The UK Global Business Mobility Visa Explained

Here’s what you need to know about bringing skilled workers to the UK with the Global Business Mobility visa routes

Immigration is tightly regulated in the UK and is only getting tighter. But fast-growing businesses need to hire the brightest and best. The UK's Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas offer a vital pathway for companies looking to bring skilled workers into the country to fill specialised roles.

This business visa category allows individual representatives and entire teams of specialist workers to enter the UK.

Under the GBM scheme, businesses can transfer trainees, senior staff, and specialist workers to the UK to fulfil contract obligations or establish new UK branches of overseas companies. To qualify, companies must first secure a Sponsor Licence, allowing them to issue the necessary Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to their mobile employees.

The primary advantage of the Global Business Mobility routes lies in its ability to bridge gaps in business expansion, particularly in facilitating the formation of subsidiaries in the UK.

Let’s walk through the UK Global Business Mobility visa types that might meet your needs.

Understanding the Global Business Mobility Visa Framework

The Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa routes, which took effect on 11 April 2022, mark a significant development in UK immigration law. They provide distinct pathways for various roles and business objectives.

The UK government has outlined procedures for employers to obtain and use a sponsor license under these new visa categories.

The GBM visa encompasses five specific categories:

1. Senior or Specialist Worker visa: Designed for critical employees in firms with a UK branch or entity.
2. Graduate Trainee visa: Tailored for recent graduates undergoing specialised training in a UK branch.
3. UK Expansion Worker visa: Suitable for staff establishing a new UK presence for their company.
4. Secondment Worker visa: Applicable to temporary employees sent to the UK to fulfil a contract or agreement.
5. Service Supplier visa: Aimed at individuals from firms without a UK presence delivering services under a contract.

A UK presence is mandatory for the first three visas, whereas the Service Supplier and Secondment Worker visas cater to firms without UK operations. Notably, the Secondment Worker visa accommodates both scenarios.

To apply for these visas, candidates must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an authorised UK sponsor. The UK business acting as the sponsor must verify an existing business relationship between the sending and receiving entities, such as a parent company sending staff to a UK subsidiary or an overseas service supplier fulfilling a contract with a UK client.

The eligibility criteria for these visas share several common elements:

• Sponsorship by the UK entity receiving the applicants
• The role must meet the appropriate skill level
• The role meets specific salary thresholds
• Applicants have worked for the overseas firm for a minimum duration before the assignment

While these assignments are generally temporary, the global business mobility routes offer flexibility. This allows employees to potentially transition to more permanent immigration statuses, providing they meet certain conditions. This structure supports the dynamic needs of global businesses looking to leverage international talent effectively within their UK operations.

The Different Types of Global Business Mobility Visas

The UK Global Business Mobility visa scheme offers five distinct visa types, each tailored to specific business needs and featuring varying requirements and durations. Here's a detailed overview of each type:

1. Understanding the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa 

The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is tailored for high-level employees taking up eligible roles within their employer’s UK branch. It effectively replaces the Intra-company Transfer visa—formerly called the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa.

This visa suits senior or specialist workers whose roles require their presence in the UK. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, this category excludes lower-skilled positions and supplementary employment, except under specific transitional arrangements.

The salary threshold was raised as part of a slew of recent changes to UK immigration rules. As of 4 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for Senior and Specialist Workers sits between £45,800 to £48,500, or the prevailing rate for the occupation - whichever is higher.

This adjustment mirrors changes in the Skilled Worker route. For the Senior or Specialist Worker route, specific allowances such as guaranteed and accommodation allowances—up to 30% of the total salary package—can be included to meet the salary threshold.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa, applicants must:

• Be an existing employee of an organisation recognised and approved by the Home Office as a sponsor for at least 12 months.
• Hold a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ detailing the role to be undertaken in the UK.
• Occupy a position listed among eligible occupations.
• Meet or exceed the salary minimum of £48,500 annually or the occupational ‘going rate’.
• Satisfy the genuineness requirement, ensuring the role in the UK is the sole employment activity.

