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United Kingdom

Europe

The United Kingdom combines London, historic cities and green countryside with world class universities, a strong service economy and a powerful passport, but also high living costs and increasingly strict immigration rules.

6
Visa Types
—
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Visa free entry with ETA (Standard Visitor rules)

For non visa nationals who can visit the UK as Standard Visitors for up to 6 months, usually after obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

180 days
Duration
£16
$20 fee

✅ Key Benefits

✓No full visa procedure for many nationalities.
✓Low ETA fee and simple online process linked to your passport.
✓Flexible entry for tourism, family visits and some business or study activities under Standard Visitor rules.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Valid passport from a country that does not need a full visa for short visits to the UK.
  • •Approved Electronic Travel Authorisation where your nationality requires an ETA.
  • •Proof of onward travel and ties such as work, study or family outside the UK.
  • •Evidence of funds and accommodation for the whole stay.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ ETA decisions are often issued quickly but some applications can take several days, so apply well before travel.
  1. 1Check on gov.uk that your nationality is a non visa national and whether ETA is required.
  2. 2Apply online for an ETA if needed and wait for approval linked to your passport.
  3. 3Book your trip using the same passport and keep proof of funds, accommodation and onward travel.
  4. 4At the UK border answer questions clearly and show documents if the officer asks to see them.
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Always use the official gov.uk site for ETA and visa applications.
  • •Carry evidence of funds, accommodation and onward plans, especially for longer trips.
  • •If work or study is the main purpose of your stay, choose a dedicated visa route instead of visiting as a tourist.
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)

Short stay visa for tourism, visiting friends and family, some business trips and short study for people whose nationality requires a visa to visit the UK.

180 days
Duration
£127
$161 fee

✅ Key Benefits

✓Clear route for nationalities that need a visa to visit the UK.
✓Can cover tourism, some business activities and short study on a single visa.
✓Often issued as a multi entry visa that lets you enter and leave during its validity.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Valid passport that meets UK entry requirements.
  • •Completed online Standard Visitor application and payment of the visa fee.
  • •Proof of the purpose of visit such as travel plans, invitations or event confirmations.
  • •Evidence of funds, accommodation and ties to your country so that the officer is satisfied you will leave at the end of the visit.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Visit visa applications from outside the UK are usually decided in around 3 weeks, although busy periods can be slower.
  1. 1Use the check-visa tool on gov.uk to confirm that you need a Standard Visitor visa.
  2. 2Complete the visa form online, pay the fee and book an appointment at a visa application centre.
  3. 3Upload or take your supporting documents to the appointment and give biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
  4. 4Wait for the decision email and collect your passport or check your digital status before travelling to the UK.
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Prepara un itinerario chiaro e documenti che mostrino reddito, risparmi e legami con il tuo paese.
  • •Evita visite back to back che possano far pensare che vivi in UK da visitor.
  • •In alta stagione o con cambi normativi in arrivo, applica con un buon margine di tempo.
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work

Skilled Worker visa

Main route for sponsored employment in the UK with a licensed employer, usually with a path to long term residence.

60 months
Duration
£1,804
$2.3K fee

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $41,700/per_year

Alternative: Your salary must normally meet at least the general salary threshold or the going rate for your occupation code, with specific exceptions for some roles and new entrants.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Allows you to live and work in the UK for a sponsoring employer with a clear route to settlement.
✓Family members can often join you as dependants if they meet the rules.
✓You can change employers by obtaining a new Certificate of Sponsorship and making a new application.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
  • •Certificate of Sponsorship with the correct occupation code, salary and working hours.
  • •Valid passport and, where required, tuberculosis test and criminal record certificates.
  • •Proof of English language ability and funds for maintenance if your sponsor does not certify this.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Applications from outside the UK are often decided in about 3 weeks and in country extensions in around 8 weeks, though this can vary with demand and complexity.
  1. 1Agree the job offer and check that the role and salary match the Skilled Worker rules.
  2. 2Ask your employer to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship with the correct details.
  3. 3Complete the Skilled Worker application online, pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge.
  4. 4Provide biometrics at a visa application centre or use the ID Check app if available, then wait for the decision and travel once your visa or digital status is granted.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: months (max x)

Cost: Free

Process: You can usually extend your Skilled Worker permission while you continue to work for an approved sponsor in an eligible role and salary and apply before your current permission expires.

