Business Immigration
Moving employees into UK operations requires a route that fits your business structure and the assignment. Our SRA-regulated immigration law firm advises on Global Business Mobility sponsorship, eligibility and compliance, and represents businesses and workers through the application process.
Speak to a solicitorThe Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes allow multinational companies to transfer overseas employees to their UK operations, establish new UK branches, or fulfil contractual obligations. Visa Professionals has extensive experience assisting multinational employers with GBM visa applications and Sponsor Licence management.
Formerly known as the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa, this route is for senior managers or specialist employees being transferred from an overseas office to the UK. The applicant must normally have been employed by the same group outside the UK for at least 12 months, unless a high-earner or other exemption in the Immigration Rules applies, and the role must meet the required skill level. Current salary thresholds and going rates are published on GOV.UK.
For employees sent to the UK to establish a new branch or subsidiary of an overseas business. The overseas business must not yet have a UK presence and the role must be senior. The visa lasts up to 2 years and does not lead directly to ILR — applicants typically switch to a Skilled Worker Visa once the UK business is established.
For employees transferred to the UK as part of a structured graduate training programme, to gain experience in a specific role. The applicant must have worked for the organisation for at least 3 months, and the role must be at RQF level 5 or above. The visa allows a stay of up to 1 year.
For employees of overseas service suppliers or self-employed contractors who need to come to the UK to fulfil a contract. The UK company must hold a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence. The visa lasts up to 6 or 12 months depending on the circumstances.
For overseas workers being seconded to a UK business as part of a high-value contract. The UK business must hold a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence and the contract must be worth at least £50 million. The secondment can last up to 12 months.
Contact Visa Professionals on +44 20 3137 8699 or email info@visaprofessionals.com for Global Business Mobility guidance.
Free practical guides on this topic from our Checklists & Guides library.
Our August 2026 professional fees are set out below.
| Service | Professional fee |
|---|---|
| Add GBM route to an existing licence | £2,000 |
| New GBM sponsor licence | £2,500 |
| UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence | £2,500 |
| Service Supplier or Secondment Worker sponsor licence and contract assessment | From £3,000 |
| GBM CoS assignment | £450 |
| Additional GBM CoS allocation | £750 |
| Senior or Specialist Worker application | £1,950 |
| Graduate Trainee application | £1,950 |
| UK Expansion Worker application | £1,950 |
| Service Supplier application | £1,950 |
| Secondment Worker application | £1,950 |
| Sponsor licence, CoS and first GBM worker package | From £3,750 |
All professional fees shown are exclusive of VAT. VAT at 20% will be added. Professional fees only. Home Office charges and third-party costs are additional unless expressly stated; their VAT treatment is confirmed where applicable.