Quick answer
The UK Expansion Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK yet [1]. You must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee [2]. To be eligible, you need a valid certificate of sponsorship, have worked for your employer outside the UK, do a job on the list of eligible occupations, and be paid the minimum eligible salary [3]. The salary requirement is at least £52,500 per year or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher [4]. You can work for your sponsor, study, bring dependants, travel, and do voluntary work, but you cannot apply for most benefits, change jobs unless eligible, have a second job, or settle permanently [5].
Key facts
| Visa validity | Up to 5 years (or shorter if you've spent time in the UK on this or another visa)[14] |
| Eligibility | You must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee. If your business is already trading in the UK, you should apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa instead.[9][10] |
| Duration | If you’ve spent time in the UK on this or another visa, you might not be able to stay on a UK Expansion Worker visa for as long.[14] |
| Application method | How you apply depends on whether you’re outside the UK and coming to the UK, inside the UK and extending your current visa, or inside the UK and switching from a different visa. Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.[16] |
| Costs | You, your partner or children will each need to pay the application fee, pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay, and prove you have enough personal savings.[17] |
| Certificate of sponsorship | The date on your certificate of sponsorship is important for your application.[19] |
| Identity and documents | As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this.[20][21] |
Am I eligible?
UK Expansion Worker visa
- You must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee.
- If your business is already trading in the UK, you should apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa instead.
- If you’ve spent time in the UK on this or another visa, you might not be able to stay on a UK Expansion Worker visa for as long.
- Your employer must be approved as a sponsor, otherwise your application will be refused.
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
- Your occupation must be eligible and meet the going rate for that occupation code.
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Requirements in detail
You must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer, which is an electronic record with a reference number.
You must have worked for your employer outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless you meet an exemption (earning over £73,900, Japanese national, or Australian national/permanent resident).
Exemption from the 12-month requirement if earning over £73,900 per year.
Exemption for Japanese nationals working for a Japanese company expanding to the UK.
Exemption for Australian nationals or permanent residents working for an Australian company expanding to the UK.
Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations for the Global Business Mobility route.
You must be paid at least £52,500 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility requirements for the UK Expansion Worker visa?
You must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee. If your business is already trading in the UK, you should apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker visa instead. If you’ve spent time in the UK on this or another visa, you might not be able to stay on a UK Expansion Worker visa for as long.
How do I apply for the UK Expansion Worker visa?
How you apply depends on whether you’re outside the UK and coming to the UK, inside the UK and extending your current visa, or inside the UK and switching from a different visa. Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
What are the costs associated with the UK Expansion Worker visa?
You, your partner or children will each need to pay the application fee, pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay, and prove you have enough personal savings.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
## How long you can stay in the UK You can stay in the UK with a UK Expansion Worker visa for whichever is shorter of: - 12 months after the start date of the job on your certificate of sponsorship -
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
The maximum time you can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker visa is 2 years
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
You can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years in any 6 year period if you’ve spent time on any of these visas: - Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa - Intra-company Transfer visa - Graduate Tra
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
## How long it takes You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
### Getting a decision Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within: - 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK - 8 weeks, i
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship
UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
## How long you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK for at least 12 months unless you meet one of the following criteria: - yo
UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility) · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Purpose of the visa
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Eligibility criteria
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Salary requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Certificate of sponsorship
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
What you can do
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
What you cannot do
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
Eligibility for UK Expansion Worker visa
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
Duration of stay
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
Application process
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Costs
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [18]
Certificate of sponsorship date
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [19]
Identity and documents
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [20]
Decision email
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [21]
Sponsor licence requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [22]
Occupation code and going rate
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.