UK GLOBAL BUSINESS MOBILITY SERVICE SUPPLIER VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier Visa is designed for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland who are engaged either as contractual service suppliers for an overseas service provider or as self-employed professionals abroad. This visa allows residents of Switzerland to undertake temporary assignments in the UK, providing services that align with the UK’s international trade commitments.

Requirements for a UK Service Supplier Visa for Residents of Switzerland

To qualify for a Service Supplier Visa from Switzerland, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Applicants must be 18 years old or above.

• Employment: Currently employed by or for an overseas service provider that will supply services to a UK sponsor.

• Work Experience: Have accumulated at least 12 months of work experience with the overseas service provider outside the UK.

• Contract Requirement: The UK sponsor must have a registered contract with the overseas service provider, specifying the services to be provided by the applicant.

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Possess a valid CoS issued by the UK sponsor for the intended job role.

• Genuine Job: The job role must be genuine and at an appropriate skill level, or the applicant must hold a degree with 3 to 6 years of relevant experience.

• Nationality: Meet specific nationality requirements depending on the trade agreement covering the service to be provided.

• Financial Support: Demonstrate financial independence without relying on public funds.

Specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. For tailored advice, consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law or a UK immigration law firm is recommended.

Overseas Work Requirement for Swiss Nationals (and non-Swiss Nationals) in Switzerland

UK Service Supplier visa applicants must currently be employed by or working for an overseas service provider that will supply services to their UK sponsor. This may be a service provider based in Switzerland. Applicants must also have accrued at least 12 months of work outside the UK, which can include breaks due to specific reasons such as maternity leave or sick leave.

Contract Requirement for a UK Service Supplier Visa

The UK sponsor must have a registered contract with the overseas service provider, approved by the Home Office, specifying the services the applicant will provide.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement for Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens) in Switzerland

Applicants for a UK Service Supplier visa need a valid CoS for the intended job role, issued by a Home Office-approved employer. The CoS must be issued within 3 months of the visa application date and contain specific mandatory information.

UK Service Supplier Visa Genuine Job Requirement

Applicants must satisfy the Home Office that the job role for which they are sponsored is genuine and not created solely for visa application purposes.

Job Skill Level Requirement for a UK Service Supplier Visa from Switzerland

Option A: The job role must be at or above RQF Level 6 (graduate equivalent) or on the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations.

Option B: Applicants may qualify with a university degree or equivalent technical qualification, or relevant professional experience in specified sectors.

Salary Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

No specific salary or ‘going rate’ requirements apply under this visa route.

Nationality Requirement for UK Service Supplier Visa Applications from Switzerland

Applicants must be nationals of countries or territories where their overseas service provider is based, or meet specific criteria under international trade agreements.

Immigration Skills Charge

Employers sponsoring Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier Visa holders are exempt from paying the Immigration Skills Charge.

Financial Requirement for Swiss Passport Holders (and non-Swiss Passport Holders)

UK Service Supplier visa applicants from Switzerland must demonstrate funds of at least £1,270, unless their sponsor confirms financial support up to the first month of employment, or if exempt due to existing UK residency.

English Language Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

No English language proficiency is required for this visa category.

Switching Visas

Applicants from Switzerland with current UK visas may switch to the Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier Visa from within the UK, subject to eligibility.

Duration of a UK Service Supplier Visa

The duration of a UK Service Supplier visa depends on the job’s specified assignment period or the CoS validity, up to a maximum period under the Global Business Mobility routes.

Settlement in the UK

This visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, but applicants may switch to other settlement routes.

Dependants of UK Service Supplier Visa Holders from Switzerland

Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) who hold a UK Service Supplier visa can bring dependants to the UK, including partners and children, under specific conditions.

UK Service Supplier Sponsor Licence Applications

UK businesses must hold a valid sponsor licence and demonstrate a qualifying relationship with an overseas service provider to sponsor workers under this route.

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 team assists overseas workers and UK employers through the visa application and sponsor licence processes, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and facilitating temporary assignments under international trade agreements.

For more information or assistance with your Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier Visa application, please contact our UK immigration law specialists in Switzerland.