Relocating to the UK

If you know someone who is coming to the UK to live and work, you can refer to our UK Bound website which contains lots of useful information about settling here: www.ukbound.co.uk

Visa Requirements

If you plan to work during your stay in the UK you will need to obtain a work visa or permit prior to your arrival in the UK. The type of visa or work permit that you require will depend upon your individual circumstances. The main types of visa available are summarised below. It is not a definitive list and it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from the UK embassies in your home countries.

Ancestry Visa: You will be eligible to apply for this visa if your grandparents were born in the UK. The visa has a duration of 4 years but can be renewed upon its expiry.

Right of Abode: If either of your parents were born in the UK then you can apply for a Right of Abode visa. This visa has an indefinite duration and very few restrictions.

British or EU passport holders: You will be eligible to work in the UK if you are in possession of a British or EU country passport or have Dual citizenship.

Working Holiday Visa: This visa is valid for 2 years only and is available to Commonwealth citizens aged between 17 and 30. There is however a number of conditions which affect how you can work within the UK.

UK Employer Sponsorship: If you find that you are ineligible to apply for a visa such as a working holiday visa, you may need to be sponsored by a UK employer (contracting through a recruitment agency will not count). After you have been offered a position, the employer will have to apply for permission to engage you. This visa will generally last for the duration of the contract after which point you will be expected to leave the country.