Duration and Residency:

This visa category allows a stay of up to 5 years or the period indicated on your certificate of sponsorship plus an additional 14 days - whichever is shorter. The maximum allowable period in the UK under this visa is 5 years in any 6-year span for those earning less than £73,900, or 9 years in any 10-year span for those earning £73,900 or more.

Note that periods spent under other Global Business Mobility or Intra-Company Transfer visas are included in these totals.

Costs:

When applying, applicants must be prepared to cover:

• The application fee, which ranges from £719 to £1,636, depending on various factors.
• The healthcare surcharge, which is typically £1,035 per year.
• Proof of financial support upon arrival in the UK, generally at least £1,270, unless exempt.

While this visa does not lead to settlement, it offers a significant opportunity for senior managers and specialist professionals to contribute to their company’s operations in the UK on a temporary but potentially long-term basis. This makes it a compelling option for those not seeking permanent residency but needing to fulfil critical roles within their company’s UK branches.

2. Opportunities with the Graduate Trainee Visa for International Talent

The Graduate Trainee Visa provides an avenue for international graduates to work in the UK as part of a structured training program to develop managerial or specialist skills within their employer's UK branch. This visa category is tailored for roles essential to the trainee's professional growth. These roles are identified on their certificate of sponsorship.

Key Features:

• Training and Development: This visa is specifically for roles that form part of a graduate training program preparing the individual for a managerial or specialist position.
• Family Inclusion: Applicants can bring their partners and children as dependants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Additional Activities: Holders of this visa can study, volunteer work, travel abroad, and re-enter the UK.

This visa route supersedes the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route and offers an enhanced minimum salary threshold of £25,410 or 70% of the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher. If you work in some healthcare or education jobs, your salary must be at least £25,410 or the full ‘going rate’ of your job, whichever is higher.

Notably, the previous cap of 20 Graduate Trainees per sponsor per year has been removed, allowing for more flexibility in the number of trainees a company can bring to the UK.

Restrictions include:

• Ineligibility for public funds or State Pension.
• Prohibition against switching jobs, undertaking a second job, or applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for a Graduate Trainee Visa, applicants must:

• Be a current employee of a company approved as a sponsor by the Home Office.
• Have worked for their sponsor outside the UK for at least three months immediately prior to the application.
• Hold a certificate of sponsorship detailing the UK role.
• Occupy a role on the list of eligible occupations.
• Earn a minimum of £25,410 annually.

It is important to note that this visa cannot be switched from another visa category while inside the UK.

Duration and Residency:

The visa allows for a stay of 12 months or the duration specified on the certificate of sponsorship plus an additional 14 days, whichever is shorter. Extension of this visa is not permissible.

The cumulative maximum duration for a stay in the UK on this and other Global Business Mobility or Intra-Company Transfer visas is 5 years within any 6-year period.

Costs:

Applicants need to be prepared to cover:

• An application fee of £298.
• A healthcare surcharge, typically £1,035 per year.
• Proof of financial support upon arrival in the UK, generally at least £1,270, unless exempt from this requirement.

The Graduate Trainee Visa is an excellent opportunity for young professionals to gain significant experience and skills in the UK, contributing to their career trajectory in managerial or specialist roles.

3. How the UK Expansion Worker Visa Helps Overseas Businesses Set Up in the UK 

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is specifically tailored for foreign companies aiming to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. This visa allows overseas employees to come to the UK to assist with setting up and initiating business operations.

Like other visas under the Global Business Mobility scheme, applicants must hold a Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a UK employer, have a prior employment history with the company overseas, and satisfy specific job and salary requirements.

This visa category is not intended for permanent residence; it permits stays of one year at a time, up to a maximum of two years. After this period, holders must transition to another visa type, such as the Skilled Worker visa, which has similar salary and skills requirements as the Senior and Specialist Worker route.

Prospective sponsors must have already established some form of business presence in the UK, including registering the business or securing office space. Companies must demonstrate at least three years of operational history overseas (or one year for Japanese companies under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) and provide a detailed business plan and proof of financial readiness for UK expansion.

