A Global Mobility visa is a UK visa category created for foreign skilled workers or businesses who wish to move into the UK. This immigration route creates an opportunity for a boost in the employment/business sector of the UK with its 5 visa options.
As a global business, you need a Global Business Mobility visa that enables you to smoothly transfer foreign talents/ employees, establish new operations in the UK, provide services to UK businesses, and implement your graduate training programs without defying the UK business immigration rules.
If you are considering scaling your business in 2025, here are amazing ways a Global Mobility visa will benefit your business;
- It Allows You To Maximize Foreign Talents For Business Growth
With a GBM visa, your business can hire foreign skilled talents from anywhere in the world to develop your UK branch. Whether you are transferring professionals from an existing branch of your business overseas or hiring newly, the Global Business Mobility visa makes sure your business is not limited by location.
- It Allows You To Expand Your Business Into Newer Markets
Exploring new markets and growth strategy? The GBM visa is perfect for you! You can start up or set up a UK branch of an existing overseas business while testing your market potential and exploring the right strategy for your business. It’s also a great way to build valuable business clientele in the UK as a growing business.
- It Allows For Employee Training & Business Innovations
Your business may have entry-level talents or skilled workers that require training or employee-oriented programs to be able to utilize their potential, the GBM visa allows them to travel into the UK and interact with international teams for diverse work collaborations. It’s also an opportunity for growth and skill development.
- It Allows For Cost-Effective Business Expansion
Asides being able to quickly respond to new market opportunities which gives you a competitive advantage over others in your niche, the cost of expanding your workforce is lower compared to the typical means of recruitment and relocation. With this visa, it’s easier to hire foreign skilled workers and send staff over for business setups in the UK.
Any business on a mission to upscale their business for growth, expansion and talent acquisition in 2025 needs to consider the Global Business Mobility immigration visa route as a necessary tool for achieving their goals.
Categories of Global Business Mobility Visa Businesses Need To Explore in 2025
Now that you have adequate understanding of the Global Mobility Visa and the many ways it benefits your business growth, here are the 5 major categories you should consider exploring this year.
5 Categories of a GBM Visa;
- The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
This visa category is perfect for multinationals, corporate firms and global teams who wish to transfer senior staff or talents to a UK branch for a long-term duration of up to 5 years. Employees will need to provide a certificate of sponsorship issued by you during their application process and must be on a starting annual salary of £45,800.
- The Graduate Trainee Visa
Ideal for businesses who want to invest in their fresh or entry-level talent for skill development and professional growth. Graduate trainees can be enrolled in any graduate trainee program for up to a year in the UK. Eligible salary starts from £25,800 in a year.
- The UK Expansion Worker Visa
This is the go-to option for any global business trying to set up in the UK. With this visa you can transfer administrative staff, hire new foreign talents and explore your business strategy for the UK market. Minimum salary required to be paid to hired staff is £42,400 annually.
- The Service Supplier Visa
This visa category is best for skilled service professionals on a service supply contract with a UK business. Service suppliers can render their service to as many employers within a 6-months to 1 year duration. It facilitates the smooth running of international trade agreements and makes sure that skilled suppliers are not limited in any way.
- The Secondment Worker Visa
Ideal for international project collaborations between global teams. Companies who wish to recruit skilled talents to join them in executing an important project can explore this immigration route as it allows your new hire to stay in the UK for as long as it takes for the project to be completed.
To determine the best option for you, consider the category that best describes your current business needs or goals, skill requirements and long-term expansion.
Everything You Need To Know About Global Business Mobility Visas – Costs & Eligibility
| Category | Estimated Cost | Eligibility |
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa | £719 – £1,636 | Annual salary not lesser than £45,800 Job role must be within the stipulated skill requirement |
| The Graduate Trainee Visa | £298 | Applicants must have been enlisted for a graduate training program Annual salary must not be lesser than £25,800 Only available to graduate-level positions |
| The UK Expansion Worker Visa | £298 | Must not have an existing UK branch. Annual salary must not be lesser than £42,400 Only available to senior skilled professionals Must have a solid business expansion plan |
| The Service Supplier Visa | £298 | Must have been employed by a UK company. Must provide a valid contract of service Must have professional qualifications in chosen field Must meet the international trade requirement |
| The Secondment Worker Visa | £298 | Must provide a clear contract and project documentation Must be a professional in that field |
The essential documents for all of the categories are;
- Genuine passport with up to 6 months validity until time of application
- Evidence of enough funds to financially support your stay
- Valid certificate of sponsorship provided by the UK business
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Evidence of employment
How To Know If Your Business Can Offer Visa Sponsorship To Employees
Before your business can be eligible for global business mobility visa sponsorship, you must have;
- Been legally registered in the UK
- Shown that you can consistently run your business and meet up with minimum salary requirements
- Complied with all stipulated UK immigration rules and not defaulted recently in any
- Been issued a valid UK sponsor license
Conclusion
The Global Business Mobility visa is not just another immigration route for businesses. It’s a major tool for expansion, workforce empowerment, business growth and development.
Businesses who are serious about upscaling this year can consider consulting with an immigration lawyer to further increase their chances at a successful application. We also recommend checking the official Home Office website for newer updates or changes.
