UK Global Talent Visa: Settlement in the UK for Swiss Citizens

The UK Global Talent visa offers an attractive pathway for Swiss citizens and other residents of Switzerland who are talented or promising individuals in science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, arts, or culture. For Swiss nationals looking to establish themselves in the UK, this visa route is popular due to its flexible work permissions and the potential for faster settlement in the UK. In this post, we outline the requirements for Swiss nationals seeking settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through the Global Talent visa.

Do Swiss Global Talent ILR Applicants Still Need to Be Endorsed?

Swiss Global Talent ILR applicants must ensure that their endorsement has not been withdrawn by the endorsing body. While no specific documents are required to prove ongoing endorsement, the UK Home Office will verify your endorsement status through internal checks.

Do Swiss Global Talent ILR Applicants Need to Show Employment in the UK?

As a Global Talent visa holder from Switzerland applying for ILR, you don’t necessarily need to have been employed in the UK, but you must demonstrate that you earned money in the UK during your last permission period in the field for which you were endorsed. Whether employed or self-employed, the key is to show that you generated income, even if not continuously.

The evidence to support this requirement varies, as each Global Talent migrant's situation is unique. The Home Office allows for a range of evidence types, provided they are from independent, verifiable sources. Swiss nationals should submit documentation that highlights their work in the UK and how it relates to their specialised field.

When Can a Global Talent Visa Holder from Switzerland Apply for Settlement?

The time Swiss nationals need to spend in the UK under the Global Talent visa category before applying for settlement depends on the type of endorsement:

• Three years: If endorsed under the ‘exceptional talent’ criteria, ‘exceptional promise’ criteria in science, engineering, humanities, and medicine, or the UKRI “endorsed funder” fast-track criteria.

• Five years: If last endorsed under the “exceptional promise” criteria by Arts Council England or Tech Nation.

  
  

Can Time in Other Visa Categories Count Toward Global Talent Settlement for Swiss Nationals?

One reason why the Global Talent visa is popular among Swiss citizens is the flexibility to combine time spent in other visa categories with time in the Global Talent category to meet the settlement requirements. Eligible categories include Innovator Founder, Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, T2 Sportsperson, and certain Tier 1 categories.

What Are the Absence Limits for Swiss Global Talent ILR Applicants?

To satisfy the continuous residence requirement, Swiss passport holders must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period. However, if you were endorsed by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering, The British Academy, or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and conducted research overseas related to your endorsement, these absences will not count against your settlement application.

Is Proof of English Language Skills Required for Swiss Global Talent Visa Settlement?

Yes, Swiss nationals must demonstrate English language proficiency at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be achieved through a Secure English Language Test, a degree awarded in the UK, or a degree taught in English from a recognised overseas institution.

Do Swiss Global Talent ILR Applicants Need to Take the Life in the UK Test?

Yes, all Swiss citizens and residents applying for settlement under the Global Talent visa must complete the Life in the UK test.

Contact Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

For expert advice on settling in the UK as a Swiss citizen, Swiss national, or Swiss passport holder under the Global Talent visa, contact our immigration lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70 or get in touch via our contact form.