The UK Service Supplier visa is designed for overseas service providers and independent professionals who need to undertake a temporary work assignment in the UK under an international trade agreement. This immigration route facilitates the provision of services under a contract with a UK business, without requiring applicants to meet minimum salary thresholds. It enables individuals employed or self-employed outside the UK to come to the UK for a specified period to deliver contractual obligations, broaden their business exposure, and strengthen commercial relationships.
The process to secure a Service Supplier visa can be complex. It requires careful coordination between the UK-based sponsor organisation, the overseas employer or independent professional, and the applicant. This guide explains the Service Supplier visa in detail, outlining the eligibility and sponsorship requirements, the application process, supporting documentation, costs, conditions of stay, and the rights of dependants.
Section A: What is the UK Service Supplier Visa?
The UK Service Supplier visa forms part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes introduced in April 2022. It allows overseas employees of a service provider (contractual service suppliers) and independent professionals established outside the UK to temporarily provide services in the UK, provided these are covered under an international trade agreement.
This route replaced the provisions for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals that were previously covered under the International Agreement route.
Under a Service Supplier visa, the holder may:
- Work in the UK only to deliver the services set out in the registered contract with the licensed UK sponsor
- Undertake voluntary work or a course of study during their stay
- Travel abroad and return to the UK during the validity of their leave
They cannot take up supplementary employment or work outside of the scope of their Certificate of Sponsorship. The route does not lead directly to settlement in the UK and does not impose a minimum salary threshold. Instead, eligibility is based on the individual’s role, qualifications, experience, and the terms of the applicable trade agreement.
Section Summary:
The Service Supplier visa is a temporary UK work route under the Global Business Mobility framework. It enables overseas service providers and independent professionals to deliver services under a qualifying international trade agreement but does not provide a pathway to settlement and does not impose salary requirements.
Section B: UK Service Supplier Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK Service Supplier visa, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements. These cover their employment or self-employment status overseas, the type of service contract in place, sponsor approval, qualifications and experience, and financial maintenance.
1. Worker Requirement
Applicants must have a contract to supply services to a UK company. This can be either as an employee of an overseas service provider or as a self-employed professional based overseas. The service must be covered by a valid international trade agreement recognised by the UK.
2. Employment or Self-Employment Status
The applicant must either:
- Be employed by an overseas service provider established in a country or territory that is party to an eligible trade agreement with the UK, or
- Be self-employed and established in a country or territory that is party to an eligible trade agreement with the UK.
A valid service contract must exist between the applicant and a UK business that falls within the scope of that trade agreement.
3. Valid Contract under a Trade Agreement
Applicants must demonstrate that their contract with the UK business is covered by an international trade agreement. The scope of eligible services depends on the provisions of the agreement, and applicants should verify that their sector and services are expressly covered.
Where there is uncertainty, both the UK business and the overseas service provider should check the relevant trade commitments. Specialist advice may be required in complex cases.
4. Employment History Requirement
If applying as an overseas employee, the applicant must have worked for their current employer for at least 12 months outside the UK. If applying as a self-employed independent professional, they must have at least 12 months’ professional experience in the same sector as the service they will deliver in the UK.
5. Certificate of Sponsorship and Eligible Occupations
The role being undertaken in the UK must be on the list of eligible occupations for the Service Supplier route, as published under the GBM guidance. Applicants must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the UK sponsor. The CoS confirms details of the work to be undertaken, the contract being fulfilled, and whether the sponsor will certify maintenance.
If the role changes to a different occupation code, the visa holder will need to apply to update their visa, provided they continue to work under the same contract and for the same sponsor.
6. Qualifications and Work Experience
Applicants whose roles are not listed as eligible occupation codes may still qualify if they can demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience. The general requirements are:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject, or a technical qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
- At least 3 years’ professional experience for employees
- At least 6 years’ professional experience for self-employed applicants
Certain services have different requirements. For example:
| Service | Qualifications / Experience |
|---|---|
| Advertising or translation | Relevant qualifications |
| Chef de cuisine | Advanced technical qualification and 6 years’ experience |
| Entertainment services (excluding audio-visual under CARIFORUM-UK EPA) | No qualifications required |
| Fashion and modelling | No qualifications required |
| Management consulting services | Bachelor’s degree |
| Technical testing and analysis | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical qualification |
7. Financial Maintenance
Applicants must show that they can support themselves on arrival in the UK. The financial requirement is proof of funds of at least £1,270, held for at least 28 consecutive days. The end of the 28-day period must be no more than 31 days before the date of application.
Applicants do not need to show funds if they have been in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or more, or if their UK sponsor certifies maintenance for the first month of their stay up to £1,270.
