Global Business Mobility visa routes
Transfer key personnel from your international offices to your UK operations. Five specialised visa routes are available, each designed for a different kind of multinational move.
- 5
- Visa routes
- 9 years
- Maximum duration
- £52,500
- Minimum salary — most routes
- £0
- Immigration Skills Charge — all routes exempt
The five GBM routes
Each route covers a different kind of transfer. Picking the right one at the start avoids a refused application later.
Senior or Specialist Worker
Transfer senior managers or specialist employees to your UK entity. Requires 12 months with a linked overseas business.
Learn moreGraduate Trainee
Develop graduate talent through international rotations. Requires 3 months with the overseas entity and a structured graduate training programme.
Learn moreUK Expansion Worker
Establish your first UK presence with key employees. For overseas businesses setting up a UK branch.
Learn moreService Supplier
Provide services under UK trade agreements. The contract must fall under an applicable trade agreement.
Learn moreSecondment Worker
Second employees under high-value contracts. For high-value contract secondments only.
Learn moreMinimum salary by route
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- £52,500
- Graduate Trainee
- £27,300
- UK Expansion Worker
- £52,500
- Service Supplier
- Varies by service
- Secondment Worker
- No minimum
Where a minimum is set, the worker must be paid that figure or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Secondment Workers have no minimum salary, but pay must still meet UK employment law.
Maximum stay by route
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- 5 or 9 years
- Graduate Trainee
- 12 months
- UK Expansion Worker
- Up to 2 years
- Service Supplier
- 6–12 months
- Secondment Worker
- 2 years in 3
Senior Managers may stay up to 5 years and Specialists up to 9 years. Graduate Trainee leave is not extendable. Service Supplier durations vary by category and by the trade agreement in question.
Visa fees by route
- Senior or Specialist Worker — up to 3 years
- £819
- Senior or Specialist Worker — over 3 years
- £1,618
- Graduate Trainee
- £340
- UK Expansion Worker — initial
- £340
- UK Expansion Worker — extension
- £259
- Secondment Worker
- £340
No Immigration Skills Charge
Prior employment overseas
Senior or Specialist Workers and Secondment Workers must have worked for the linked overseas business for at least 12 continuous months. Graduate Trainees need 3 months. UK Expansion Workers and Service Suppliers have different requirements.
A linked overseas business is an organisation in the same corporate group as your UK entity, a subsidiary or parent company, or a branch of the same business. The link must be genuine and verifiable through corporate documentation.
Application process
- 1
Assess route suitability
Determine which GBM route fits your business needs and employee circumstances.
- 2
Obtain sponsor licence
Apply for a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence if you do not already hold one.
- 3
Assign certificate
Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with the correct job details and route.
- 4
Visa application
The employee applies for the visa with supporting documents and the CoS number.
- 5
Relocation support
Assist with UK arrival, right to work verification, and settlement.
- 1
Assess route suitability
Determine which GBM route fits your business needs and employee circumstances.
- 2
Obtain sponsor licence
Apply for a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence if you do not already hold one.
- 3
Assign certificate
Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with the correct job details and route.
- 4
Visa application
The employee applies for the visa with supporting documents and the CoS number.
- 5
Relocation support
Assist with UK arrival, right to work verification, and settlement.
Why employers use GBM
No ISC required
All GBM routes are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge, saving £1,000+ per worker per year.
Quick processing
Priority service is available for faster visa processing within 5 working days.
Flexible routes
5 specialised routes designed for different business mobility scenarios.
Family inclusion
Dependants can accompany workers and work or study in the UK.
Ready to explore Global Business Mobility for your organisation?
Related
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Ready when you are
Ready to move forward?
Book a consultation with an IAA-regulated adviser and get a clear, honest assessment of your options — including what we would not recommend.