Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

United Kingdom•Europe

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Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

GBP £819–£1,865

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

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

Global Business Mobility route for intra-company transfers of senior managers and specialists to a UK-linked entity, valid up to 5 or 9 years with no settlement route.

The UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa is the Global Business Mobility route for intra-company transfers to a UK-linked entity in a senior or specialist role at RQF Level 6+. Applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship and must earn at least £52,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher.

Maximum stay is 5 years in any 6-year period (9 years for those earning £73,900+). It does not lead to settlement and is tied to the sponsoring employer. Dependants may join; spouses can work without restriction. No English test is required, but most must have worked overseas for their employer for at least 12 months.

This visa is ideal for senior managers and technical specialists employed by a multinational who need to work temporarily at a UK branch without a language test or labour market check.

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Cost Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, <3 years)GBP £819

Visa Application Fee (Outside UK, >3 years)GBP £1,618

Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, <3 years)GBP £943

Visa Application Fee (Inside UK, >3 years)GBP £1,865

Immigration Health Surcharge (Annual)GBP £1,035

recurring

TotalGBP £819–£1,865

Processing Time

Outside UK (Standard)	2–3 weeks
Inside UK (Standard)	2 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Processing3 weeks

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer

Current employment with a linked overseas business for at least 12 months (waived for high earners)

Job must be at a qualifying skill level (RQF Level 6 or above)

Minimum salary of £52,500 per year or the 'going rate' for the role, whichever is higher

Proof of sufficient personal funds to support yourself

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

52,500 GBP/yr

Min. Savings

1,270 GBP

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No English language requirement
Allows dependants (partner and children) to accompany the holder
Facilitates essential intra-company transfers for senior or specialist roles

Worth Knowing

Does not lead directly to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Strictly tied to the sponsoring employer and specific job role
High salary thresholds and mandatory 12-month prior employment requirement for most applicants