UK SECONDMENT WORKER VISA FOR EMPLOYEES IN SWITZERLAND

The Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker Visa enables Swiss (and non-Swiss) employees residing in Switzerland to be temporarily seconded to the UK by their Swiss employer, as part of a substantial contract or investment.

The Secondment Worker visa does not lead directly to settlement in the UK, but you may switch to another UK immigration route that offers settlement. Applicants from Switzerland can be accompanied by their partner and dependent children.

Requirements for a UK Secondment Worker Visa for Swiss Nationals (and non-Swiss Nationals) Working in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Secondment Worker visa from Switzerland, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that:

• Age Requirement: You are aged 18 or above.

• Employment and Contract: You are currently employed by an overseas business with a contract valued at least £50 million, registered with the Home Office by your sponsor (unless you are seeking an extension with the same sponsor).

• Work Experience: You have worked for this overseas employer outside the UK for a cumulative period of at least 12 months (unless applying for an extension).

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your UK sponsor for the intended role.

• Genuine Job and Skill Level: The job you intend to undertake is genuine and at an appropriate skill level.

• Financial Sufficiency: You can support yourself financially without relying on public funds.

Specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances, and seeking advice from an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law or a specialist UK immigration law firm is advisable.

UK Secondment Worker Visa Overseas Work Requirement for Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens) Temporarily Seconded to the UK

Initial applicants must currently be employed by an overseas business with a Home Office-registered contract with their UK sponsor, having worked outside the UK for at least 12 months cumulatively.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement for Swiss Employees Seconded to the UK by Their Swiss Employer

To obtain this visa, you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a UK employer authorised by the Home Office for secondment workers. The sponsor must be listed as A-rated on the Home Office’s licensed sponsors register, unless your last permission was as a Secondment Worker with the same sponsor.

The Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued within 3 months of your visa application and include specific mandatory details about your job, salary, current employment with the overseas business, and your work history.

Genuine Job Requirement

Your application must demonstrate that the job you are sponsored for is genuine and not created primarily to secure a visa.

Skill Level Requirement for Residents of Switzerland Seconded to the UK

The job must meet or exceed RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent) and be listed in the Home Office’s eligible jobs for the Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker Visa.

Salary Requirement for Swiss Nationals (and non-Swiss Nationals) Applying for a UK Secondment Worker Visa

Sponsors under this visa are exempt from general salary requirements or the ‘going rate’ for the occupation.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

Unless exempt, applicants from Switzerland must demonstrate funds of at least £1,270, held for 28 consecutive days within the month preceding the visa application. Exemptions apply if the UK sponsor commits to supporting and accommodating you.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

No English language requirement is necessary for Secondment Worker Visa applicants.

Switching into the Second Worker Route

Applicants from Switzerland may switch to the Secondment Worker route from another UK immigration category, except specific exceptions like Visitor or Short-term Student visas.

UK Secondment Worker Visa Duration and Conditions of Stay for Swiss Employees Seconded to the UK

Secondment Worker visas are initially granted for up to 1 year or the duration stated in the Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days, with an option to extend up to 2 years. Working, studying, and voluntary activities are permitted under this visa, but access to public funds is not allowed.

Settlement in the UK as a Secondment Worker

This visa does not lead directly to settlement, but you may switch to other routes such as the Skilled Worker route or the Innovator route combined with the Start-up route, subject to meeting their respective requirements.

Dependants of UK Secondment Workers from Switzerland

Dependents of UK Secondment Workers over 18 and children under 18 may accompany or join you on this visa.

Global Business Mobility Sponsor Licence Application for a UK Business Linked to a Swiss Business

To qualify as a sponsor, UK businesses must have a trading presence outside the UK and a contractual link to an overseas business, meeting specific criteria including key personnel and compliance systems.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced business immigration lawyers assist employers and employees across various industries and company sizes, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws, securing sponsor licences, and providing expert guidance tailored to your needs.

For reliable and clear immigration advice, contact our dedicated team committed to meeting your business immigration requirements with professionalism and efficiency.