Service Supplier

The Service Supplier route under the Global Business Mobility framework allows workers to come to the UK to provide services under a contract between their overseas employer and a UK-based client, or to fulfil a contractual obligation under an international trade agreement.

This route is specifically designed for situations where the worker is employed by an overseas entity and is temporarily seconded or sent to the UK to deliver a specific contractual service. The worker must not be directly employed by the UK entity.

To qualify, the worker’s overseas employer must be under a contract to provide services to the UK client. The worker must be a national of a country that has a relevant trade agreement with the UK, as the Service Supplier route is partly underpinned by international trade obligations.

The visa is granted for up to 12 months (or up to 6 months for short-term contracts), and applications must be supported by documentation of the underlying service contract.

Service Supplier applications require careful preparation, particularly around evidence of the contractual relationship and the worker’s role in delivering the contract. Incomplete or unclear documentation is a common reason for refusal.

Terence Ray Solicitors can advise both UK businesses and overseas service providers on the requirements of this route and assist with the full application process.

Contact us on 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.