Work visas for the UK

Find the right work visa for your job in the UK

Most foreign nationals need a visa to work in the UK, though there are some exceptions.

If you have pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme, you can automatically work in the UK visa-free.

This exemption also applies if you’re still waiting for your EU settlement decision, or you have a family permit from the scheme. Irish citizens are also entitled to work in the United Kingdom without a visa.

Popular UK work visas

All work visa applications must be made through the UK government visa portal.

If you’ve been offered a job in the UK and need a visa, your employer will be able to apply for a visa sponsorship on your behalf.

For jobseekers without a job offer, there are many types of visa which allow you to look for work while based in the UK.

UK work visa requirements vary between different types of permit. Here you can see the most popular work visas for applicants without a job offer:

  1. Overseas British National visa

    British national citizens of Hong Kong and their family members are eligible. This visa is valid for up to 5 years, and can be converted into permanent residency.

  2. Graduate

    If you’ve completed a course at a UK university, you can apply to remain in the UK for up to 2 years. You’ll need a different type of visa to stay longer.

  3. Youth Mobility Scheme visa

    Applicants aged from 18 to 35 are eligible for this 2 year visa. You must come from one of around 10 countries in the scheme, such as South Korea, or Australia.

  4. India Young Professionals Scheme visa

    Only Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 are eligible. You’ll be entitled to stay for up to 2 years, but will not be able to extend your stay further.

  5. Global Talent visa

    Leaders in research, the arts, and digital technology with official endorsement can apply for this 5 year visa. It’s possible to renew it indefinitely.

  6. UK Ancestry visa

    Commonwealth and British overseas citizens are entitled to this 5 year visa if they have a grandparent who was born in the UK. You’ll need supporting proof.

  7. High Potential Individual visa

    Graduates from eligible universities can apply. You’ll be granted up to 3 years’ stay, with the option to switch to another type of visa to remain in the UK.

  8. Innovator Founder visa

    If you have an idea for a new business, or have endorsement from an approved body, you can get this 3 year visa. It’s possible to extend it indefinitely.

  9. ETA for the UK

    The ETA is not a visa. It’s a type of travel permit that allows eligible visitors to enter the UK visa-free to attend business meetings, interviews, or conferences.

All the above visas allow you to look for a job in the UK and take up most types of work. Some also allow you to start your own business in the United Kingdom.

Check your UK work permit requirements to find out which professional activities you’re allowed to take part in.

If you’re travelling to the UK for a business meeting, conference, or a job interview...

Check the visa requirements for business travel. You may be eligible to visit visa-free with an Electronic Travel Authorisation.

Business travel to the UK

uk business

Temporary work permits

To get a temporary work visa for the UK, you’ll need a sponsor and a job offer. Your employer, or the organisation you’re coming to work with, will provide you with an official certificate of sponsorship.

  1. Seasonal Worker visa

    This visa allows you to do some jobs in horticultural and poultry industries, such as flower or fruit picking. You’ll be able to stay for up to 6 months.

  2. Government Authorised Exchange visa

    With some study and research programmes, you can apply to live in the UK for up to 2 years. You’ll be allowed to have a 20 hours per week part-time job.

  3. Creative Worker visa

    Actors, musicians, film crew members, and performers can get this 12 month visa. You’ll be able to combine your job with some part-time work in the same sector.

  4. Religious Worker visa

    If you want to do work in a religious order, or take up a non-pastoral role, this visa grants you up to 1 year in the UK. You can also study part-time during your stay.

  5. Charity Worker visa

    You can do unpaid charity work in the UK for up to 12 months with this visa. You’re also allowed to take up a paid part-time job, or study some types of courses.

  6. International Agreement visa

    If you’ve been contracted to work on international laws or treaties, or for an overseas government or diplomat, you’ll be granted a visa long enough to cover your role.

Most temporary worker visas cannot be extended. If your visa is due to expire, and you want to continue working in the UK, you’ll need to leave the country and apply for another visa.

Work in the UK for an overseas company

If you work for a company that’s based outside the United Kingdom, but need to travel and work in the UK as part of your job, there are various visa options available.

  1. Senior or Specialist Worker visa

    You can work at your company’s UK branch for up to 5 years with this visa. You’ll be able to apply for an extension to stay for a maximum of 9 years in total.

  2. Overseas Domestic Worker visa

    Cleaners, chauffeurs, nannies, and other domestic workers in private households can visit the UK for up to 6 months with their employers.

  3. Graduate Trainee visa

    Graduates and junior employees are allowed to work at their company’s UK branch for up to 1 year with this visa. You can also bring your partner and children.

  4. Secondment Worker visa

    You can work in the UK for 1 year with a UK company that has a contract with your employer. Home Office approval is of the partnership is required.

  5. Service Supplier visa

    If you’re travelling to perform a service for a UK business, this visa can grant you 6 or 12 months in the country, depending on the type of work you’ll do.

  6. UK Expansion Worker visa

    Employees of foreign companies looking to set up a UK branch can stay for up to 2 years with this visa. Only senior managers or specialists can apply.

If you are a remote worker, and you’re eligible for visa-free travel to the UK, you will not need to apply for a work permit. Most visa-exempt travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the UK, which you can apply for online.

How and where to apply for your work visa

It’s not possible to apply for your work at a British embassy or consulate. You need to complete an online application through the UK government visa site.

As you fill in your details, you might be asked to schedule an appointment at a visa application centre to show give your fingerprints, have your photo taken, or to submit some documentation.

Visa application centres are located in major cities in most countries around the world, including in Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Visit the UK government website to find your closest centre.

Not all applicants need to visit an application centre. Follow the instructions you’re given as you complete your online application.

Receiving your approved UK work visa

You might be offered a courier service to receive your passport containing your approved visa for the UK. If this is not available, you will have to visit a visa application centre to collect your visa.

Applicants already based in the UK can expect a decision on their visa request within 3 weeks. If you’re applying from abroad, it can take up to 8 weeks to get your work visa.