Expanding your business into the United Kingdom offers access to one of the world’s most influential economies and a leading center for finance, technology, research, and innovation. However, before hiring in the UK, employers must understand the country’s work authorization process. Securing the correct work permit or visa in the UK for non-British employees is essential to staying compliant with immigration regulations and ensuring a smooth onboarding experience.
Navigating these requirements can be complex, as they vary depending on the employee’s nationality, job role, and length of stay. Employers must ensure all documentation is accurately prepared and submitted within the required timelines. Partnering with immigration experts or an Employer of Record (EOR) can streamline the process, reduce administrative burdens, and help ensure full compliance with UK employment and immigration laws.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the UK’s Work Permit and Visa System
- Understanding Requirements and Eligibility
- Types of Work Visas in the UK
- Advantages of the Skilled Worker Visa
- Application Process for Employers
- Processing Timelines
- Employer Responsibilities and Compliance
- Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- How an Employer of Record Can Help
- How Asanify Can Help
- FAQs
Overview of the UK’s Work Permit and Visa System
The UK has a points-based immigration system that applies to most foreign nationals. The process varies depending on the worker’s nationality, job role, and duration of stay. While citizens from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland previously had free movement rights, post-Brexit regulations require most to apply for a visa to work in the UK.
Key points:
- British and Irish citizens – No work visa required.
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (post-Brexit) – Must apply for a visa under the points-based system unless they hold pre-settled or settled status.
- Non-EU nationals – Must obtain a visa before starting work.
- Employer sponsorship – UK employers must be licensed sponsors to hire most non-UK workers.
- Points-based evaluation – Applicants are assessed on skills, salary, English language proficiency, and job offer eligibility.
Understanding Requirements and Eligibility
Before starting the application process, both employers and employees must understand UK immigration rules. All non-British/Irish citizens, except those with specific exemptions, require a valid visa to work. Requirements vary based on job type, skill level, and whether the role is on the UK’s shortage occupation list.
Who Needs a Work Visa in the UK
Most non-UK and non-Irish citizens must obtain a work visa before beginning employment. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens who arrived after January 1, 2021, are also required to have a visa unless they hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Key Conditions for Obtaining a UK Work Visa
Applicants for a UK work visa generally must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer licensed as a sponsor.
- Meet the minimum salary threshold (varies by visa type).
- Prove English language proficiency.
- Show proof of sufficient personal savings (unless exempt).
- Maintain a clean criminal record.
Employer and Employee Eligibility
Employers must be registered with the Home Office as licensed sponsors before they can employ non-UK workers. Employees must meet skill level, salary, and qualification requirements for their visa category. For shortage occupation roles, reduced salary thresholds and fees may apply.
Types of Work Visas in the UK
The UK offers several work visa categories under its points-based system, depending on the nature of employment and applicant qualifications:
- Skilled Worker Visa – For individuals with job offers in eligible skilled occupations.
- Health and Care Worker Visa – For qualified healthcare professionals.
- Global Talent Visa – For leaders or potential leaders in fields such as academia, arts, and digital technology.
- Scale-up Visa – For employees of fast-growing UK businesses.
- Temporary Worker Visa – For seasonal, charity, or creative roles.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa – For multinational employees transferring to a UK branch.
Suggested Read: Employer of Record UK: Ultimate Guide on Employer of Record 2025
Comparing UK Work Visa Types
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Notes |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Skilled employment in eligible roles | Up to 5 years | Requires sponsor licence and minimum salary |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | Healthcare professionals | Up to 5 years | Reduced fees and salary threshold |
| Global Talent Visa | Exceptional talent in key fields | Up to 5 years | No job offer required in some cases |
| Scale-up Visa | Fast-growing business hires | Initially 2 years | Must work for sponsor for first 6 months |
| Temporary Worker Visa | Seasonal or fixed-term work | Up to 12 months | Limited categories and durations |
| Intra-Company Transfer Visa | Multinational employee transfers | Up to 5 years | Higher salary thresholds apply |
Advantages of the Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most common UK work routes, offering benefits such as long visa durations, eligibility for permanent residency after five years, and access to family reunification. It also covers a wide range of roles across multiple sectors, with reduced salary requirements for shortage occupation jobs.
Key Benefits:
- Flexible role changes within eligible occupations.
- Lower salary thresholds for certain public sector and shortage jobs.
- Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
- Family members can join and work in the UK.
Application Process for Employers
The process starts when an employer offers a job to a foreign candidate. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Home Office’s sponsor management system. The employee then uses this certificate to apply for the relevant visa online and provide supporting documents, including biometrics.
Required Documents
Applications typically require:
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Proof of personal savings (if required).
- Tuberculosis test results (for certain countries).
- Criminal record certificate (for specific roles).
Processing Timelines
Work visa processing in the UK generally takes 3–8 weeks from the date of application, though priority services are available for faster decisions.
Processing times can be affected by:
- Visa category and eligibility criteria.
- Completeness and accuracy of the application.
- Volume of applications at the time.
Employer Responsibilities and Compliance
Employers hiring under the UK sponsorship system must:
- Hold and maintain a valid sponsor licence.
- Ensure employees meet visa requirements.
- Keep records of immigration status and work eligibility.
- Report significant changes to the Home Office (e.g., job role or salary changes).
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Civil penalties or fines up to £20,000 per illegal worker.
- Suspension or revocation of sponsor licence.
- Criminal prosecution in severe cases.
Maintaining Ongoing Compliance
- Conduct right-to-work checks regularly.
- Maintain updated HR and immigration records.
- Monitor visa expiry dates and renewals.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Start the application early to avoid delays.
- Ensure the job meets skill and salary thresholds.
- Keep up to date with Home Office immigration updates.
- Consider professional assistance from an Employer of Record (EOR) or immigration expert.
How an Employer of Record Can Help
Partnering with an Employer of Record in the United Kingdom allows companies to legally employ foreign talent without setting up a local entity. The EOR becomes the legal employer, managing payroll, benefits, HR compliance, and immigration processes. This reduces administrative burdens, accelerates hiring, and ensures full compliance with UK regulations.
Additionally, EOR providers draft and manage employment contracts in accordance with UK employment laws, minimizing the risk of legal disputes. They also handle work permit and visa applications, ensuring smooth onboarding employees for international employees. By leveraging an EOR, businesses can focus on operations and growth while leaving complex employment compliance in expert hands.
Suggested Read: Labour Laws in the UK: A Complete 2025 Guide
How Asanify Can Help
Navigating the UK’s work authorization process can be complex, especially for businesses hiring internationally. Asanify provides a comprehensive Employer of Record (EOR) solution that streamlines hiring and workforce management in the United Kingdom.
Our services cover everything from securing the appropriate work permits to managing payroll and benefits—ensuring you remain compliant with UK employment laws without the need to establish a local entity.
With Asanify, you can:
- Hire and onboard foreign talent quickly without administrative delays
- Ensure compliance with all UK labor and immigration regulations
- Expand into the UK without the cost and complexity of setting up a local company
If your goal is to grow your team in the UK efficiently, Asanify’s expertise and end-to-end services make the process seamless.
FAQs
Usually 2–5 years, depending on the visa type, with extensions possible.
Ranges from £625 to £1,423, plus healthcare surcharge.
Yes, provided their visa allows the work type and conditions.
An electronic document issued by a licensed employer to support a work visa application.
Yes, they have reduced salary and visa fees.
Yes, most long-term visas allow dependants.
The employee must stop working and leave the UK unless an extension is granted.
To simplify compliance, payroll, and immigration without setting up a UK company.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.
