UK Visa for Seconded Employees
Secondment Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
The Secondment Worker Visa is designed for overseas employees who are temporarily transferred to the UK as part of a high-value contract or major investment between their overseas employer and a UK-based organisation. This visa route is newly introduced under the Global Business Mobility framework and plays a key role in supporting international trade and economic growth.
To use this visa category, the overseas employer must have a qualifying contract worth at least £50 million with the UK sponsor. Only then can eligible workers be seconded to the UK to fulfil contract-related duties. Unlike other work visas, the Secondment Worker route does not impose a salary threshold, offering greater flexibility for employers and secondees.
This visa is particularly valuable for businesses undergoing international collaborations, project-based transfers, or large-scale investments that require specialised support from overseas staff. It allows companies to align operations between global branches while ensuring compliance with UK immigration rules. The route helps strengthen business partnerships, supports operational continuity, and enables employees to gain international experience without needing a permanent transfer.
UK Secondment Worker Visa Sponsorship Requirements
To qualify for the UK Secondment Worker Visa, applicants must be sponsored by a Home Office–approved employer that holds an A-rated sponsor licence under the Global Business Mobility route. A key requirement is that the UK sponsor must have a qualifying contract with the overseas employer, demonstrating a substantial business relationship.
The contract must be valued at a minimum of £10 million per year or £50 million in total, ensuring that only high-value, strategically important partnerships are eligible for this visa route. This requirement confirms the legitimacy and scale of the collaboration, aligning with the UK’s aim to support significant international trade and investment projects.
Eligibility
To qualify for a UK Secondment Worker Visa, applicants must be at least 18 years old and currently employed by an overseas business that holds a qualifying contract with a licensed UK sponsor. They must also have worked for their overseas employer outside the UK for a minimum of 12 months, ensuring they have the relevant experience and established employment history before being seconded to the UK.
In addition, applicants must earn 40 points, which are awarded based on having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and a job that meets the appropriate skill level as outlined in the Skilled Occupations Appendix. They must also comply with UK immigration rules, including providing a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if they are from a listed country.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply, applicants must complete an online visa application using their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number, which must be assigned by their sponsor within 3 months of the application date. Applicants must also prove their identity, submit supporting documents, and attend a biometric appointment if required. Essential documents include a valid passport, evidence of overseas employment, proof of sufficient funds, and a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if applicable.
Once the application, identity checks, and documents are submitted—along with the visa fee—the decision is typically made within 3 weeks for applications outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications submitted inside the UK.
The application fee for the UK Secondment Worker visa is £298.
The visa allows individuals to stay in the UK for up to 1 year initially, with the possibility to extend for an additional year. However, the maximum stay allowed on this route is 2 years in total.
Secondment Workers are also subject to the Global Business Mobility (GBM) maximum limit—they cannot stay in the UK for more than 5 years in any 6-year period if they have spent time on other GBM or Intra-Company routes.
This visa does not lead to settlement (ILR), but holders may switch into another eligible immigration category if they meet the requirements.
Yes. Dependant partners and children can join or accompany the main applicant if they meet the eligibility criteria. Unmarried partners must show they have lived together for at least 2 years in a marriage-like relationship. All dependants must provide proof of identity, biometric information, supporting documents, and evidence of meeting the financial requirements, as well as pay the required fees. Their intention to live together in the UK must be clearly demonstrated.
Our experienced business immigration team offers comprehensive support for deploying personnel under the Secondment Worker route. We assist with sponsor obligations, employee visa applications, and ensure full compliance with Home Office requirements. With expertise from immigration advisers and former Home Office staff, we can support your HR team or manage your sponsor licence and visa processes entirely on your behalf for a seamless and compliant experience.
