• Service Supplier Visa

Service Supplier Visa

A Service Supplier visa allows an individual to enter the UK to work if they intend to provide services to a UK company as either a self-employed individual based outside the UK, or an employee of an overseas company.

In order to qualify for a Service Supplier visa, the relevant individual should:

  • be providing a service to a UK business and be doing so under a contract which is covered by a valid and active international trade agreement
  • be performing an ‘eligible job’ as defined by the Home Office, or have relevant experience and qualifications
  • hold a certificate of sponsorship from the company they’ll be working for in the UK
  • have at least 12 months’ experience of self-employment in their field, or have been working for their employer for at least 12 months

Once granted, a Service Supplier visa can be valid for as much as 12 months, though this could be shorter depending on the terms of the trade agreement under which the applicant will be providing their services.

Check your eligibility for this visa

Service Supplier Visa process and costs

Service Supplier visas can be applied for up to three months before the applicant intends to begin working in the UK. Once the Home Office has received the application and any supporting documents, a decision is usually made within 3 weeks if the application comes from outside the UK, and within 8 weeks from within the UK.

An application for a Service Supplier Visa costs £298, plus a healthcare surcharge which must be paid in advance of receiving the visa. Applicants will also need to prove that they have at least £1270 in their bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days prior to submitting their application.

It is possible to add your partner and/or children to this visa when you apply and have them travel to the UK with you, or to join you after you have arrived. However, they will need to submit separate applications of their own and pay the £298 fee. They may also need to pay a healthcare surchage and show evidence of having enough money to support themselves.

You may be able to extend your visa if you are still contracted to the same sponsor and you have not already spent five of the last six years in the UK on a Global Business Mobility category visa. You should ensure that any request for an extension or update to your existing visa is made before it expires, and that any dependants also apply to extend their own visas.

Check your eligibility for this visa

Neveen Galal

Neveen is a UK Immigration Solicitor with over 20 years experience in UK Immigration Law. She represents corporate and individual clients seeking assistance with any visa category to the UK. Neveen is a graduate of Westminster University, from which she was awarded the 2021 Westminster Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award.

Neveen’s rapid career trajectory saw her progress at pace from paralegal to Head of Department level, and then to earning a place on her firm’s Board of Directors by the age of 28. This achievement was recognised by Who’s Who placing her in their directory of ‘Britain’s Business Elite’ in 2008. Neveen then went on to establish her own boutique Immigration Law Firm in the City of London in 2015. She also co-founded the Hexagon Legal Network in 2017.

Neveen is passionate about all aspects of UK immigration law, and is committed to providing bespoke residence and citizenship solutions to citizens across the globe that wish to relocate to the UK. Neveen’s immigration advisory services are predominately geared towards highly skilled workers and companies wishing to have a UK presence, however she and her team of experienced immigration advisors can also assist with partner-based applications, student visas and all other personal and business immigration matters.

If you would like to discuss your UK immigration matter or have any questions about your options for immigrating to the UK, you can book a consultation here.