UK GLOBAL TALENT VISA: INTRODUCTION FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The Global Talent visa offers an opportunity for exceptional and promising Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland and working in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, arts, and culture (including film, television, fashion design, and architecture) to work in the UK.

• Talent and Promise: Swiss resident applicants recognised as 'Talent' are leaders in their field, while those showing 'Promise' demonstrate potential to become future leaders.

• No Cap, No Job Offer Required: This immigration category has no cap on applicants from Switzerland, does not require a job offer in the UK, and can lead to settlement in the UK. Dependents, including partners and children under 18, can also apply under this visa.

UK Global Talent Visa Requirements for Residents of Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Global Talent visa from Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• Age: You are 18 years or older.

• Endorsement: You have received an endorsement letter from a Home Office-approved endorsing body, or you have won a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

• Grounds for Refusal: Your application does not fall under any general grounds for refusal.

The exact requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting a UK immigration law firm in Switzerland is advisable for personalised advice on your UK visa application.

Global Talent Endorsement Application

Most Global Talent Visa applicants from Switzerland must obtain an endorsement from a UK Home Office approved endorsing body reflecting their exceptional talent or promise. Endorsements are available across various fields including science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, and arts and culture.

Each endorsing body has distinct criteria requiring substantial work and expert support in your field. For detailed requirements by field, visit:

• Global Talent Visa: Arts and Culture

• Global Talent Visa: Film and Television

• Global Talent Visa: Architecture

• Global Talent Visa: Fashion

• Global Talent Visa: Digital Technology

• Global Talent Visa: Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Science, and Medicine

Once endorsed, you can proceed with your Global Talent Visa application in Switzerland. Alternatively, winning a qualifying Prestigious Prize allows for a direct visa application from Switzerland without further endorsement.

Global Talent Prestigious Prizes Route

Winners of qualifying prestigious awards can fast-track their endorsement and directly apply for a UK Global Talent visa from Switzerland. The list of eligible prizes is maintained in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, updated periodically to reflect outstanding individual talent.

Prizes must be internationally recognised and awarded based on expert or peer evaluation, not by public vote or organisation-wide achievements.

Global Talent Category Details

• English Language Requirement: Not mandatory for entry but required for settlement.

• Maintenance Funds: No financial requirement.

• Visa Validity: Applicants can select up to 5 years' leave in a single application, offering flexibility in stay duration and associated Immigration Health Surcharge payments.

Global Talent Visa Extension and Settlement for Individuals from Switzerland

Extensions of Global Talent Visas are permissible without a maximum stay limit, contingent upon meeting earnings criteria in the relevant field or prize category. Settlement eligibility after 3 years (or 5 years under certain conditions) requires demonstrating language proficiency and integration in the UK.

Applying for a UK Global Talent Visa from Switzerland

UK Global Talent Visa applications can be submitted in Switzerland up to three months before intended travel, requiring an endorsement decision beforehand. Priority services expedite application processing times, typically taking around a week for decisions.

Working and Living in the UK

Global Talent Visa holders from Switzerland enjoy full work rights (excluding professional sports coaching), rights to study, and are ineligible for public funds.

Bringing Family Members

Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18 can join Global Talent visa holders in the UK.

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 team specialises in supporting Swiss resident individuals working in science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, and arts and culture seeking UK employment. We offer comprehensive guidance through Home Office regulations, ensuring clear and reliable immigration advice tailored to your needs.

For expert assistance with your UK Global Talent visa application, contact us at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below. We prioritise client satisfaction, offering proactive solutions in a friendly, professional manner.