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United Kingdom

Tourist visa:

Allows stays up to 180 days.

Digital Nomad Visa Details

Does this country have a digital nomad specific visa?

Yes
No

What is the name of the visa?

How much does the visa cost?

How long does the visa last?

How much does the digital nomad visa cost?

What are the requirements of the visa?

Official visa website:

Standard Visa Options

Visa length

  • Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor Visa): Allows stays of up to 6 months, with some exceptions for medical treatment or academic research.
  • Temporary Residence Visa (Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, etc.): Typically valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the visa type and employment or study duration.
  • Permanent Residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR): Grants indefinite stay, but residents should not be outside the UK for more than 2 years to maintain status.

Visa cost

  • Tourist Visa: Costs approximately $135 for a 6-month visa. Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) range from $515 to $1,290.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Costs vary; Skilled Worker Visas range from $770 to $1,500, while Student Visas cost around $560.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): The application fee is approximately $3,200.

Visa extension

  • Tourist Visa: Extensions are generally not allowed unless under exceptional circumstances.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Renewable based on continued employment, study, or sponsorship.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): Not applicable, but holders can apply for British citizenship after a qualifying period.

Visa processing time

  • Tourist Visa: Processing takes around 3 weeks.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Processing usually takes between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the visa type.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): Processing may take 6 months or longer.

Who can apply?

  • Tourist Visa: Required for travelers from non-visa-exempt countries visiting for leisure, business, or medical reasons.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Available to skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, and family members of UK residents.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): Eligible after 5 years on a qualifying visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Spouse, or Innovator Visa).

Where to apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the UK Home Office website or at a visa application center in the applicant’s country.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the online visa application form.
  2. Submit required documents (passport, financial proof, employment/study details, etc.).
  3. Pay the visa fee.
  4. Schedule and attend a biometric appointment.
  5. Await processing and receive a decision.

Minimum income requirements

  • Tourist Visa: No fixed requirement, but applicants must show sufficient funds for their stay.
  • Skilled Worker Visa: Applicants must earn at least $33,000 per year (varies based on job type and occupation shortage list).
  • Spouse/Partner Visa: The UK sponsor must earn at least $24,000 per year or have equivalent savings.

Popular cities

  • London – The financial, political, and cultural capital.
  • Manchester – A major business and entertainment hub.
  • Birmingham – Known for its industry and cultural diversity.
  • Edinburgh – Scotland’s historic capital and tourism hotspot.
  • Glasgow – A vibrant city with a strong arts and music scene.

Minimum income requirements

  • Official Language: English.
  • Welsh is spoken in Wales, and Scottish Gaelic is spoken in parts of Scotland.
  • Major immigrant languages include Polish, Punjabi, Urdu, and Arabic.