Switching into the Service Supplier route is possible from some visa categories but is prohibited if the applicant is currently in the UK on a visit visa, short-term study visa, Parent of a Child Student visa, seasonal worker visa, domestic worker in a private household visa, immigration bail, or permission outside the Immigration Rules. In these cases, the applicant must leave the UK and apply from abroad.
8. Summary of Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Employment / Self-Employment | Must be employed by an overseas business or self-employed and established overseas. |
| Valid Trade Agreement | Contract must fall under a trade agreement recognised by the UK. |
| UK Sponsor Approval | Work must be for a UK sponsor licensed for the Service Supplier route. |
| Eligible Job or Qualifications | Either an eligible occupation or proof of qualifications and professional experience. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | CoS required with full contract details and role description. |
| Employment History | At least 12 months’ overseas employment or 12 months’ relevant experience if self-employed. |
| Specific Experience | Additional experience requirements depending on sector. |
| Financial Maintenance | £1,270 in savings unless exempt by residence or sponsor certification. |
Section Summary:
The eligibility criteria for the UK Service Supplier visa are multi-layered. Applicants must demonstrate an eligible contract under a trade agreement, 12 months’ overseas work or self-employment experience, an eligible occupation or equivalent qualifications, a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor, and sufficient maintenance funds.
Section C: How to Apply for a UK Service Supplier Visa
The Service Supplier visa requires the applicant to be sponsored by a UK business that holds a sponsor licence for this route. The UK business must register the specific service contract with the Home Office and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker or independent professional.
1. Sponsorship Requirement
A UK organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence under the Service Supplier category of the Global Business Mobility routes. To sponsor a worker, the business must:
- Register the service contract with the Home Office when applying for, or managing, their sponsor licence
- Demonstrate that the contract qualifies under a recognised international trade agreement
- Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the individual to evidence the work assignment
The sponsor can only assign a CoS to a worker for the registered contract. A new application for a CoS must be made if a different contract is to be fulfilled. Sponsors must also comply with ongoing compliance duties, including record-keeping and reporting obligations, to maintain their licence.
2. Application Process
Once the CoS has been issued, the applicant can apply online for a Service Supplier visa using the unique reference number on their certificate. The process involves identity verification, provision of supporting documents, and biometric enrolment where required.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Prepare Documents | Gather supporting documents such as passport, service contract, qualifications, and financial evidence. |
| Step 2: Online Application | Complete the visa application form via GOV.UK using the CoS reference number. |
| Step 3: Pay Fees | Pay the application fee (£298) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each year of stay. |
| Step 4: Submit Application | Upload or provide all required documents with the application form. |
| Step 5: Biometric Enrolment | Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at a visa application centre or via the UK Immigration: ID Check app, if eligible. |
| Step 6: Await Decision | Applications are typically decided within 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK). |
| Step 7: Receive Visa | If approved, applicants will be issued entry clearance or updated permission to stay. |
3. Timing Rules
An application can be made up to 3 months before the intended start date of work in the UK, as stated on the CoS. The visa application must also be submitted within 3 months of the CoS being issued.
4. Required Documents
The specific documents depend on the applicant’s circumstances but generally include:
- A valid passport or travel document
- The service contract with the UK business
- Evidence of qualifications, such as a degree certificate or professional accreditation
- Evidence of work experience, such as employer letters or client records
- Financial documents showing maintenance funds (unless exempt)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if from a listed country
Additional documents may be needed if dependants are applying, or if the applicant is relying on sponsor certification of maintenance.
5. Costs and Processing Times
The application fee for a Service Supplier visa is £298, regardless of whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), currently £1,035 per year of stay, unless exempt.
Standard processing times are 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for those made inside the UK. Priority services may be available for an additional fee of £500 (5 working days) or £1,000 (next working day).
Section Summary:
To obtain a Service Supplier visa, the UK business must hold a sponsor licence and register the service contract. The applicant must then apply online with a CoS, supporting documents, and proof of funds. The fee is £298 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, and applications are typically processed within 3–8 weeks.
Section D: Extending a UK Service Supplier Visa
Permission under the Service Supplier visa is granted for up to 6 or 12 months per assignment, depending on the terms of the relevant international trade agreement under which the services are being provided. The maximum cumulative period across all Global Business Mobility routes is 5 years in any rolling 6-year period.
If the service contract continues, or if a new qualifying contract is agreed with the same sponsor, the visa holder may apply to extend their Service Supplier visa. However, they must remain with the same sponsor who issued the original Certificate of Sponsorship and must not exceed the maximum time limits.
Applications for an extension must be made before the expiry of current permission. The applicant will need to demonstrate that they continue to meet all eligibility criteria, including a valid contract under a trade agreement, sponsorship by the same UK-licensed organisation, and sufficient financial maintenance unless exempt.
