Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa
For senior managers or specialists sent to set up a UK branch of an overseas business with no trading presence yet.
The Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa is for
For senior managers or specialists sent to set up a UK branch of an overseas business with no trading presence yet.
Does not lead to settlement; intended to bridge to a full Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa - eligibility criteria
- Sent to establish a UK presence for an overseas business
- Employed by the overseas business for the required period
- Holds a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the expansion sponsor
- Salary at or above the route threshold
- Business has no active trading presence in the UK yet
Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa (United Kingdom) is ~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years (12 months at a time) |
| Work rights | Work only to establish the sponsoring UK business |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to settlement; intended to bridge to a full Skilled Worker sponsor licence. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to settlement; intended to bridge to a full Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Many applicants also compare GBM Senior/Specialist · Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist Worker visa, Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker visa, Innovator Founder · Innovator Founder visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa pitfalls we fix
Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa cost?
The Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa government fee is ~£769 application; CoS ~£525; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to settlement; intended to bridge to a full Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Can I work on the Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa?
Work rights: Work only to establish the sponsoring UK business.
Who can apply for the Global Business Mobility - UK Expansion Worker visa?
For senior managers or specialists sent to set up a UK branch of an overseas business with no trading presence yet.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority