You can apply for a Service Supplier visa if you have a contract to provide services for a UK company, either as: an employee for an overseas company a self-employed professional based overseas Eligibility To be eligible for a Service Supplier visa, you must: be an employee of an overseas business, or a self-employed service provider based overseas be providing a service to a UK business under a contract that is covered by a valid international trade agreement be doing an eligible job - if your job is not eligible you may still qualify if you have relevant qualifications and experience have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your UK sponsor with information about the work you’ll be doing in the UK have worked for your employer for at least 12 months outside the UK, or have at least 12 months’ professional experience if you’re a self-employed service provider The specific eligibility depends on your job . How long you can stay How long you can stay in the UK depends on the type of trade agreement you’re providing services under. You can stay for whichever is the shorter of: 6 months or 12 months - this depends on the trade agreement you’re providing services under the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days The maximum you can stay on a Service Supplier visa is 6 or 12 months depending on the type of trade agreement you’re providing services under. If you’ve spent time in the UK on a Service Supplier visa or another visa before You can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years in any 6 year period if you’ve spent time on any of these visas: Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa Intra-company Transfer visa Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility) Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility) UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) How to apply You must apply online. How you apply depends on whether you’re: outside the UK and are coming to the UK inside the UK and extending your current visa inside the UK and switching from a different visa If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa . Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. How much it costs You, your partner or children will each need to: pay the application fee pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay prove you have enough personal savings Check how much money you’ll need . How long it takes You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship. As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application. Getting a decision Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within: 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . What you can and cannot do You can: work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship study bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’ , if they’re eligible do voluntary work travel abroad and return to the UK You cannot: apply for most benefits ( public funds ), or the State Pension change jobs unless you update your visa apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) do a second job If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Service Supplier visa.

To be eligible for a Service Supplier visa, you must: be an employee of an overseas business, or a self-employed service provider based overseas be providing a service under a contract that is covered by a valid international trade agreement be providing a service to a UK business that has been approved as a sponsor by the Home Office do an eligible job - or prove you have relevant qualifications and professional experience have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your UK sponsor with information about the work you’ll be doing in the UK have worked for your employer for at least 12 months outside the UK, or have at least 12 months’ professional experience if you’re a self-employed service provider You must also have worked for at least 12 months either: for your current employer outside the UK immediately before you apply and in the same sector as the service you will provide, if you’re self-employed Check if your job is eligible Before you can find out if your job is eligible, you need to know its 4-digit occupation code. You can get this from your employer or your certificate of sponsorship. When you know your occupation code, check the table of eligible jobs to see if it’s eligible for your visa type. If your job is not eligible If you do not have an eligible occupation code, you may still be able to apply for a Service Supplier visa if you have relevant qualifications and experience. You will normally need one of the following qualifications: a bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject a technical qualification that’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree You’ll also need: 3 years’ professional experience relevant to the service you provide if you’re an overseas employee 6 years’ professional experience if you’re self-employed Some services have different experience and qualifications requirements: Services Qualifications and experience Advertising or translation Relevant qualifications Chef de cuisine Advanced technical qualification and 6 years experience Entertainment services (excluding audio-visual services under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement) No qualifications required Fashion and modelling No qualifications required Management consulting services Bachelor’s degree Technical testing and analysis Bachelor’s degree or relevant technical qualification If you’re not providing services in one of these areas, you might still be eligible if you have at least a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) or equivalent technical qualifications. Ask your UK sponsor if you’re not sure if your qualifications are eligible. Work covered by a valid trade agreement Your work in the UK must be covered by a valid trade agreement . Check with your UK sponsor what trade agreement your work is covered by and if it’s valid. Approved UK sponsors You must have an approved UK sponsor before you apply for a Service Supplier visa. View the list of approved UK sponsors . Getting a certificate of sponsorship Your UK sponsor will give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ with information about the work you’ll be doing in the UK. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. You’ll need the reference number from the certificate of sponsorship for your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.