Renewal: Time spent as a Skilled Worker can normally count towards settlement if you meet continuous residence, salary and sponsorship requirements for the required years.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Controlla con attenzione l occupation code, le soglie salariali e le eventuali eccezioni per il tuo settore.
  • •Chiedi al datore di lavoro se può contribuire ai costi di visto e IHS o certificare i tuoi mezzi di sostentamento.
  • •Tieni traccia di buste paga, contratti e viaggi per rendere più semplici estensioni e domanda di settlement.
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work

Youth Mobility Scheme visa

Working holiday type visa for young people from certain countries that lets you live and work in the UK for up to two years, with a possible one year extension for some nationalities.

24 months
Duration
£1,095
$1.4K fee

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $2,530/per_stay

Alternative: You usually need personal savings of at least 2530 pounds held for at least 28 days before you apply and, for some nationalities, to be selected in a ballot before you can submit a visa application.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Consente di vivere e lavorare nel Regno Unito senza sponsor per due o tre anni.
✓Molto flessibile per chi fa lavori digitali, freelance o vuole fare esperienze diverse.
✓Non richiede un datore di lavoro sponsor, a differenza dello Skilled Worker.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Age between 18 and 30 or 18 and 35 depending on nationality.
  • •Passport from an eligible country or territory or certain British nationalities.
  • •Personal savings of at least the required amount held for the required period.
  • •No dependent children and no previous stay on the Youth Mobility route.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Decisions for Youth Mobility applications from outside the UK are often made in about 3 weeks once biometrics and documents are submitted.
  1. 1Check on gov.uk that your nationality and age are eligible and whether you need to enter a ballot.
  2. 2Save at least the required amount of money and keep it in your account for the minimum period.
  3. 3Complete the Youth Mobility application online, pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.
  4. 4Give biometrics at the visa application centre, then wait for the decision and travel once your visa is granted.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 12 months (max 1x)

Cost: 319 GBP

Process: Nationals of some countries, such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, can extend their Youth Mobility stay by 12 months from inside the UK if they meet the specific rules and pay new fees and healthcare surcharge.

Renewal: In genere puoi usare il Youth Mobility Scheme una sola volta nella vita, a parte l eventuale estensione di un anno per alcune nazionalità.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Monitora con attenzione le finestre di ballot e le quote per il tuo paese.
  • •Metti da parte i risparmi richiesti con anticipo e dimostrali in un conto chiaro.
  • •Se il tuo obiettivo è restare più a lungo, pianifica per tempo il passaggio a una rotta lavoro prima che scada il visto.

Student visa

EducationPopular

Visa for full time study at an approved UK institution, with defined financial requirements and limited work rights.

24m
Duration
£1,300
$1.7K fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱Student visa applications from outside the UK are usually decided within around 3 weeks, though peak periods at the start of the academic year can be longer.
🔄Extendable +nullm
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
GBPUSD
Required
Student visa application fee (outside the UK)Visa fee for most student applications from abroad
£524$665
Immigration Health Surcharge per yearHealthcare surcharge rate per year for most students
£776$986
Additional (estimated)
Priority processing serviceOptional extra to speed up the decision where offered
£0<$1
Required Total
£1,300$1.7K
💱1 USD = 0.79 GBP•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
  • •Valid passport and any academic documents listed on the CAS.
  • •Evidence of tuition fee payments and sufficient maintenance funds in an acceptable format.
  • •Proof of English language level and any extra course requirements such as ATAS where relevant.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain your CAS from the university or college once you meet the academic and offer conditions.
  2. 2Gather financial documents that show you have enough money for tuition and living costs.
  3. 3Complete the Student visa form online, pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.
  4. 4Give biometrics at a visa application centre or through the ID Check app if available, then wait for the decision and travel once your visa or digital status is granted.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Richiede prove finanziarie significative e il rispetto di soglie mensili prestabilite.
  • •Il lavoro è limitato in ore e tipo; di norma non puoi essere autonomo o freelance.
  • •Le regole per portare i familiari sono state ristrette e molti studenti non possono più avere dependants.

💡 Tips

  • •Calcola con margine il budget per tasse universitarie e costo della vita, tenendo conto di cambio e inflazione.
  • •Conserva sempre tutti gli estratti conto e le prove di pagamento, anche se rientri nel regime a prova ridotta.
  • •Pianifica fin dall inizio se e come vuoi passare a Graduate route o a un visto lavoro alla fine degli studi.

