UK PERMITTED PAID ENGAGEMENT VISIT VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visit Visa is for certain professionals and experts resident in Switzerland who wish to visit the UK to undertake a paid engagement related to their field of expertise.

This visa does not lead to settlement in the UK.

Do Swiss (Or EU) Citizens Need a UK Visit Visa?

Under UK immigration law, Swiss (and EU) citizens are non-visa nationals. This means that most citizens of Switzerland (and the EU) who are visiting the UK for the purpose of a permitted paid engagement in the UK do not need to apply for a UK Visit Visa in advance of travelling. Swiss (and EU) nationals can simply enter the UK using the ePassport gates and will automatically receive 6 months permission to enter as a Visitor.

However, all Swiss (and EU) citizens visiting the UK for the purpose of a permitted paid engagement in the UK must still satisfy the UK Visitor Visa eligibility requirements (set out below) and may be asked to prove that these requirements are met at the UK Border.

If you are a citizen of Switzerland (or the EU) and you are planning to enter the UK for the purpose of a permitted paid engagement in the UK, you should ensure that you understand the eligibility requirements for a paid engagement visit and can prove that you satisfy these requirements if asked to do so.

When Should a Swiss (Or EU) Citizen Apply for a UK Visit Visa?

Although not required under UK immigration law, some Swiss (and EU) citizens may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for a permitted paid engagement in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

The main reasons for Swiss (and EU) citizens to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for the purpose of a permitted paid engagement in the UK are as follows:

To Avoid Potential Issues at the UK Border: Applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can provide Swiss (and EU) citizens a level of certainty and reduce the risk of being denied entry upon arrival. Border officers have the discretion to refuse entry if they have doubts about your intentions or your ability to support yourself.

Previous Travel History Concerns: If you have previously had issues with UK immigration or have an irregular travel history, including having previously been refused entry into the UK or overstayed your permission for any reason, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any concerns proactively.

Having a Criminal Record: If you have a criminal record, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any potential issues. As part of your UK Visit Visa application you can provide necessary documentation and explanations, ensuring that any concerns are dealt with before travel rather than at the UK border.

Complex Travel Plans: If your travel plans are complex, involving multiple countries or tight schedules, having a UK Visit Visa could help ensure that there are no unexpected complications.

Do Swiss (or EU) Citizens Need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)?

From 2 April 2025, Swiss citizens (and EU nationals) visiting the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, even if they do not require a visa. This additional requirement applies to all short visits, including those for family visits, tourism, work-related training, business and permitted paid engagements.

Do Other Residents of Switzerland Need a UK Visit Visa?

If you are a visa national under UK immigration law residing in Switzerland, you must apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling.

A visa national is someone who needs a visa to enter the UK as a visitor due to their nationality. The Home Office provides a list of nationalities that require a Visit Visa before travel. Some exceptions allow certain visa nationals to seek entry on arrival.

Non-visa nationals residing in Switzerland can seek entry upon arrival without a Visit Visa but must still satisfy the entry requirements, including explaining the purpose of their visit and their arrangements for accommodation and return travel. Although not required, non-visa nationals may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for a permitted paid engagement in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

Requirements for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa from Switzerland

To qualify for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa from Switzerland, you must demonstrate to UK Visas & Immigration that:

• Age: You are at least 18 years old.

• Intention: You intend to undertake one or more of the permitted paid engagements outlined in the Immigration Rules (see below).

• Pre-Arranged Engagement: Your engagement is pre-arranged, supported by a formal invitation from a UK-based organisation or client, and aligns with your professional expertise and occupation abroad.

• Engagement Date: You plan to complete your engagement within 30 days of entering the UK.

• Prohibited Activities: You will not engage in any prohibited activities.

• Financial Stability: You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs related to your visit (including travel, maintenance, and accommodation) without working or accessing public funds.

• Exit the UK: You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.

• Temporary Stay: You will not reside in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits or make the UK your main home.