It is important to note that the Service Supplier visa does not provide a pathway to settlement in the UK. Time spent under this route does not count towards qualifying residence for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Applicants who wish to settle permanently will need to switch into another immigration category that leads to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Section Summary:
The Service Supplier visa can be extended if the contractual assignment continues and all eligibility requirements remain satisfied. Extensions are limited by the maximum GBM stay of 5 years in 6, and this route does not provide a route to settlement.
Section E: Can Dependants Join Service Supplier Workers?
Holders of a UK Service Supplier visa may be accompanied by their dependants, provided eligibility requirements are met. Dependants include a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner, and children under 18 years old (including those born in the UK during the visa-holder’s stay).
Dependants must apply separately for their visas. Each applicant must pay the relevant application fee (£298) and the annual Immigration Health Surcharge. They will also need to provide biometric information and supporting documentation to evidence their relationship to the main applicant.
1. Relationship Requirement
The dependant partner must be able to show that the relationship is genuine and subsisting. Where the partner is unmarried, evidence of at least two years of cohabitation is required. Children must either live with both parents or show valid reasons why one parent is not in the UK.
2. Financial Requirement
Dependants must demonstrate they have access to sufficient funds unless exempt. The maintenance requirement is:
- £285 for a partner
- £315 for the first child
- £200 for each additional child
These amounts are in addition to the main applicant’s requirement of £1,270. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the date of application, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance for the family.
3. Duration of Stay
If successful, dependants will be granted permission to stay in line with the Service Supplier visa-holder. Their visas will expire on the same date as the primary applicant’s visa.
Section Summary:
Partners and children can apply to join a Service Supplier visa-holder in the UK. They must meet relationship and financial requirements, pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and their visa length will match the main applicant’s.
Section F: Application Tips
The Service Supplier visa application process is demanding, and many applicants encounter avoidable issues. Careful preparation and awareness of common pitfalls can increase the likelihood of success.
1. Documentation Errors
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays or refusals. Applicants should ensure all documents are up to date, translated into English where required, and consistent across records. The Certificate of Sponsorship must be carefully checked for accuracy before submission.
2. Understanding Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility rules are detailed and vary depending on whether the applicant is an overseas employee or self-employed. Misunderstanding the requirements for 12 months’ employment or professional experience can lead to refusal. Applicants should ensure they meet the role, qualification, and contract criteria before applying.
3. Meeting Financial Criteria
Applicants must evidence access to at least £1,270 in funds unless exempt. This money must be held for the full 28-day period. Bank statements should clearly show account details, balances, and dates covering the required period. If relying on sponsor certification of maintenance, the Certificate of Sponsorship must confirm this.
4. Application Timing
Applications can be made up to 3 months before the work start date and within 3 months of the Certificate of Sponsorship being issued. Late applications or expiring CoS references can cause refusal, so timing is critical.
5. Biometric Appointment Issues
Applicants may need to attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs. Missing or delaying this step can prolong the process. Booking promptly and bringing all required documents ensures a smoother experience.
Section Summary:
By ensuring documents are accurate, eligibility requirements are fully met, funds are correctly evidenced, and application timing is carefully managed, applicants can significantly reduce the risk of delays or refusals.
Section G: Summary
The Service Supplier visa is a targeted immigration route under the Global Business Mobility framework. It allows overseas employees and independent professionals to temporarily deliver services in the UK under international trade agreements. Unlike other work visas, it does not impose salary thresholds but instead requires strict compliance with contract, qualification, sponsorship, and financial maintenance rules.
The application process involves several stages, including sponsor licence approval for the UK business, issue of a Certificate of Sponsorship, online application submission, biometric enrolment, and supporting documentation. While the visa offers valuable opportunities for overseas service providers, it does not lead to settlement, and applicants are subject to strict maximum stay limits.
Careful preparation, accurate documentation, and adherence to the eligibility requirements are essential for a successful application. Given the complexity of the rules and the reliance on international trade agreements, many applicants and UK businesses choose to seek professional immigration advice to ensure compliance and reduce risks of refusal.
Section Summary:
The Service Supplier visa enables temporary entry for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals but requires close compliance with sponsorship, trade agreement, and eligibility rules. It is a short-term work route without settlement rights, demanding thorough preparation to achieve a positive outcome.
Section H: Need Assistance?
The Service Supplier visa involves complex eligibility criteria, detailed documentation, and sponsor compliance duties. Errors or omissions in the application process can result in delays, refusals, or compliance issues for the UK sponsor. Both the overseas service provider and the UK business must work together to ensure the contract is eligible and all requirements are satisfied.
