United Kingdom
Living or working in United Kingdom: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for a Skilled Worker visa if you have a UK sponsor, a Global Talent visa if you’re a recognised leader, or the new Digital Nomad visa for remote work; plan at least three months ahead because processing can take 8‑12 weeks and costs start around £800.
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GuideUnited Kingdom
Key facts
- Skilled Worker visa
- requires a UK employer sponsorship, minimum salary £26,200 (check)
- Global Talent visa
- for leaders in science, arts, digital technology; endorsement needed (check)
- Digital Nomad visa
- allows remote work for up to 12 months, income threshold £2,500/month (check)
- Working Holiday visacheck
- available to citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea (check)
- Application feecheck
- £800‑£1,500 depending on visa type (check)
- Processing timecheck
- 8‑12 weeks standard, faster service for extra fee (check)
Quick answer
If you have a UK‑based employer, the Skilled Worker route is the most common; otherwise consider the Global Talent or Digital Nomad visas. Citizens of eligible countries can use the Working Holiday scheme for up to two years.
Details by visa type
Skilled Worker – you need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, meet the salary threshold, and prove English ability. The visa is valid for up to 5 years and can lead to settlement.
Global Talent – apply for an endorsement from a recognised UK body (e.g., UKRI, Arts Council). No job offer required, and you can stay up to 5 years.
Digital Nomad – for remote workers earning at least £2,500 per month. No UK sponsor needed, but you must show proof of employment and income. Valid for 12 months, non‑extendable.
Working Holiday – limited to citizens of partner countries; you can work for any employer for up to 12 months, with a maximum of 6 months per employer.
- Prepare documents: passport, proof of income/employment, sponsorship or endorsement letters, English test results (if required).
- Apply online via the UK government portal; pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (≈£624 per year).
- Biometric appointment at a visa‑application centre is mandatory.
- After approval, you receive a vignette (30‑day entry) and must collect the Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days of arrival.
Important notes
All visa holders must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to access NHS services.
Switching between visa categories while in the UK is possible but may require leaving the country.
Brexit changed the EU/EEA free‑movement rules; EU citizens now follow the same points‑based system as other nationals.
FAQ
- What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in United Kingdom? – You need a sponsor or endorsement, meet income/skill thresholds, and apply at least three months before travel.
- How much does it cost? – Fees range from £800 for a Skilled Worker to over £1,500 for a Global Talent visa, plus the £624 yearly health surcharge.
- When should I plan for it? – Start the application 12‑16 weeks before your intended start date to allow for document gathering and processing.
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in United Kingdom?
You need a UK sponsor for Skilled Worker, an endorsement for Global Talent, or meet income criteria for the Digital Nomad visa; all require online application, fee, health surcharge and a biometric appointment.
How much does it cost?
Visa fees start around £800 for Skilled Worker, £1,200‑£1,500 for Global Talent, and £500‑£800 for Digital Nomad, plus the £624 per‑year Immigration Health Surcharge.
When should I plan for it?
Begin gathering documents and submit the online application at least three months before travel; processing typically takes 8‑12 weeks, longer if additional checks are needed.
Can I work while on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas do not permit any paid work; you must obtain a relevant work‑related visa before starting employment.
Is the Working Holiday visa available to US citizens?
No. The Working Holiday scheme is limited to citizens of partner countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUK Visas and Immigration
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUK Visas and Immigration
Ask about United Kingdom
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