As many companies have seen a shift to remote working following the Covid-19 pandemic, some applicants may be wondering whether the UK currently offers a digital nomad visa allowing you to work remotely in the UK.
Although a digital nomad visa is available from a number of European countries, the UK does not currently offer this option. Generally, applicants looking to travel to the UK are required to secure a visa before their arranged travel plans. However, if you are a ‘non-visa national’ (i.e. the country of your citizenship is not included in the ‘Visa National’ list published on the UK government website), you are not required to apply for a visa prior to travelling to the UK as a visitor. Please note that non-visa nationals must still meet all of the requirements for a visit visa and will be assessed on entry to the UK.
If you are a visa national, you will be required to apply for a visit visa before you are able to travel to the UK. This type of visa will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months and undertake a limited number of business activities during your stay. The general business visitor category encompasses activities such as attending meetings and interviews, negotiating and signing deals and contracts, and carrying out site visits and inspections, amongst other things.
It is important to remember that as a business visitor you are not allowed to work for a UK entity, be paid in the UK for any activity, establish a business as a self-employed person, provide goods and services or undertake work experience. You are, however, permitted to work remotely from the UK for an international company, provided you meet the standard visitor requirements and do not overstay your leave.
If your intention is to live and work in the UK on a more permanent basis, you may consider other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker visa, which allow for a more prolonged stay in the UK.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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