UK Service Supplier Visa (GBM)

UK Service Supplier Visa: Part of the Global Business Mobility Visa

The UK Service Supplier Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility route. It lets self-employed professionals and employees of overseas businesses deliver contracted services to a UK company for a temporary period, under a contract covered by an international trade agreement.

Key takeaways

• It is for employees of overseas businesses and self-employed professionals delivering contracted services to a UK company under a valid international trade agreement.
• You must have at least 12 months of prior work or sector experience, hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor, and work at RQF Level 6 or above.
• There is no general minimum salary, but pay must comply with the National Minimum Wage Regulations and the Working Time Regulations and be appropriate for the work.
• A single assignment lasts up to 6 months in most cases, or up to 12 months under certain agreements, and total time on Global Business Mobility routes cannot exceed 5 years in any 6-year period.
• It does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, though you may switch to another route such as the Skilled Worker visa if you qualify.
• Your next step is to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship, then apply online from outside the UK.

What is the UK Service Supplier Visa?

The UK Service Supplier Visa allows skilled workers to deliver services in the UK under a contract that falls under a valid international trade agreement between the UK and another country.

This visa is available to:

• Employees of overseas businesses that have service contracts with UK companies.
• Self-employed professionals who provide contracted services in the UK.

It is a temporary work visa and does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain. However, visa holders may be able to switch to a different visa category if eligible, such as the UK Skilled Worker visa.

Who Can Apply for a UK Service Supplier Visa?

To be eligible for the UK Service Supplier Visa, you must:

• Be an employee of an overseas business or a self-employed professional.
• Be providing services to a UK company under a valid international trade agreement.
• Have worked for your overseas employer for at least 12 months, or, if self-employed, have at least 12 months of experience in the relevant sector.
• Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer that is a Home Office licensed sponsor.
• Meet the skill requirement for the route. The pay position is set out under Salary and Skill Requirements below.

Eligible Trade Agreements for the UK Service Supplier Visa

Your contract with the UK company must fall under one of the following international trade agreements:

• General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
• UK-European Union Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
• UK-Switzerland Mobility Agreement.
• UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
• Bilateral trade agreements with Canada, Japan, South Korea and other countries.

Salary and Skill Requirements for the UK Service Supplier Visa

Skill Level Requirement

Your role must be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above, which means an eligible occupation code in Appendix Skilled Occupations, unless your role is exempt under a trade agreement.

Salary Requirement

The Service Supplier route does not set a general minimum salary threshold. The role must comply with the National Minimum Wage Regulations and the Working Time Regulations, and pay must be appropriate for the work. A going rate may apply for certain occupations, and some trade agreements provide exemptions.

How Long Can You Stay in the UK on a UK Service Supplier Visa?

The maximum single assignment is up to 6 months in most cases, or up to 12 months where the contract is covered by certain agreements, for example the UK-European Union Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the CPTPP and the UK-India agreement.

Permission is granted for the shorter of that maximum or the job end date on the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days. Total time on Global Business Mobility routes cannot exceed 5 years in any 6-year period.

After reaching the maximum you must leave the UK or apply for a different visa if eligible.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Service Supplier Visa

You can:

• Work in the UK for the UK company named on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Take on voluntary work.
• Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period.

You cannot:

• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• Take on permanent employment with a UK company.
• Work outside your sponsoring employer's contract.
• Access public funds or benefits.

Sponsorship and Employer Requirements

Your UK employer must:

• Hold a valid Home Office Sponsor Licence under the Service Supplier route.
• Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship before you apply.
• Ensure that your contract aligns with an eligible trade agreement.

The UK employer is responsible for reporting compliance issues and ensuring that you only work in the role described in your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Required Documents for a UK Service Supplier Visa

To apply for a UK Service Supplier visa, you must provide:

• A valid passport with at least one blank page.
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your UK employer, along with your occupation code and your sponsor's licence number.
• Proof of employment with your overseas company for at least 12 months, or, if self-employed, evidence of at least 12 months of experience in the sector.
• Details of the contract between the UK and overseas company, provided by your sponsor.
• Proof of qualifications, if required.
• Financial evidence. You usually need at least 1,270 pounds held for 28 consecutive days to support yourself, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship or you are exempt.

If you are from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is required, you must also provide a TB test certificate if your visa will be valid for more than six months.

How to Apply for a UK Service Supplier Visa

Step 1: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship

Your UK sponsor must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship before you apply.

Step 2: Check if you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app

Some applicants do not need to attend a visa application centre and can verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. You can usually use the app if you are applying from outside the UK and hold a biometric passport from an eligible country. If eligible, you will be prompted to use the app during the online application process.

Step 3: Apply online

Complete your application through the official UK government website and pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 4: Verify your identity

If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) and to submit any additional required documents.

Step 5: Await a decision

Standard processing is usually 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK. Priority processing is offered for an additional fee where available, and both the fee and availability can change, so confirm the current position on GOV.UK when you apply. Once approved, you will receive an eVisa.

UK Service Supplier Visa Fees and Costs

• Visa application fee: 340 pounds.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): usually 1,035 pounds per year.
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: 525 pounds per worker, paid by the UK employer.
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): does not apply to this visa.

Home Office fees change from time to time, so confirm the current rates on GOV.UK before you apply.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Service Supplier Visa requires careful preparation to meet Home Office requirements. Immtell provides expert support to help:

• UK businesses secure a Service Supplier Sponsor Licence.
• Service providers complete their visa application accurately.
• Ensure contracts meet Home Office eligibility requirements.
• With visa compliance and extension advice.

Applying for a UK Service Supplier Visa?

Get expert guidance for your UK Service Supplier Visa application and keep the process clear for you and your sponsoring business.

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We check this guide against the official GOV.UK Service Supplier visa guidance. Last reviewed 22 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK Service Supplier Visa?

The UK Service Supplier Visa is part of the Global Business Mobility route. It lets self-employed professionals and employees of overseas businesses deliver contracted services to a UK company for a temporary period, under a contract covered by an international trade agreement.

How long can you stay on a UK Service Supplier Visa?

Up to 6 months in most cases, or up to 12 months where the contract is covered by certain agreements such as the UK-European Union Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the CPTPP or the UK-India agreement. Total time on Global Business Mobility routes cannot exceed 5 years in any 6-year period.

Does the UK Service Supplier Visa lead to settlement?

No. The Service Supplier Visa is a temporary route and does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. Holders may switch to another route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if they meet the requirements.

Is there a minimum salary for the UK Service Supplier Visa?

There is no general minimum salary threshold for this route. The role must comply with the National Minimum Wage Regulations and the Working Time Regulations, and pay must be appropriate for the work. A going rate can apply to certain occupations.

Can my partner and children join me?

Yes. Your partner and children can apply as your dependants if they are eligible. Their visa will usually end on the same date as yours, and you will need to provide evidence of your relationship.