UK Global Business Mobility Visa
Everything You Need to Know About UK Business Immigration
The UK Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa enables overseas businesses to send employees to the United Kingdom for specific corporate purposes. This guide focuses on the Expansion Worker route, designed for senior managers and specialists establishing a UK presence.
What is the Global Business Mobility Visa?
The global business mobility visa system introduces five specialized routes designed to meet diverse business needs. Each route serves a specific purpose, allowing companies to maintain their international operations while complying with UK immigration laws.
• The Senior or Specialist Worker visa allows companies to transfer key personnel to an existing UK branch
• The Graduate Trainee route supports international training programs
• The UK Expansion Worker visa enables new business establishment in Britain
• The Service Supplier route facilitates contract-based assignments
• The Secondment Worker category supports high-value contract fulfillment
Understanding the UK Expansion Worker Visa
The expansion worker visa specifically caters to overseas businesses without an existing UK presence. This route replaces the former Representative of an Overseas Business visa, offering more flexibility by allowing up to five employees to establish UK operations.
Key Benefits
The GBM visa offers several strategic advantages for international businesses planning their UK expansion:
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Establish a new UK business presence through a clear immigration pathway
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Send multiple key personnel (up to five workers) to manage the expansion
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Access the UK market through a structured and compliant route
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Create opportunities for global mobility jobs and local employment
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting the global business mobility visa requirements demands careful attention to both corporate and individual qualifications. These requirements ensure that only genuine businesses with legitimate expansion plans can access this immigration route.
| For Employees: | For Employers: |
|---|---|
• You must be aged 18 or over | Having established the employee requirements, businesses must also demonstrate their credibility and commitment to UK expansion: • The overseas business must have been trading for at least 3 years • The company must have a credible UK expansion plan • A UK 'footprint' must be established (premises or Companies House registration) • The business must not yet be trading in the UK |
Salary and Skill Requirements
Understanding the financial and professional requirements is crucial for a successful application. The Home Office has set specific thresholds to ensure that only qualified professionals enter the UK job market through this route.
Minimum Salary Thresholds
The salary requirements reflect the senior nature of roles eligible under the global business mobility visa:
• General threshold: £45,800 per year
• The salary must also meet the 'going rate' for your occupation code
• Calculations based on a maximum 48-hour week
• Only guaranteed basic pay and allowances count toward the threshold
Skill Level Requirements
The UK mobility visa maintains high professional standards through specific skill requirements:
• Jobs must be skilled to RQF Level 6 (graduate level)
• The role must be genuine and necessary for UK expansion
• Position must match an eligible occupation code
• Skills can be demonstrated through qualifications or experience
Certificate of Sponsorship Guidance
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) serves as a crucial document in your application. It represents your sponsor’s confirmation that you meet all necessary requirements and have a genuine role in the UK expansion.
Your sponsor must provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship that includes:
- Your personal details and job information
- Confirmation of overseas employment history
- Specific start and end dates
- Details of salary and working conditions
- Evidence of the genuine need for your role
Visa Duration and Extensions
Understanding the timeline and extension options helps you plan your business expansion effectively. The GBM visa offers flexibility while maintaining clear boundaries for business establishment.
Initial Period
The initial visa grant comes with specific timeframes:
• Maximum initial grant of 12 months
• Permission begins from your stated job start date
• Additional 14 days added after your job end date
Extension Options
While the initial UK expansion worker visa provides a foundation for business establishment, understanding your extension options is crucial for long-term planning:
• Extensions up to a maximum total stay of 2 years
• Possibility to switch to other visa categories
• Options for skilled worker extension when the business begins trading
• Transition paths to permanent categories
360 Global Immigration
The Premier Migration Consultancy in Dubai For Your Immigration & Visa Success.
Sponsorship Requirements
Sponsorship forms the backbone of the global business mobility visa system. Organizations must maintain high standards of compliance and demonstrate their commitment to proper business practices in the UK.
Sponsors must:
• Obtain appropriate licensing from the Home Office
• Demonstrate genuine business expansion plans
• Maintain comprehensive records
• Comply with sponsor duties and reporting requirements
• Follow proper skilled worker extension procedures
Global Mobility Jobs Considerations
The scope of permitted activities under this visa requires careful consideration. Understanding what you can and cannot do helps ensure compliance while effectively establishing your UK presence.
Permitted Activities
Your role in the UK expansion must focus on establishment activities:
• Establishing the UK business presence
• Setting up systems and processes
• Hiring local staff
• Securing premises and contracts
• Managing initial operations
Restrictions
The GBM visa comes with specific limitations to ensure it's used as intended:
• No trading activities until the business is established
• Maximum of five workers at any time
• Role must be genuine and necessary
• No work for third parties
GMB Fees and Financial Requirements
Understanding the complete cost structure helps businesses plan their expansion budget effectively. The global business mobility visa involves several financial components.
