The Service Supplier visa UK is part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. It enables overseas businesses and self-employed professionals to provide services in the UK under an eligible international trade agreement. This route is designed for temporary assignments, making it ideal for service delivery without long-term relocation.
Quick Facts about the Service Supplier Visa:
The UK Service Supplier visa is part of the Global Business Mobility visa routes. It enables employees of overseas companies and self-employed professionals to deliver contracted services to UK clients under specific international trade agreements such as GATS and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the Service Supplier visa is temporary and does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It is designed purely for short-term service provision, making it an effective option for businesses fulfilling contracts without relocating long-term.
The UK Service Supplier visa is designed for very specific categories of overseas professionals and businesses. Here’s who qualifies:
Specialists sent to deliver services to UK clients under a trade agreement.
Independent consultants or contractors providing services covered by a trade deal.
Applicants delivering services under frameworks like GATS or Free Trade Agreements
Must have worked for their overseas employer or in self-employment for at least a year.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following UK Service Supplier visa requirements:
These Service Supplier visa eligibility checks ensure compliance with the Home Office’s Global Business Mobility framework. Understanding how to apply for the Service Supplier visa with the right documentation is essential to avoid refusals.
Applying for the UK Service Supplier visa is a structured process, but with the right preparation, it’s straightforward. Here’s what the journey looks like:
A UK-based sponsor must issue your CoS. This document confirms the service contract and links your application to an eligible business arrangement.
Collect your passport, CoS details, proof of qualifications, evidence of at least 12 months’ overseas work or self-employment, and financial documents showing £1,270 in maintenance funds (unless your sponsor certifies this).
Apply through the official gov.uk portal for the Service Supplier visa (sometimes referred to as the UK Service Provider visa or the UK Service Contract visa).
Depending on your nationality, you’ll either attend a biometric appointment or use the UK Immigration ID Check app to confirm your identity and upload your documents.
Application fee: £319
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
Processing time: 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if applying inside the UK.
Knowing how to apply for the Service Supplier visa correctly helps reduce delays and ensures you meet every requirement of the process.
The UK Service Supplier visa is granted for the shorter of two options: either the length of the service contract plus 14 days, or a maximum of 6 to 12 months, depending on the specific international trade agreement that applies. This ensures that your stay in the UK directly reflects the service you are contracted to deliver.
The UK Service Supplier visa is strictly temporary: it lets you deliver services under a contract but does not act as a settlement route. For longer-term options, explore alternatives beyond the Service Supplier visa.
Your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants on your Service Supplier visa.
You must show additional maintenance funds when applying:
Dependants are usually permitted to work in the UK, offering your family both flexibility and independence.
Children can study in UK schools, while families benefit from access to healthcare and a stable environment throughout your stay.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
| Visa fee | £319 | Per applicant |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year | Mandatory healthcare contribution |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Paid by UK sponsor | Cost borne by the sponsoring organisation |
| Maintenance funds | £1,270 | Must be held in your bank for 28 days (unless your sponsor certifies support) |
Example total: Main applicant + partner + child = £3,666 upfront (Visa + IHS only).
(It is important to consult a qualified solicitor for legal guidance. These figures exclude maintenance funds and professional legal fees.)
The UK Service Supplier visa is designed as a temporary mobility route, so its flexibility is limited compared to long-term visas. Here’s what you need to know:
| Feature | Service Supplier Visa | Secondment Worker Visa | Senior / Specialist Worker Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
| Purpose | Deliver services in the UK under an international trade agreement | Temporary secondment to a UK branch or client under a high value contract | Transfer senior managers or specialists from an overseas group company | Long term employment with a licensed UK sponsor |
| Sponsorship | UK sponsor licence and CoS required | Required | Required | Required |
| Experience | 12 months overseas employment or self employment | 12 months overseas with the same employer | 12 months overseas with the same group unless £73,900+ salary | No prior overseas service required |
| Duration | 6 to 12 months depending on agreement | 12 months can be extended | Up to 5 years or 9 years if a high earner | Up to 5 years renewable |
| ILR Pathway | ❌ Not eligible | ❌ Not eligible | ❌ Not eligible | ✅ Eligible after 5 years |
| Key Advantage | Suited for treaty based services | Ideal for contract based secondments | Best for multinational internal transfers | Only main route with a settlement option |
The UK Service Supplier visa is part of the Global Business Mobility visa routes. It allows overseas businesses and self-employed professionals to deliver services to UK clients under an eligible international trade agreement, such as GATS or specific FTAs. Unlike long-term routes, this Service Supplier visa is temporary and does not provide a direct path to settlement. It is often referred to as a UK Service provider visa or UK Service contract visa.
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