Visas, Work Permits & Police Registration

Before relocating to the UK, you will have to consider whether you, your spouse or children require entry clearance (a visa) and/or a work permit to enter and work in the country. Once here, you may need to register with the UK police.  

Visas

A visa is a document which shows that you have the right to enter the UK.  Not everyone wishing to enter the UK requires a visa; it depends on the purpose of your visit to the UK, your country of nationality and where you currently reside.  

If you are not a citizen of one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, then you may need entry clearance before you travel to the UK.    

Click here for more information about UK visa requirements.

Work Permits

The work permit arrangements allow employers based in England, Scotland and Wales to employ people who are not entitled to work in this country.

Nationals of European Economic Area (EEA) countries i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK have full employment rights and do not require a work permit.

If you are not a national of an EEA country, you will have to apply for a work permit before travelling to the UK.  Click here for more information about work permits.

Police Registration

Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may be required to register with the UK police within seven days of your arrival. Click here for more information.

Advice and Assistance

We recommend that you apply for your visa and/or work permit at least 8 weeks before your period of employment in the UK is due to begin.  Most applications will be granted within 3-4 weeks but delays do occur, particularly during holiday periods in July-September and December-January.  

UK immigration and nationality law is amongst the most complex in the world, and the requirements for visas and work permits are subject to frequent change.  Therefore, we strongly advise you to consult the UK Government websites for the latest visa and work permit information.  These can be found at www.ukvisas.gov.uk and www.workingintheuk.gov.uk.

We also recommend that you seek professional assistance before making your visa or work permit application.  The Relocation Bureau are able to advise you on all aspects of the application process.  Contact us for further information.

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