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Exempt Vignette / Digital Record of Exemption
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
Open

Exempt Vignette / Digital Record of Exemption

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Duration of official posting or visit

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Exempt Vignette / Digital Record of Exemption

The UK Exempt Vignette — now issued as a Digital Record of Exemption — is a status granted to individuals legally exempt from immigration control, including diplomats, consular staff, visiting heads of state, and Commonwealth or Overseas Territories armed forces posted to the UK.

The grant lasts for the duration of the official posting, is renewable, and carries no application, biometric, or health surcharge fee. Dependents (spouse, civil partner, children under 18) qualify; spouses may work without restriction if the grant is 6 months or more. It does not count toward ILR.

This visa is ideal for accredited diplomatic and consular personnel, military personnel on official UK postings, and heads of state or their staff on official visits.

United Kingdom

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Cost Breakdown

Application FeeGBP £0
Biometric FeeGBP £0
Immigration Health SurchargeGBP £0

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be legally exempt from UK immigration control under the Immigration Act 1971 or the Immigration (Exemption from Control) Order 1972.

Must hold a current valid passport or travel identification.

Must provide official evidence of the UK posting or visit (e.g., Note Verbale, official letter, or military posting orders).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Current valid passport or travel identification

Passport-sized photograph

Official evidence of the UK posting or visit (Note Verbale, official letter, or military posting orders)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No application or biometric fees
  • Exempt from Immigration Health Surcharge
  • No English language requirements
  • Dependents of 6+ month grants have full work rights

Worth Knowing

  • Does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
  • Strictly limited to official duties
  • Unmarried partners may not automatically qualify
  • Not being part of a qualifying category (Diplomatic, Consular, Military, or International Organization)
  • Intending to perform commercial employment outside of official duties

Application Process

1

Confirm qualification under the relevant exemption category.

2

Gather required documents (passport, photo, official letter/Note Verbale/posting orders).

3

Apply online via the GOV.UK Exempt Vignette Portal.

4

Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit biometrics.

5

Receive email confirmation of the decision.

6

Set up a UKVI account to access, view, and share the Digital Record of Exemption.

Application Forms

GOV.UK - Exempt Vignette / Digital Record of Exemption
Get a digital record of your exemption from immigration control
Fill online

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