Global Business Mobility Visa
A collection of five sponsored work visas designed for overseas businesses wishing to fill specific roles in the UK by, for example, transferring staff to UK branches or setting up UK-based operations.
Enquire Now See How We Can HelpFive Routes, One Framework
A scheme for overseas businesses looking to establish or grow a UK presence, enabling employers to bring in senior staff, specialist workers, and service providers. This route is well-suited to multinational organisations looking to establish a UK presence, rotate high-value staff, or deliver services under international trade agreements.
Each route serves a distinct purpose and carries its own specific requirements, salary thresholds, and maximum permitted durations of stay.
Getting Started
There are a few factors that apply across all five Global Business Mobility visas. Every applicant needs to be sponsored, and in most cases must have worked for an overseas linked entity for at least 12 months. You’ll also need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, and unless exempt, you’ll need to show you have £1,270 available funds held for 28 consecutive days.
Senior or Specialist Worker — for current employees of an overseas company linked by common ownership or control to a UK organisation with a GBM sponsor licence. Your job must appear on the eligible occupations list, and you’ll need to earn at least £52,500 a year or the going rate for your role, whichever is higher. The 12-month prior employment requirement applies here too, unless you’re earning £73,900 or more. How long you can stay depends on your salary — under that £73,900 threshold, you’re looking at a maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period; above it, that extends to 9 years in any 10-year period.
Graduate Trainee — aimed at people on a structured graduate training programme that leads to a managerial or specialist role, your job must have the right occupation code to qualify. The minimum salary is £27,300 a year. Visas are usually granted for one year with no extension option, but if you want to do a further traineeship, you can apply for another Graduate Trainee visa from outside the UK once the first one ends.
UK Expansion Worker — specifically for businesses that haven’t yet started trading in the UK, and only up to five visas can be issued per business. You’ll need at least 12 months of prior employment with the overseas employer (with some exceptions for high earners and nationals of certain countries), and must earn the specified going rate for your job. The visa lasts two years, during which the business is expected to establish an actual trading presence in the UK.
Service Supplier — for overseas workers or self-employed professionals who are coming to the UK to deliver services under an international trade agreement. Rather than a traditional employer, the UK client company acts as the sponsor under the terms of an eligible contract.
Secondment Worker — for employees being sent to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment made by their overseas employer. It’s typically granted for one year, with the option to extend by a further 12 months — giving a total maximum stay of two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family with me on a Global Business Mobility visa?
Your partner and children can apply to join or stay in the UK as your dependants if they are eligible. An immigration adviser can guide you through the dependant application process alongside your own.
Does the GBM visa lead to permanent residency?
No. The Global Business Mobility routes do not lead to settlement, and time spent on them will not count towards any qualifying period required to settle under another immigration route. If long-term UK residence is your goal, an adviser can help identify a suitable onward route from the outset.
Is there an English language requirement?
There is no English language requirement for the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. Due to the seniority prerequisites, requirements focus instead on salary and skill level.
How long does it take to process a GBM visa application?
Standard processing time is 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK, or 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK.
Can a self-employed person apply?
Yes, under the Service Supplier route, an applicant can be a self-employed professional based overseas, with the UK client acting as the sponsor under an eligible contract.
What if my employer is not yet a licensed sponsor?
If your employer isn’t currently approved to sponsor workers in the UK, they can apply for a sponsor licence. We can assist with this process, helping to ensure the application is prepared correctly and submitted efficiently.
Ready to get started?
Speak to our immigration experts today and let us guide you through a smooth, compliant Minister of Religion Visa process.
Get in TouchSpecialist Minister of Religion Visa Support Across Key Sectors
Need help with your Minister of Religion Visa application?
At Permits2Work, we offer professional legal support throughout the entire UK visa and immigration process - from initial eligibility assessments to application preparation and Home Office correspondence.
Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced immigration consultants and take the next step with confidence.