• General Grounds: Your application does not fall under the general grounds for refusal.

Citizens of Switzerland who are visiting the UK for the purpose of a permitted paid engagement in the UK do not currently need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK, although this may change.

Requirements may vary based on your individual situation. Consulting an immigration lawyer for expert advice might be beneficial.

Qualifying Permitted Paid Engagements

The following professionals and experts are eligible for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa:

• Professional artists, entertainers, and musicians

• Professional sportspersons

• Academics and lecturers

• Designated air pilot examiners

• Qualified lawyers

• Conference speakers

Professional Artists, Entertainers, and Musicians

Artists, entertainers, and musicians may apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa to perform paid activities related to their profession, such as giving performances or presenting work to the public.

To qualify, you must show that this is your full-time profession through documentary evidence like publicity material, media coverage, awards, and recent performance proof. You must be invited by a UK-based creative organisation, agent, or broadcaster.

Personal, technical, or support staff of professionals do not qualify for this visa but may use the Creative Visit Visa route or the Temporary Work – Creative Worker route.

Professional Sportspersons

Professional sportspersons can apply for this visa to conduct paid activities related to their profession, such as giving interviews or attending contract discussions.

To qualify, you must provide evidence of your established sports career, including media coverage, awards, and recent participation in events. Invitations must come from a UK sports organisation, agent, or broadcaster.

Academics and Lecturers

Academics invited to the UK to examine students, chair panels, or give lectures may qualify for this visa. You must be invited by a UK higher education institution or a UK-based research or arts organisation.

Designated Air Pilot Examiners

Overseas designated pilot examiners can use this visa to assess UK-based pilots to ensure they meet other countries' aviation regulations. Invitations must be from a UK-approved training organisation regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Qualified Lawyers

Qualified lawyers may apply to provide advocacy for court hearings, arbitration, or dispute resolution in the UK, provided they are invited by a client.

Conference Speakers

Speakers invited to give talks or speeches at a conference or event can apply for this visa.

Additional Requirements for Permitted Paid Engagements in the UK

Your paid engagement must be:

• Arranged before traveling to the UK.

• Declared in your entry clearance application.

• Supported by a formal invitation.

• Related to your overseas expertise and occupation.

• Completed within 30 days of your entry to the UK.

Intention to Leave the UK and Return to Switzerland

You must demonstrate that you will leave the UK and return to Switzerland at the end of your visit and not use the visa for extended stays. The Home Office will assess factors such as:

• Your immigration history, including past visits.

• Your financial situation and background.

• Your ties to your country of residence.

Doubts may arise if you have minimal ties to your home country, several family members in the UK, or past discrepancies in immigration applications.

Financial Requirement for Swiss Residents

You need sufficient funds to cover all visit-related costs (travel, maintenance, accommodation) without working or accessing public funds. Funds must be held in a permitted financial institution.

A third party can meet these costs if they have a genuine relationship with you and comply with immigration laws.

English Language Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

There is no English language requirement for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa.

UK Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa Validity Period

This visa is valid for up to 6 months. However, you must complete your permitted paid engagement within 30 days of entering the UK.

Right to Work

While Permitted Paid Engagement Visitors can undertake the paid engagement stated in their application, they cannot use this route for temporary employment or as a means of establishing a long-term presence in the UK.

You cannot:

• Take employment.

• Run a business as a self-employed person.

• Work for a UK organisation or business.

• Undertake work placements or internships.

• Provide or sell goods or services in the UK.

You may work remotely if it is not the primary purpose of your visit. The main reason for your visit should be to undertake the permitted activity.

You can seek employment and attend job interviews but must leave the UK and apply for the appropriate entry clearance before starting work.

Application Fees in Switzerland

The Home Office fee for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa is £115.

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 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.

Whether you need advice on applying for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa, help preparing your application, or legal representation to challenge a refusal, we are here to help.

We are committed to providing clear, reliable immigration advice to individuals throughout Switzerland as part of a professional and friendly service. Contact our British Visa lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.