Service Supplier Visa Overview
Global Business Mobility
The Service Supplier Visa is part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes and is designed for overseas workers who need to come to the UK temporarily to provide services under an eligible international trade agreement. This visa allows companies abroad to send their skilled employees or independent professionals to the UK to fulfil specific service contracts, ensuring international business cooperation continues smoothly.
Previously, this category fell under the T5 International Agreement Visa, but the UK government has now updated and modernised the process through the GBM framework to better support global trade relationships.
Who is the Service Supplier Visa for?
This visa is suitable for:
- Contractual Service Suppliers (CSS): Employees of an overseas company who need to provide services to a UK client under a contract covered by a trade agreement.
- Independent Professionals (IP): Self-employed individuals delivering a service in the UK as specified in an eligible trade agreement.
Key Features of the Visa
- It enables temporary assignments in the UK tied strictly to the terms of an international trade agreement.
- You must have a valid contract between the overseas business and a UK client.
- Work must match one of the permitted service sectors listed under the trade agreement.
- Applicants must be sponsored by a Home Office–approved UK sponsor.
- It does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) but can support long-term business relationships.
UK Company Requirements
To sponsor a worker under the Service Supplier Visa, the UK company must:
- Hold a valid Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence issued by the Home Office, specifically permitting sponsorship under the Service Supplier route.
- Appoint key personnel—such as an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User—to oversee and manage all sponsorship duties.
- Maintain compliant reporting and record-keeping systems, ensuring accurate monitoring of sponsored workers and meeting all UKVI requirements, including timely updates on changes and secure storage of required documents.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Service Supplier Visa (Global Business Mobility Route), applicants must meet several specific requirements set by UKVI. These ensure the worker is genuinely coming to the UK to deliver services under an approved trade agreement and has the skills and experience necessary for the role.
1. Employment or Self-Employment Status
Applicants must either:
- Be an employee of an overseas service provider that has a contract with a UK company, or
- Be a self-employed independent professional providing services directly to a UK client.
2. Service Contract Covered by an International Trade Agreement
The services being delivered in the UK must fall under a valid international trade agreement recognised by the UK. These agreements include:
- WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
- UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement
- Various bilateral or multilateral trade agreements
3. Work Experience Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate:
- At least 12 months of continuous employment with the overseas service provider, OR
- At least 12 months of relevant professional experience if self-employed.
4. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A UK sponsor—licensed by the Home Office—must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, confirming:- The role
- Service details
- Contractual link between the overseas provider and UK business
- Eligibility under the trade agreement
5. Eligible Occupation
The job or service must be listed as an eligible occupation under the UKVI’s approved codes for the Service Supplier route. Certain specialist roles, technical services, or professional advisory services are typically included.
6. Financial Requirement
Applicants must show they can support themselves without needing public funds. This requires:- £1,270 in personal savings
- Held for at least 28 consecutive days
- Within the 31 days before submitting the visa application
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Service Supplier Visa is typically granted for up to 12 months, but the exact duration depends on the specific international trade agreement governing the services being provided.
- The application fee is £298.
- Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), depending on the length of their stay in the UK.
A worker can provide services for whichever is shorter of the following:
- 6 or 12 months, depending on the relevant trade agreement; or
- The duration stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, plus an additional 14 days.
