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Who requires a Work Permit

Only certain people require a work permit to take employment in the UK. If you don’t fall into one of the categories listed below there may still be alternatives to a work permit such as a Tier 1 (HSMP), Working Holidaymaker Visa, Ancestry Visa etc.

To find out whether you need a work permit call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you with an analysis from our OISC registered immigration partners. If you’re a freelance contractor we can consider your work visa options and even discuss contracting solutions for when you arrive such as umbrella company solutions and contractor limited companies.

You can legally work in the UK without requiring a work permit if you

Are a Resident Worker

A Resident Worker is a national of an European Economic Area country (as listed below). EEA nationals can work and travel in the UK without restriction. Certain EEA nationals are required to register for the Worker Registration Scheme within one month of starting work in the UK (these nationals are marked with a * below).

EEA Countries:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic *, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia *, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary *, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia *, Liechtenstein, Lithuania *, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland *, Portugal, Slovakia *, Slovenia *, Spain, Sweden, UK

Are the Spouse of a Resident Worker

You can work and travel freely if you are the spouse of a Resident Worker

Are the Spouse of a UK Work Visa holder

UK work visas in this respect include Work Permits, Training Permits, Sole Representative visas, Investor visas, Student visas, Ancestry visas. Spouses can work without restriction for the duration of their partners work visa

Are the ‘Partner’ of a UK Work Visa holder

Unmarried partners of UK work visa holders have to prove co-habitation for at least two years prior to the visa application. ‘Partner’ visas are normally issued in cases where partners are not legally allowed to marry, for example where the couple are of the same sex. Once approved the a person can work without restriction for the duration of their partners work visa.

Have been granted an Ancestry Visa

Ancestry Visas may be granted to Commonwealth nationals who have a grandparent born in the UK. Once approved the Ancestry Visa allows the holder to work and travel without restriction for a period of five years. Once the holder has completed 5 unbroken years they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain

Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Also know as Permanent Residence, ILR allows the holder to work and travel freely in the UK

To discuss your options and find out whether you require a Work Permit call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or submit your details and we will get right back to you

Related Work Permit Sponsorship Pages:

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