Global Business Mobility
Global Business Mobility allows overseas businesses and corporate groups to deploy senior managers, engineers, technical specialists and project-critical staff to the UK for defined periods, without committing to permanent recruitment or long-term sponsorship structures.
This route is designed for businesses that need speed, flexibility and cost control,
Why businesses use Global Business Mobility:
Cost-effective option with Immigration Skills Charge exemption for qualifying EU transfers
Appropriate for senior and specialist roles where experience or oversight is essential
Lower long-term immigration exposure
When Global Business Mobility is the right solution
Global Business Mobility is commonly used where:
A UK project requires experienced leadership or specialist expertise
Senior personnel need to oversee, manage or deliver UK-based activity
An overseas business is establishing or supporting a UK presence
Staff are assigned under a group, contractual or service arrangement
The business need is temporary or project-specific, rather than permanent
Global Business Mobility is most effective where the role is clearly defined, time-limited and business-critical.
Global Business Mobility (GBM)
Route to Settlement
Does not lead directly to settlement
English language requirement
No formal English language requirement for most GBM routes
Immigration skills charge
Only payable in the Senior or Specialist Worker route
Length of Permission
Time-limited and linked to a specific business purpose or assignment
Typical use
Temporary assignments, intra-group transfers, expansion activity and contract-based work
CoS Allocation
CoS allocation available for applicants inside and outside the UK (subject to annual allocation already in place)
Skilled Worker Visa
Route to Settlement
Can lead to settlement after the qualifying residence period
English language requirement
English language ability is required
Immigration skills charge
Payable for all sponsored Skilled Worker roles
Length of Permission
Designed for longer-term employment with extensions
Typical use
Long-term roles forming part of the UK workforce in a more traditional sense
CoS Allocation
Defined CoS required for applicants outside the UK – must be requested and approved before assignment
Focus sector: Engineering and technical roles
Engineering-led assignments represent one of the most established and commercially effective uses of Global Business Mobility.
Engineering businesses commonly rely on Global Business Mobility to deploy experienced engineers, engineering project managers and senior technical specialists to the UK where delivery, safety, regulatory compliance or project continuity depends on proven expertise.
This route is frequently used for:
Engineering project managers with responsibility for UK delivery
Senior civil, mechanical and electrical engineers providing technical leadership
Specialist engineers supporting assurance, compliance or risk-critical work
Project-based technical roles linked to defined UK assignments
Where engineering expertise is central to successful delivery, Global Business Mobility provides a structured and cost-effective way to move the right people to the UK for the period required, without creating long-term immigration exposure.
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