Sponsors can bring up to five employees to the UK simultaneously, though initial limitations may apply based on the location of the Authorising Officer for the licence.

These employees are expected to establish a trading presence within two years. Notably, sponsors cannot certify maintenance for UK Expansion Workers. These employees must prove their own financial sufficiency.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Certificate of Sponsorship: Must be valid and issued by an approved employer.
• Employment Requirement: Must have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months unless earning over £73,900, or are a Japanese national or an Australian national/permanent resident working for a company expanding from these countries.
• Occupation: Must engage in a role listed among eligible occupations.
• Salary: Must earn at least £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher.
• Genuineness Requirement: Must prove their intention only to undertake the role specified and not engage in other employment.

Duration and Residency:

The visa allows a stay of 12 months or the time specified on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. It can be extended for an additional 12 months, with a total possible duration of two years on this visa type.

Costs:

• Visa Application Fee: £298
• Healthcare Surcharge: Approximately £1,035 per year
• Maintenance Funds: At least £1,270 available upon arrival in the UK

Dependent Costs (if applicable):

• Partner: £285
• One Child: £315
• Additional Children: £200 each

Employers may support the initial month’s maintenance if stated explicitly in the Certificate of Sponsorship under ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ in the 'Additional Data' section.

This visa category is pivotal for companies planning to expand their global footprint into the UK. It offers a structured pathway for transferring essential personnel to facilitate this growth while ensuring compliance with immigration requirements.

4. The Secondment Worker Visa for High-Value Contracts

The Secondment Worker Visa caters for employees of overseas companies who are required to transfer to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment agreement with a UK organisation. This visa is set up to enable exceptionally large contracts, defined by a minimum yearly value of £10 million and a total value exceeding £50 million.

This visa is vital for facilitating strategic international business relationships. It ensures that key personnel can be on-site in the UK to manage or execute significant projects. Before sponsoring workers, companies must register the contract with the Home Office, ensuring all stipulations are met.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a Secondment Worker Visa, applicants must:

• Hold a valid certificate of sponsorship from a UK organisation that is a registered sponsor authorised by the Home Office.
• Have been employed by the overseas company outside the UK for a minimum of 12 months prior to the application.
• Occupy a role that fits an eligible job category and is associated with a high-value contract.

Duration and Residency:

• Initially, the visa permits a stay of up to 12 months.
• It can be extended for an additional 12 months, subject to meeting all ongoing eligibility criteria.
• The maximum duration on this visa is 2 years.
• The cumulative maximum duration for stays in the UK, including other Global Business Mobility visas, is 5 years within any 6-year period.

Costs:

• Visa Application Fee: £298
• Healthcare Surcharge: Typically £1,035 per year
• Maintenance Funds: At least £1,270 must be available upon arrival in the UK unless exempt.

Dependent Costs (if applicable):

• Partner: £285
• First Child: £315
• Additional Children: £200 each

Employers may provide financial support for the initial month in the UK if this is specified in the 'Sponsor certifies maintenance' section under 'Additional data' on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

This specialised visa serves a unique role within the Global Business Mobility visas framework, facilitating inward flows of investment to the UK.

5. Navigating the Service Supplier Visa for International Trade Agreements

The Service Supplier Visa is designed for employees of overseas companies or self-employed professionals who are obligated to provide services to a UK company under the auspices of one of the UK's international trade agreements. This visa route effectively replaces the T5 International Agreement routes previously utilised by overseas service suppliers and independent professionals.

This visa facilitates the entry of skilled individuals into the UK to deliver specific services, making it crucial for UK businesses that require specialised skills that are not readily available domestically. This highly targeted business visa type supports the UK’s economic interactions with its trade partners.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for a Service Supplier Visa, applicants must:

• Be an employee of an overseas business or a self-employed service provider based abroad.
• Provide a service under a contract covered by a valid international trade agreement.
• Occupy a role that is eligible under this scheme. In cases where the job is not eligible, applicants may still qualify by demonstrating relevant qualifications or experience, such as a bachelor’s degree or higher or a technical qualification equivalent to a bachelor's degree. For overseas employees, at least three years of relevant professional experience is required. For self-employed professionals, at least six years of relevant experience is required.
• Hold a 'certificate of sponsorship' issued by a UK sponsor detailing the work to be performed in the UK.
• Have worked for their employer outside the UK for at least 12 months or possess at least 12 months' professional experience if self-employed.

