera operators and presenters working for foreign media companies.

Note: The Representative of an Overseas Business visa has been closed for new sole representatives since April 2022. If you're setting up the first branch of an overseas company, you should apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility) instead.  

Applicant eligibility

To qualify for this visa, applicants must:

• Be a media representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting agency.
• Be employed by a business that is based and operates outside the UK.
• Intend to work full time for the overseas business and represent it while in the UK. 

Visa length

The visa is granted for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. After five years, applicants can apply for settled status (permanent residency) in the UK.

Key points to remember

• Applicants must meet the English language requirements and demonstrate that they have the skills and experience required for the role.
• They must work for the media organisation only in the UK and must not work for any other business or do any other paid work.

Processing time

Visa processing typically takes between three and eight weeks, or five working days if you pay for the priority service.

Global Talent visa (non-sponsored route) (formerly known as Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa)

Who is it for?

The Global Talent visa targets individuals who have exceptional talent or promise in the fields of academia or research (in science, medicine, engineering or humanities), arts and culture (which includes fashion, architecture, film and television) or digital technology.

Applicant eligibility

To qualify for this visa, applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent or promise and want to work in the UK. This can be shown through recognition such as winning an eligible award or obtaining an endorsement from an official endorsing body.

Visa length

The Global Talent visa allows applicants to live and work in the UK for up to five years and can be extended indefinitely in one to five-year periods. After three or five years (depending on the field), they can also apply for indefinite leave to remain (also known as permanent residency or settled status).

Key points to remember

• Unlike other visas, there is no English language requirement for the Global Talent visa.
• If applicants require an endorsement, they will go through a two-stage process:
1. Assessment of skills and achievements by the relevant endorsing body, which advises the UK Home Office of its decision.
2. If granted, they can apply for a visa from their home country or normal place of residence; or switch status into the Global Talent category from within the UK, if eligible to do so.  

Processing time

Stage one can take up to eight weeks depending on the endorsing body. Stage two takes between three and eight weeks, or five working days with the priority service.

High Potential Individual visa (non-sponsored route)

Who is it for?

This visa is for individuals who have graduated from top universities outside the UK within the past five years and are looking to live and work in the UK. 

Applicant eligibility

To qualify for this visa, applicants must have graduated from an eligible university within the last five years. They do not need a job offer to apply. However, they must validate their qualifications through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC). 

Visa length

The High Potential Individual visa is valid for two years at degree level and three at PhD level. While under the visa, they can do any kind of work except work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

It cannot be extended and does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, if eligible, visa holders can switch to a long-term employment visa.

Key points to remember

• Applicants must meet the English language requirements.
• Applicants must be able to show evidence of personal maintenance funds for a set period.
• UK universities are not valid for this visa. If the applicant is already in the UK on a student visa, they may be eligible for the Graduate visa. 

Processing time

Visa processing typically takes between three and eight weeks, or five working days if you pay for the priority service.

Workers and Temporary Workers (sponsored route)

The sponsored route is ideal for businesses looking to hire overseas workers who do not yet have settled status or the right to work in the UK. To sponsor someone, your business must hold a sponsorship licence from UK Visas and Immigration.

There are two main licence types to employ workers: Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility (see below). Other work routes include Creative, Religious, Charity and Sports licences.

To qualify, your business must:

• Be established and already trading in the UK (except for the Global Business Mobility UK Expansion Worker route).
• Supply a list of prescriptive documents for the application.
• Have robust HR systems and processes in place to monitor sponsored workers.
• Sponsor workers who meet minimum skill and salary levels, and can speak, read, write and understand English. 
• You may have to pay a healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 per year for each adult visa applicant and £776 per each year of sponsorship for children. This acts as an upfront contribution to the NHS.
• A Global Business Mobility Senior or Specialist worker (formerly called Intra-company transfer) cannot hold this type of visa for longer than five years in any six-year period; or nine years in any 10-year period if earning £73,900 or above.
• As the sponsor, you will also have to pay an Immigration Skills Charge at the rate of £1,000 per year of sponsorship. For small or charitable organisations, this charge is just £364.
• Visa applicants from certain countries will have to provide a valid tuberculosis certificate.

Skilled Worker visa (sponsored route)

Who is it for?

