Global Talent visa
🇬🇧 United Kingdom visas · Work
What it is
For leaders or potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Allows you to work in the UK without needing a sponsoring employer.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Up to 5 years per grant, unlimited extensions; settlement after 3 or 5 years
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
- Age
- 18 or over
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (standard application fee (outside or inside the UK; also…)
- GBP 766
- Health surcharge
- GBP 1,035 per year
- Application fee (endorsement route - part 1, paid at endorsement stage)
- GBP 561
- Application fee (endorsement route - part 2, paid at visa stage)
- GBP 205
- Application fee (prestigious prize route - full fee at visa stage)
- GBP 766
Key requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Work in academia/research, arts and culture, or digital technology
- Endorsement from an approved body OR an eligible prestigious prize
- Apply online from inside or outside the UK
- No job offer required
Working on this visa
You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you're a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields: academia or research, arts and culture, digital technology.
Bringing family
Your partner and children can also apply to join you or stay in the UK as your 'dependants' if they're eligible.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 19 July 2026.