Duration and residency:

• The visa permits a stay of 6 to 12 months, dependent on the specific terms of the applicable trade agreement or the period stated on the certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
• Extensions are possible, provided the time spent does not exceed the maximum allowed duration.
• The cumulative maximum duration for stays on this and other Global Business Mobility visas is 5 years within any 6-year period.

Costs:

• Application Fee: £298
• Healthcare Surcharge: Approximately £1,035 per year
• Maintenance Funds: At least £1,270 available upon arrival in the UK (unless exempt).

Dependent costs (if applicable):

• Partner: £285
• First Child: £315
• Additional Children: £200 each

The employer can provide financial support for the initial month in the UK. However, this must be clearly stated in the 'sponsor certifies maintenance' section of the Certificate of Sponsorship under 'Additional data'.

This visa category offers a valuable opportunity for overseas professionals to work in the UK in the short term, bringing unique skills and expertise to the UK business landscape while fostering international trade relations.

How employers can manage UK immigration reforms strategically

Navigating the financial implications of the UK's immigration reforms requires careful strategic planning by employers, especially given the ongoing changes and the lack of straightforward methods for minimising long-term visa-related costs.

These tactics could help companies manage these costs more effectively:

1. Strategic planning 

Employers should conduct detailed strategic analysis around transferring employees to the UK. This includes assessing the nation’s potential long-term talent requirements and the specific roles that would benefit from international expertise.

2. Understanding Visa Category Costs

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Costs for this category are calculated similarly to the former Intra-Company Transfers. The licence fee varies based on whether the company is classified as a large or a small/charitable sponsor. The Certificate of Sponsorship fee is aligned with that for Skilled Workers, reflecting the ongoing costs associated with higher-skilled employee transfers.
• Temporary Worker Categories: For visa routes classified under Temporary Workers (other than the Senior or Specialist Worker), the licence fee is consistent with that for a small sponsor, regardless of the company's size. The Certificate of Sponsorship fee is also reduced, similar to other Temporary Worker categories for Creative, Charity, or Religious Workers.

3. Visa term optimisation

By leveraging data to predict the likelihood of an individual remaining in their role for the full term allowable, employers can optimise the length of the visa they sponsor at the outset, potentially reducing the need for subsequent applications and associated costs.

4. Immigration Skills Charge Exemption

One specific cost-saving measure under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) scheme, particularly for the Senior and Special Worker route, involves the Immigration Skills Charge. This charge is not applicable if:

• The individual holds an EU or Latvian non-citizen’s passport.
• They typically work in the EU for an EU business but are temporarily transferred to the UK.
• The transfer is for less than three years.

This exemption can potentially save employers up to £3,000 when transferring EU workers from their EU operations to the UK.

5. Considerations for employers

Employers should remain vigilant about the ongoing changes in UK immigration policy and adapt their strategic planning accordingly. Regularly reviewing these policies and maintaining compliance with the new rules can prevent unforeseen costs and disruptions to planned business activities. It is also beneficial for employers to consult with immigration experts or legal advisors to ensure that their strategies comply with current laws and leverage possible efficiencies and cost-saving measures.

Navigate UK business immigration with expert advice and assistance

Centuro Global helps thousands of businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa routes. We offer tailored solutions for overseas companies and workers who want to do business in the UK.

We offer a broad range of services designed to facilitate every aspect of your business immigration process:

• Visa application assistance: From determining the most suitable visa route to handling the application process, our team prepares your applications meticulously to avoid delays and enhance the likelihood of approval.
• Strategic business planning: We provide strategic consultations for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the UK.
• Contractual and short-term assignments: We provide insights and advice on managing short-term contracts and assignments in the UK, ensuring that your activities are fully compliant with immigration requirements.

Get in touch to bring talent over smoothly and compliantly.