This visa is for businesses who want to hire Skilled Workers from abroad or employees from other UK businesses who currently hold a Skilled Worker visa. It can also be used for permanent relocation of existing staff or new hires to the UK.

Applicant eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer.
• Meet minimum salary requirements, which vary depending on the occupation and experience level.
• Be able to speak, read, write and understand English to a high level.

Visa length

The Skilled Worker visa is initially valid for five years but can be extended indefinitely. If certain conditions are met, after five years, the worker can apply for permanent residence (settled status).

Key points to remember

• There is a mandatory English language requirement for the Skilled Worker visa.
• Applicants must have certified maintenance funds from their sponsor or a certain level of personal funds.
• The applicant must be applying to fill a genuine vacancy at a Home Office-licensed sponsor and have the intention and ability to fill the job role on offer. 

Processing time

Your sponsor licence should be granted within eight to 10 weeks, or within 10 working days on the priority service. Visa applications take three to eight weeks to process, or five working days on the priority service. In total, you should expect this route to take between four to six months. 

UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) (sponsored route)

Who is it for?

The UK Expansion Worker visa is for overseas businesses that want to launch their first branch or subsidiary in the UK. If your business has already started trading in the UK, you should instead apply for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa instead (see below). 

Applicant eligibility

To qualify for this visa, applicants must:

• Already work for the overseas business and be temporarily assigned to the UK to oversee the business' expansion.
• Have worked in the overseas company for at least 12 months unless earning £73,900 or more or meeting other specific criteria.

Once the visa has been granted, the UK Expansion Worker must be paid at least £48,500 gross per year under this category or the going (market) rate for the role if higher, as dictated by the relevant Occupation Code. The minimum Skill Level is set at RQF level 6 (ie, graduate level). 

Visa length

The UK Expansion Worker visa is valid for 12 months, with the option to extend for another 12 months. Two years is the maximum for this route, but, if eligible, the worker can switch to another immigration route to extend their stay.

Key points to remember

• English language is not required, but applicants must show sufficient personal funds for their stay.
• Businesses must have a UK presence, such as a registered address, and at least three years of overseas trading experience.

Processing time

Your sponsor licence should be granted within eight to 10 weeks, or 10 working days on the priority service. Visa applications take three to eight weeks to process, or five working days for the priority service. In total, this route can take between four and six months.

Senior or Specialist worker visa (Global Business Mobility) (sponsored route)

Who is it for?

This visa allows businesses to transfer skilled workers to their UK operations. The company must be linked to the overseas business by common ownership/control.

Applicant eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a senior manager or specialist employed by the overseas business for at least 12 months (unless they earn at least £73,900 per year)
• Earn a salary of at least £48,500 per year (according to the relevant Occupation Code). Going rates post April 2024 immigration rule changes are often much higher as they are now based on the 25th percentile of the 2023 ONS figures, so you must make this assessment carefully.

Visa length

Under the Global Business Mobility visa, a Senior or Specialist Worker can stay for five years maximum, or nine years if earning £73,900 or more.

Key points to remember

• There is no English language requirement for the Global Business Mobility visa.
• Applicants must have a certain level of personal funds or certified maintenance funds from their sponsor.

Processing time

Your sponsor licence should be granted within eight to 10 weeks, or 10 working days on the priority service. Visa applications take three to eight weeks to process, or five working days for the priority service. In total, this route can take between four and six months.

Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility) (sponsored route)

Who is it for?

This visa allows businesses to transfer skilled graduates to their UK operations. The company must be linked to the overseas business by common ownership/control.

Applicant eligibility

To qualify for this visa, graduate trainees must:

• Have been employed with a linked overseas entity for at least three months/
• Earn a salary of at least £25,410 per year.

Visa length

Under the Global Business Mobility visa, a Graduate Trainee can stay for a maximum of 12 months.

Key points to remember

• There is no English language requirement for the Global Business Mobility visa.
• Applicants must have a certain level of personal funds or certified maintenance funds from their sponsor.

Processing time

Your sponsor licence should be granted within eight to 10 weeks, or 10 working days on the priority service. Visa applications take three to eight weeks to process, or five working days for the priority service. In total, this route can take between four and six months.

Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility) (sponsored route)

Who is it for?