Given the specific nature of this route, many applicants and UK organisations seek specialist immigration advice to support the application process. Professional guidance can help confirm whether a service contract qualifies under an international trade agreement, ensure the sponsor licence is correctly managed, and prepare a well-documented visa submission.
Specialist support can also assist with planning future workforce strategies, managing visa extensions, and advising on alternative immigration routes for long-term assignments or settlement. This helps minimise compliance risks and improve the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Section Summary:
Due to the strict rules and technical requirements of the Service Supplier visa, obtaining professional advice can significantly improve application quality and reduce risks. Independent guidance ensures both the UK sponsor and the overseas service supplier meet their obligations in full.
Section I: UK Service Supplier Visa FAQs
What is the UK Service Supplier visa?
The UK Service Supplier visa is part of the Global Business Mobility routes. It allows contractual service suppliers employed by an overseas service provider, or self-employed independent professionals established overseas, to temporarily deliver services in the UK under an eligible international trade agreement.
Do you need to be sponsored for the UK Service Supplier visa?
Yes. Applicants must be sponsored by a UK organisation that holds a Home Office sponsor licence for the Service Supplier route. The UK sponsor must register the service contract with the Home Office and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the applicant.
How much does the Service Supplier visa cost?
The application fee is £298 per applicant. In addition, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be paid for each year of permission, currently £1,035 per year, unless exempt.
Is there a salary requirement for the Service Supplier visa?
No. Unlike some other UK work visas, there is no minimum salary threshold. Eligibility depends on the contract, role, qualifications, professional experience, and compliance with the applicable trade agreement.
How long does the application process take?
Decisions are typically made within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK. Priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) services may be available for additional fees.
Can the Service Supplier visa be extended?
Yes, extensions may be possible if the contractual assignment continues, the applicant remains sponsored by the same UK business, and the maximum time limits are not exceeded. The overall cap for Global Business Mobility routes is 5 years in any 6-year period.
Does the Service Supplier visa lead to settlement?
No. This visa does not provide a direct route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Individuals seeking to settle permanently in the UK will need to switch into a different immigration category that leads to settlement.
Can dependants join a Service Supplier visa-holder?
Yes. A partner and dependent children may apply to join or accompany the main applicant, provided they meet the relationship and financial requirements. Their visas will be granted in line with the main applicant’s visa.
What documents are required for the application?
Typical supporting documents include a valid passport, the service contract with the UK sponsor, qualifications and evidence of professional experience, proof of financial maintenance (unless exempt), and tuberculosis test results if required.
Section Summary:
The FAQs confirm that the Service Supplier visa requires sponsorship, costs £298 plus IHS, carries no salary threshold, allows extensions up to the GBM maximum, but does not lead to settlement. Dependants may apply, provided they meet the requirements.
Section J: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Service Supplier Visa | A UK visa under the Global Business Mobility routes allowing contractual service suppliers and independent professionals to deliver services in the UK under a qualifying trade agreement. |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic record issued by a licensed UK sponsor confirming details of the applicant’s role and the service contract. |
| Eligibility Criteria | The requirements that must be met to qualify for a Service Supplier visa, including employment history, contract validity, qualifications, and financial maintenance. |
| International Trade Agreement | A treaty between the UK and another country or region that sets out conditions under which services can be provided across borders. |
| Financial Maintenance | The requirement for applicants to show they can support themselves on arrival in the UK, usually by demonstrating funds of at least £1,270 unless exempt. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee payable by most visa applicants for access to the UK’s National Health Service during their stay. |
| Global Business Mobility (GBM) | A category of UK work visas introduced in April 2022, covering several routes for overseas businesses to deploy workers in the UK, including the Service Supplier route. |
| Settlement | Also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), permanent residence in the UK. The Service Supplier visa does not lead to settlement. |
| UK Sponsor | A UK business licensed by the Home Office to sponsor overseas workers under specific visa categories. |
| Dependants | A partner or children applying to join the main visa-holder in the UK, subject to eligibility and financial requirements. |
Section Summary:
This glossary defines the key terms relating to the Service Supplier visa, including sponsorship, eligibility, financial maintenance, and Global Business Mobility rules.
Section K: Additional Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Government – Service Supplier visa guidance | https://www.gov.uk/service-supplier-visa |
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration |
| Visa application guidance collection | https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/visa-application-guidance |
| UK ENIC – Recognition of international qualifications | https://www.enic.org.uk/ |
| DavidsonMorris – Service Supplier visa guide | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/service-supplier-visa/ |
| Xpats.io – Service Supplier visa overview | https://www.xpats.io/service-supplier-visa/ |
Section Summary:
These resources provide official and expert information on the Service Supplier visa, including government policy guidance and detailed insights from immigration specialists.