When you apply for a Service Supplier visa, you’ll need to have enough money to: pay the £298 application fee pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £1,035 per year support yourself when you arrive in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt) You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply. Healthcare surcharge You’ll have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay - this is usually £1,035 per year. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply . Money to support yourself You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply , unless either: you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270 Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need . Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it. If your UK sponsor can support you instead Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your sponsor will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide: your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer or sponsor in the UK will give you this a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality your job title and your job’s occupation code the name of your sponsor and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK , for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor can support you) proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country Ask your sponsor for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one. Other documents you might need Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide: evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK a valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher proof of your degree or qualifications You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply. If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation . Evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK After you apply you might be asked to show that you have: worked for your overseas employer outside the UK for 12 months been doing relevant work for the 12 months immediately before you apply if you’re self-employed If you’re an overseas employee, you’ll need to show you’ve been paid by your employer over this time period. You can provide: printed payslips online payslips supported by a letter from your sponsor signed by a senior staff member bank or building society statements a building society pass book If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show evidence of work you’ve done over this time period. You can provide: invoices for work you’ve done copies of your business accounts an accountant’s letter confirming the activity of the business and its profits leases on business premises adverts or marketing material for the business business or personal bank statements to prove the income of the business

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Service Supplier visa. Check which documents you’ll need to apply . Proving your identity As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. If you do need an appointment: the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country) Apply for a Service Supplier visa Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Start now Continue your application Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

You can apply to extend your Service Supplier visa if: you’re still contracted to work for the sponsor who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship you have not reached the maximum total stay your job, qualifications and experience still meet the eligibility requirements Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. You must be in the UK to extend your visa. If your job changes You’ll need to apply to update your visa instead. Fees Check how much it costs for your type of visa. Providing your biometric information and supporting documents As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point Apply to extend your Service Supplier visa You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) . You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

Update your visa if your job changes

You’ll need to apply to update your Service Supplier visa if your job changes to a different occupation code . You must still be contracted to work for the sponsor who issued your current certificate of sponsorship. Your partner or children will need to apply separately to update their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. Fees Check how much it costs for your type of visa. You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this. Eligibility and documents you’ll need to apply Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship. You’ll only need to provide other evidence again if you’ve been in the UK for less than one year. When to apply to update your visa You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job. You can continue working in your current job while your new application is being considered - as long as you apply before your current visa expires. You should not start your new job until you’ve got confirmation of your new permission. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point You’ll be told how to do this when you apply. You’ll also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to. Apply to update your Service Supplier visa You must apply online. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Service Supplier visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa. You must meet the eligibility requirements . Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch yours. If they do not switch their visa, it will be valid until its original end date. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Switching from a Student visa If you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa, you must meet the eligibility requirements and one of the following must apply: you have completed the course you were sponsored to study your job start date is after your course has finished you have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months Who cannot apply to switch You cannot apply to switch to a Service Supplier visa if you’re currently in the UK: on a visit visa on a short-term student visa on a Parent of a Child Student visa on a seasonal worker visa on a domestic worker in a private household visa on immigration bail because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules , for example on compassionate grounds You must leave the UK and apply for a Service Supplier visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories. Fees Check how much it costs . Proving your identity and providing supporting documents As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Apply to switch to a Service Supplier visa You must apply online before your current visa expires. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application Find out how to sign in to your account . How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date. You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

You can apply for a Service Supplier visa if you have a contract to provide services for a UK company, either as:

an employee for an overseas company
a self-employed professional based overseas

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Service Supplier visa, you must:

be an employee of an overseas business, or a self-employed service provider based overseas
be providing a service to a UK business under a contract that is covered by a valid international trade agreement
be doing an eligible job - if your job is not eligible you may still qualify if you have relevant qualifications and experience
have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your UK sponsor with information about the work you’ll be doing in the UK
have worked for your employer for at least 12 months outside the UK, or have at least 12 months’ professional experience if you’re a self-employed service provider

The specific eligibility depends on your job.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay in the UK depends on the type of trade agreement you’re providing services under.

You can stay for whichever is the shorter of:

6 months or 12 months - this depends on the trade agreement you’re providing services under
the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

The maximum you can stay on a Service Supplier visa is 6 or 12 months depending on the type of trade agreement you’re providing services under.

If you’ve spent time in the UK on a Service Supplier visa or another visa before

You can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years in any 6 year period if you’ve spent time on any of these visas:

Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa
Intra-company Transfer visa
Graduate Trainee visa (Global Business Mobility)
Secondment Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)
UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK
inside the UK and extending your current visa
inside the UK and switching from a different visa

If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa.

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

pay the application fee
pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much money you’ll need.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
study
bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
do voluntary work
travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
change jobs unless you update your visa
apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)
do a second job

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Service Supplier visa.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

Eligibility

How long you can stay

If you’ve spent time in the UK on a Service Supplier visa or another visa before

How to apply

How much it costs

How long it takes

Getting a decision

What you can and cannot do

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Service Supplier visa (Global Business Mobility)

Overview

Eligibility

How long you can stay

If you’ve spent time in the UK on a Service Supplier visa or another visa before

How to apply

How much it costs

How long it takes

Getting a decision

What you can and cannot do

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Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK