How Swiss Health and Care Workers Can Work in the UK

In This Article:

1. Introduction: Moving to the UK as a Swiss Healthcare Professional

2. Who In Switzerland Is Eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa?

3. What Occupations Qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa?

4. Approved UK Sponsors and Employment Opportunities

5. Salary Requirements for Swiss Applicants

6. English Language Proficiency for Swiss Medical Professionals

7. Financial Requirements for UK Visa Applicants from Switzerland

8. Benefits of the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

9. Duration and Extensions of the UK Work Visa

10. How to Apply for a British Visa from Switzerland

11. Contact Our UK Immigration Specialists

1. Introduction: Moving to the UK as a Swiss Healthcare Professional

If you are a doctor, nurse, allied health professional, or social care worker based in Switzerland and looking to work in the UK, the Health and Care Worker Visa is a key route to consider. This UK work visa provides a fast-tracked and cost-effective option for Swiss medical professionals seeking employment in the British healthcare sector.

2. Who In Switzerland Is Eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa?

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or work in adult social care

• Have a job offer from an approved UK employer with a valid sponsor licence

• Meet the required salary threshold

• Meet the English language requirement

• Have sufficient funds for initial settlement in the UK (unless exempt)

Swiss healthcare professionals can apply for a UK visa from Switzerland if they meet these criteria.

3. What Occupations Qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa?

Eligible roles under this visa include, but are not limited to:

• General and specialist medical practitioners

• Nurses and midwives

• Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists

• Clinical psychologists, paramedics, and pharmacists

• Social workers and laboratory technicians

• Care workers, home carers, and senior care workers (with specific conditions)

If your profession is not listed, you may still qualify under the Skilled Worker Visa.

4. Approved UK Sponsors and Employment Opportunities

Your UK employer must be a licensed sponsor, such as:

• NHS Trusts

• Private healthcare providers registered with the Care Quality Commission

• General medical services providers

• Organisations like the General Dental Council or General Chiropractic Council

If your employer does not yet hold a sponsor licence, they can apply for one before hiring you.

5. Salary Requirements for Swiss Applicants

The salary threshold varies based on the role:

• Standard minimum salary: £23,200 per year or the job’s going rate

• Higher salary threshold for certain roles: £29,000 per year

• Some exemptions apply for new entrants or PhD holders

  
  

6. English Language Proficiency for Swiss Medical Professionals

You can meet the UK visa English language requirement if you:

• Are from a majority English-speaking country

• Pass an approved English language test

• Have a degree taught in English (recognised by UK Ecctis)

• Have already met this requirement in a previous UK visa application

• Are a doctor, nurse, or midwife who has passed an English assessment by your professional body

  
  

7. Financial Requirements for UK Visa Applicants from Switzerland

Applicants must show at least £1,270 in savings held for at least 28 days before applying. If you already have UK permission for 12 months or more, this requirement is waived. Employers can also certify your financial maintenance.

8. Benefits of the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

• Fast-tracked processing (usually within 3 weeks)

• Lower visa fees compared to other work routes

• No Immigration Health Surcharge for applicants and their dependents

• Pathway to UK settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years

  
  

9. Duration and Extensions of the UK Work Visa

Successful applicants receive a visa valid for up to 5 years, with the option to extend indefinitely as long as they continue meeting eligibility criteria.

10. How to Apply for a British Visa from Switzerland

If you are a Swiss healthcare worker looking to apply for a UK visa from Switzerland, we can guide you through the process, from securing a Certificate of Sponsorship to submitting your UK work visa application.

11. Contact Our UK Immigration Specialists

For expert legal assistance with your British visa from Switzerland, contact our UK immigration lawyers at Richmond Chambers Switzerland. Call us on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form.