Application Costs
Current GMB fees include:
• Main applicant visa fee: £259 (in-country) to £298 (overseas)
• Healthcare surcharge at current rates
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee
• Priority services available at additional cost
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability:
• Personal savings requirement: £1,270
• Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days
• Exemption if sponsor certifies maintenance
• Evidence of business funding for expansion
Supporting Documentation
A successful application requires comprehensive documentation that demonstrates both individual eligibility and business credibility. Each document plays a crucial role in supporting your global business mobility visa application.
Essential documents include:
• Valid passport with remaining validity
• Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor
• Financial evidence and bank statements
• Overseas business trading documents
• Proof of employment history
• Business plans and financial projections
• Evidence of UK premises or registration
360 Global Immigration
The Premier Migration Consultancy in Dubai For Your Immigration & Visa Success.
Dependants and Family Members
The UK expansion worker visa allows you to bring your family members to the UK. Understanding the requirements and process for dependant applications helps ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Your family members can join you if they are:
• Your spouse or partner aged 18 or over
• Children under 18 at the time of first application
• Dependent on you for care and accommodation
• Able to meet maintenance requirements
Switching and Settlement Options
While the global business mobility visa is temporary, it’s important to understand your long-term options. Planning your immigration strategy can help secure your future in the UK.
Available pathways include:
• Switching to a Skilled Worker visa once trading begins
• Exploring other work visa categories as they become relevant
• Considering investment-based routes for long-term presence
• Planning a clear path to settlement through appropriate categories
Compliance and Maintenance
Maintaining visa status requires ongoing attention to compliance. Both sponsors and visa holders must understand their responsibilities under the UK immigration system.
Sponsors must:
• Keep detailed records of all sponsored workers
• Report significant changes to the Home Office
• Maintain appropriate monitoring systems
• Ensure ongoing compliance with visa conditions
• Follow proper skilled worker extension procedures
Professional Support and Guidance
Navigating the UK mobility visa process can be complex. Professional support often proves invaluable in ensuring a successful application and maintaining compliance.
Key areas where support may be beneficial:
• Application preparation and submission
• Document verification and organization
• Compliance system establishment
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting
• Extension and switching guidance
Common Questions and Concerns
The global business mobility visa route raises various questions from both employers and employees. Understanding these common concerns helps prepare for a successful application and stay in the UK.
Processing Times
Application processing varies based on several factors:
• Standard processing: 3 weeks from outside the UK
• In-country applications: 8 weeks standard processing
• Priority services available for faster decisions
• Processing times may vary during peak periods
• Additional time needed for sponsor license applications
Business Requirements
Your business plan forms a crucial part of the application process. The Home Office needs to see clear evidence of a viable expansion strategy.
Key elements include:
• Detailed market analysis and entry strategy
• Financial projections for the first two years
• Staffing and recruitment plans
• Operational setup timeline
• Evidence of available funds for expansion
Compliance Considerations
Maintaining compliance requires ongoing attention to various aspects of your visa and business operations:
• Regular monitoring of sponsored workers
• Accurate and up-to-date record-keeping
• Prompt reporting of any relevant changes
• Maintenance of sponsor duties
• Regular review of visa conditions
Practical Steps for Application
Successfully obtaining a global business mobility visa requires careful preparation and execution. Following a structured approach helps ensure all requirements are met.
Looking Ahead
The UK expansion worker visa represents just the beginning of your business journey in the UK. Planning for future developments helps ensure long-term success.
Consider these aspects:
• Timeline for establishing trading presence
• Options for skilled worker extension
• Long-term immigration strategy
• Business growth and expansion plans
• Future staffing needs and visa requirements
Need Additional Support?
While this guide provides comprehensive information about the global business mobility visa, each situation is unique. Professional guidance can help address specific circumstances and ensure the best possible outcome.
Areas where expert support may be valuable:
• Initial eligibility assessment
• Application strategy development
• Document preparation and verification
• Compliance system setup
• Long-term immigration planning
360 Global Immigration
The Premier Migration Consultancy in Dubai For Your Immigration & Visa Success.
Senior managers and specialists from overseas businesses without a UK presence can apply.
Up to five employees can establish UK operations.
Employees must be aged 18 or over.
Employees must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, with exceptions for high earners.
The minimum salary is £45,800 per year, or the 'going rate' for the occupation.
Jobs must be skilled to RQF Level 6 (graduate level).
Essential documents include a valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship, financial evidence, and business plans.
The initial grant is for up to 12 months.
Yes, extensions are possible up to a total stay of 2 years.
Employers need a Home Office license and must demonstrate genuine business expansion plans.
Yes, spouses, partners, and children under 18 can join.
The main applicant fee ranges from £259 to £298, plus additional costs.
Applicants need £1,270 in personal savings, held for 28 days.
Permitted activities include establishing the business presence and managing initial operations.
No trading activities are allowed until the business is fully established.
Processing takes about 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks in-country.
Yes, options include switching to a Skilled Worker visa once trading begins.
Sponsors must keep detailed records and report significant changes to the Home Office.
Professional support can assist with application preparation, compliance, and long-term immigration planning.
It confirms that the applicant meets necessary requirements and has a genuine role in UK expansion.