Global Talent visa

WorkPopular

Flexible route for leaders or potential leaders in research, academia, arts, culture and digital technology that allows work and self employment in the UK without a sponsor.

60m
Duration
£2,362
$3.0K fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱Processing usually involves an endorsement stage and a visa stage and can take several weeks in total, with some fast track options depending on the field and endorsing body.
🔄Extendable +nullm
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
GBPUSD
Required
Global Talent visa fee (up to 5 years)Visa fee which can be paid in stages at endorsement and visa application
£766$973
Endorsement fee where neededTypical endorsement fee for many applicants via endorsing bodies
£561$712
Immigration Health Surcharge per yearHealthcare surcharge for this route
£1,035$1.3K
Additional (estimated)
Priority processing for endorsement or visaOptional extra service when available
£0<$1
Required Total
£2,362$3.0K
💱1 USD = 0.79 GBP•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Strong profile and track record in an eligible field such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, arts or digital technology.
  • •Endorsement from an approved body or proof of a qualifying prestigious prize.
  • •Valid passport and, where relevant, tuberculosis test and other standard immigration documents.
  • •Detailed CV, portfolio and reference letters aligned with the Global Talent criteria.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Verifica se rientri tra i campi e profili ammessi per Global Talent.
  2. 2Se non hai un premio riconosciuto, prepara un dossier per l endorsement con CV, portfolio e lettere di referenza.
  3. 3Invia la richiesta di endorsement o conferma il premio, poi compila la domanda di visto Global Talent su gov.uk.
  4. 4Paga il visto e l healthcare surcharge, fornisci i dati biometrici e attendi le due fasi di decisione (endorsement e visto).

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Barriera di ingresso molto alta, adatta solo a profili con track record forte.
  • •Costi complessivi (endorsement, visto, surcharge) elevati, specialmente per periodi lunghi.
  • •Devi continuare a lavorare nel tuo settore e documentarlo per estensioni e settlement.

💡 Tips

  • •Studia con grande attenzione i criteri dell endorsing body nel tuo settore.
  • •Costruisci il tuo portfolio con evidenze concrete: pubblicazioni, progetti, premi, impatto misurabile.
  • •Valuta questa route se ti serve massima flessibilità per combinare remote work, consulenze e progetti creativi nel Regno Unito.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalLondon
CurrencyGBP (£)
LanguageEnglish
TimezoneUTC+0 / UTC+1 (summer)
Last UpdatedNov 30, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does the UK have an official digital nomad visa?
The UK does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers either visit under Standard Visitor or ETA rules for short stays without working for UK employers, or use longer term routes such as Youth Mobility, Skilled Worker, Student or Global Talent depending on their plans and profile.
How long can I stay in the UK as a visitor without a visa?
If you are from a non visa national country such as most EU states, the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia, you can usually stay in the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months under Standard Visitor rules, often with an ETA. If your nationality requires a visa you must get a Standard Visitor visa before travelling.
Can I work remotely from the UK on a visitor visa or ETA?
UK visitor routes do not allow you to take paid or unpaid employment for a UK business or to trade in the UK. Limited remote work for an overseas employer, such as answering emails, is usually tolerated when it is incidental to a genuine visit, but if the main purpose of your stay is to work you should use a work, business, youth mobility or talent route instead.
What healthcare or insurance do I need for the UK?
Short term visitors should have private travel medical insurance because they may be charged for many NHS services. Long stay visa holders usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, which gives access to the NHS, although private cover can still be useful for faster access and extra services.
Which visas are most interesting for long term remote workers or professionals in the UK?
For young people from eligible countries the Youth Mobility Scheme is often the most flexible way to live and work in the UK for up to two or three years without a sponsor. Professionals with a firm job offer can use the Skilled Worker route, while high profile researchers, creatives and tech professionals may qualify for Global Talent. Students mainly focused on study can use the Student visa and later switch to work routes.
What happens if I overstay my UK visa or break the conditions?
If you stay in the UK after your permission expires or break key conditions such as working without permission, you can face removal, re entry bans and serious difficulty obtaining UK visas in the future. Employers can also be fined for hiring people without the right to work. It is essential to track visa expiry dates and always use official gov.uk guidance when you plan extensions, switches or future applications.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: November 30, 2025

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