Working in the United Kingdom


Until 2008, the UK’s powerful economy, and dominant financial and services sector, actively welcomed expats from all walks of life. The result was the world’s most multicultural working environment, an exciting melting pot of talents that benefited the UK tremendously. Since the 2008 global economic crisis however, the employments market is less receptive to expats as the economy contracts and sheds jobs.
 
Visa and Work Permits
EU nationals do not need a visa to work or reside in the UK, but all other foreign nationals will need a work visa. The Department of Education and Skills (DfES) issues work permits directly to the employer offering the job.

The criteria by which work visas are issued can be hard to understand. There are numerous schemes and skill enticements – suffice to say the more highly skilled and experienced you are in a desirable field, the better your chances of a smooth and speedy application process. Key fields include doctors, scientists, engineers and MBAs. See these government-related links to find information relevant to your needs.

After four years of working full time in the UK, expats can apply for permanent residency. There are, as yet, no restrictions against duel citizenship.

The easiest way to gain a work visa and residency without requiring any sponsorship from an employer is to fall within the requirements for Tier 1 visas for highly skilled individuals.
 

Search Expat Arrivals

Become our local expat expert for your city!

Expat Arrivals is looking for contributors to make this the ultimate guide for international expats.
If you are an established expat who could make time to spend a few hours a month writing useful information for expats in your city and answering forum questions from new and prospective expats, please contact us.
As our local expert you can have your profile showing on each page you publish, earn advertising revenue on that content, and promote your website or blog if you have one.