The Service Supplier visa allows overseas service providers to come to the UK to deliver services to a UK business under an eligible international trade agreement. It is a targeted Global Business Mobility route for contractual service delivery, not open-ended UK employment.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-08.
TL;DR
The Service Supplier visa is for overseas employees or self-employed professionals providing services to a UK company under an eligible trade agreement. The 2026 application fee is £340, the maximum stay is usually 6 or 12 months, and most outside-UK applications are usually decided within 3 weeks.
£340
Application fee
6 or 12 months
Maximum stay
3 weeks
Typical outside-UK decision
What is the Service Supplier Visa?
A Service Supplier visa allows an employee of an overseas business, or a self-employed professional based overseas, to provide services to a UK business under a contract covered by an eligible international trade agreement.
The UK business must sponsor the worker and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. The worker must normally be doing an eligible job, although qualification and experience routes may apply.
This route is contract-specific and temporary.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Service Supplier Visa.
📄
Eligible Trade Agreement
The service contract must be covered by a valid international trade agreement.
💼
Overseas Provider
The applicant must be an overseas employee or a self-employed professional based overseas.
£
Certificate of Sponsorship
The UK sponsor must assign a CoS describing the service contract and role.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Service Supplier Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work for your sponsor in the role described on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Study in the UK where this does not prevent the sponsored assignment.
- Bring eligible dependants if they meet the partner or child requirements.
- Travel abroad and return while the visa remains valid.
- Do unpaid voluntary work where the route permits it.
✗ You Cannot
- Access most public funds or the State Pension.
- Apply directly for settlement on this route.
- Work outside the sponsored role unless the route conditions allow it.
- Stay beyond the route maximum without switching to another eligible route.
- Ignore sponsor duties if the role, salary, work location or assignment changes.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £340 |
| Temporary GBM CoS | £55 |
| IHS | ~£1,035 per year |
| Personal savings | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check gov.uk |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm Route Fit
Check that the worker and assignment match the specific Service Supplier Visa requirements.
Check Sponsor Licence Coverage
Confirm the UK sponsor holds the correct route coverage before assigning a CoS.
Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship
Enter the role, salary, occupation code, start date and work location accurately.
Submit the Online Application
The worker applies online — from inside the UK only where extending or switching is permitted — proves identity and provides documents.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK usually lists a decision within 3 weeks for outside-UK applications after identity and documents are provided.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Service Supplier Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Service Supplier Visa UK?
The Service Supplier Visa is a Global Business Mobility route for a specific temporary UK business assignment. It is used for overseas service providers delivering services under an eligible international trade agreement.
How much does a Service Supplier Visa cost?
The 2026 Home Office application fee is £340. Applicants should also check IHS and financial requirements, and sponsors should check the relevant CoS fee.
How long can you stay on a Service Supplier Visa?
The maximum stay is 6 or 12 months depending on the agreement, subject to the Certificate of Sponsorship period and any wider GBM maximum-stay cap.
Can you bring dependants on a Service Supplier Visa?
Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants if they meet the dependant requirements.
Does a Service Supplier Visa lead to settlement?
No. Global Business Mobility routes do not lead directly to indefinite leave to remain.
Does a Service Supplier Visa need a Certificate of Sponsorship?
Yes. The applicant needs a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK sponsor before applying.
Can you study on a Service Supplier Visa?
Yes, study is generally permitted where it does not prevent the sponsored work.
Can you change jobs on a Service Supplier Visa?
A worker cannot simply change job or sponsor without meeting the update or new-application rules.
How long does a Service Supplier Visa decision take?
Most outside-UK applications are usually decided within 3 weeks after identity and documents are provided.
What should sponsors check before using the Service Supplier Visa route?
Sponsors should check licence coverage, occupation code, salary or contract requirements, CoS details and evidence before the application is submitted.
Need Help With Your Service Supplier Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.