This visa is for UK businesses that want to sponsor an overseas worker to undertake temporary work assignments in the UK.

Applicant eligibility

Applicants must be either:

• A contractual service supplier employed by an overseas service provider for at least 12 months.
• A self-employed independent service provider based overseas with at last 12 months of professional experience who’s working as part of a contract covered by one of the UK’s international trade agreements.
• They must also be qualified for an eligible job (or have other relevant qualifications and experience for the role) and hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK sponsor that details the work they’re permitted to do in the UK.  

Visa length

The visa is valid for six to 12 months depending on the type of trade agreement providing services. The worker cannot obtain permanent residency on this visa, but they can switch to another eligible UK immigration route that allows them to stay long-term. 

Key points to remember

• There is no English language requirement.
• This visa only permits the worker to work for the sponsor in the job described in the Certificate of Sponsorship, study and do voluntary work.

Processing time

Your sponsor licence should be granted within eight to 10 weeks, or 10 working days on the priority service. Visa applications take three to eight weeks to process, or five working days for the priority service. In total, this route can take between four and six months.

Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) (sponsored route)

Who is it for?

This visa is for overseas workers on temporary work assignments in the UK to do an eligible job for a different organisation. 

Applicant eligibility

• The applicant must have worked for an overseas employer for at least 12 months outside the UK.
• The overseas employer must have a high-value contract with a UK sponsor that has been approved by the Home Office.
• The worker must also hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from a sponsor that outlines the work they’re permitted to do in the UK and do a job in the UK that’s on the list of eligible occupations.

Visa length

The visa grants the worker permission to stay for 12 months, which can be extended for a further 12 months. They cannot obtain permanent residency in the UK on this route. But, if eligible, they can switch into another UK immigration route that allows them long-term stay.  

Key points to remember

• There is no English language requirement.
• This visa only permits the worker to work for the sponsor in the job described in the Certificate of Sponsorship, study and do voluntary work.

Processing time

Your sponsor licence should be granted within eight to 10 weeks, or 10 working days on the priority service. Visa applications take three to eight weeks to process, or five working days for the priority service. In total, this route can take between four and six months.

Standard Visitor visa (non-sponsored route)

Who is it for?

The Standard Visitor visa is for people visiting the UK for certain limited types of business for less than six months.

Applicant eligibility

Individuals are only allowed to do very limited business activities while in the UK with a Standard Visitor visa. The following business activities are permitted (subject to strict rules):

• Attending interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Negotiating and signing deals and contracts.
• Attending trade fairs for promotional work only (the individual cannot sell things).
• Receiving work-related training if they are employed overseas and the training is not available in their home country.
• Giving a one-off or short series of talks as long as they are not for profit or a commercial event (the individual must not be paid).
• Site visits and inspections.
• For clients of a UK export company, being seconded to a UK company to oversee the delivery of goods and services provided under contract by the UK company or its subsidiary.
• Advising and consulting, troubleshooting, delivering training or sharing knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company the individual works for overseas.
• An employee of an overseas based company may also undertake the above activities directly with clients, providing: a) the employee’s movement is in an intra-corporate setting and any client facing activity is incidental to their employment abroad; and b), these activities are required for the delivery of a project or service by the UK branch of the Visitor’s employer overseas, and are not part of a project or service that is being delivered directly to the UK client by the Visitor’s employer overseas.
• Installing, dismantling, repairing, servicing or advising on equipment, computer software and hardware (or train UK-based workers to provide these services), if the individual’s overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation and either: a) the overseas company is the manufacturer or supplier; or b) the overseas company is part of a contractual arrangement for after sales services agreed at the time of the sale or lease, including in a warranty or other service contract incidental to the sale or lease.

Applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to cover costs during their visit without working or accessing public funds.

Visa length

This visa is valid for a maximum of six months and applicants must apply before travelling to the UK.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

From 8 January 2025, nationals from these countries (including the USA, Canada and Australia) must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.

From 2 April 2025, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals will also need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.

Key points to remember

Visitor cannot:

• Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person.
• Undertake day-to-day employment duties while in the UK.
• Claim public funds (benefits).
• Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits. 

Processing time

The standard processing time is eight weeks, or five working days if you pay for the priority service). It may be possible to apply using the super priority service for 24-hour processing.

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