Service Supplier Visa UK
Temporary UK work visa for overseas service providers and self-employed professionals delivering contracts under UK trade agreements.
The Service Supplier visa lets an employee of an overseas business, or a self-employed professional based overseas, work in the UK for up to 6 or 12 months to deliver a service contract covered by a UK international trade agreement. It is a temporary Global Business Mobility route and does not lead to settlement.
Our immigration solicitors in High Holborn and Upton Park advise overseas service providers and UK sponsors. Call 0207 100 2525 or book a free consultation.
Service Supplier visa requirements
- You work for an overseas business, or are self-employed and based overseas.
- The service is delivered under a contract covered by a UK trade agreement.
- The UK business is a Home Office-licensed sponsor and has given you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS).
- You have at least 12 months with your overseas employer, or 12 months’ self-employed experience in the same sector.
- Your job is on the eligible occupation list, or you hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) plus 3 years’ experience (employees) or 6 years’ (self-employed).
Entertainment, fashion and modelling roles need no qualifications. See GOV.UK eligibility guidance. If you need a UK job rather than a contract, see the Skilled Worker visa.
Service Supplier visa fees (2026)
The application fee is £340, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year. Most applicants must also show £1,270 in savings held for 28 days.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £340 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year |
| Personal savings | £1,270 for 28 days |
You are exempt from the savings rule if you have held a UK visa for 12 months or more, or if your sponsor certifies your maintenance on the CoS. Source: GOV.UK.
How long it lasts and how long it takes
You can stay up to 6 or 12 months depending on the trade agreement, with a maximum of 5 years in any 6-year period. Decisions usually take 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside. You can apply up to 3 months before your start date.
Bringing your family
Your partner and children under 18 can join you as dependants. Unless your sponsor certifies maintenance, show £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each further child. Their visas end when yours does.
How we can help
We check that your contract is covered by a trade agreement, review the CoS before it is assigned, prepare your evidence and handle dependant applications. We also help UK businesses with sponsor licences through our business immigration team, and challenge refusals by administrative review.
Call 0207 100 2525 (24/7) or book a free consultation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Service Supplier visa FAQs
How much is the Service Supplier visa?
£340 plus £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge, and usually £1,270 in savings.
How long is the Service Supplier visa valid?
Up to 6 or 12 months, depending on the trade agreement.
Does the Service Supplier visa lead to ILR?
No. It is a temporary route and does not count towards settlement.
Do I need a degree?
Only if your job is not on the eligible list. You then need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 3 or 6 years’ experience.
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