UK Visa for Diplomatic Staff and International Workers Explained

If you are living in Switzerland—whether you are a Swiss national or an expatriate—and considering temporary employment in the United Kingdom under an international treaty, the UK International Agreement Visa may be the appropriate immigration route for you. This visa allows eligible individuals to enter the UK for work that is covered by international law, such as employment within diplomatic households or for foreign governments and recognised international organisations.

In this guide, we explain the key features, requirements and application process for the Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa, with a focus on assisting residents of Switzerland who may be looking to live and work temporarily in the UK under this route.

What Is the UK Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa?

The UK International Agreement Visa is a temporary work visa for individuals providing a service in the UK under international law. This includes:

• Private servants in diplomatic households;

• Employees of overseas governments;

• Staff working for international organisations established by treaties signed by the UK.

The visa does not lead to permanent settlement in the UK, but it allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. Applicants may be accompanied by a dependent partner and children under 18.

Who Can Apply for a UK International Agreement Visa?

To qualify for the International Agreement Visa, you must be at least 18 years old and intend to carry out a role that is covered by an international treaty or agreement. Specifically, you must fall under one of the following categories:

• A private servant employed in the household of a diplomatic or consular officer, or of a senior official working for an international organisation with diplomatic privileges;

• An employee of an overseas government or international organisation recognised by the UK.

  
  

In addition, applicants must meet several general and role-specific eligibility criteria.

Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement

A core requirement for the International Agreement Visa is that you must be sponsored by an organisation that holds a valid Temporary Work – International Agreement sponsor licence. Your employer will need to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which confirms details such as:

• Your full name, job title and salary;

• A job start date no more than three months after your application date;

• Confirmation that the CoS has not previously been used or withdrawn;

• Assurance that the role you are undertaking is genuine and permitted under the visa route.

The Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued no more than three months before your visa application is submitted.

Role-Specific Requirements for a UK International Agreement Visa

Private Servants in Diplomatic Households

If you are applying to work as a private servant in a diplomatic household, your employer must be:

• A diplomat or consular official with diplomatic privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; or

• A senior official of an international organisation recognised by the UK.

You must not be related to your employer or their spouse. You must also intend to work full-time in the specified household and receive at least the UK National Minimum Wage.

Your sponsor must provide evidence of employment terms and confirm that your role does not constitute domestic work under UK minimum wage exemptions.

Employees of Overseas Governments or International Organisations

If you are applying to work as an employee of an overseas government or international organisation, you must:

• Be employed under a contract of employment with the overseas government or organisation;

• Only undertake the role specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship;

• Work for a sponsor that is either a recognised diplomatic mission or an international organisation established by treaty and included on the UK’s exempt organisations list.

Financial Requirement for an International Agreement Visa

To satisfy the maintenance requirement, you will generally need to show that you have held at least £1,270 in your personal bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to your application. This is unless:

• You have already been in the UK lawfully for 12 months; or

• Your UK sponsor confirms they will cover your costs during your first month.

  
  

No English Language Requirement

Unlike many UK work visas, the International Agreement Worker Visa does not require an English language test. This makes it more accessible to those who are working in international diplomatic or governmental contexts and may not yet meet the language criteria for other visa routes.

International Agreement Visa Duration and Extensions

If your visa is granted, you will be allowed to remain in the UK for:

• Up to 24 months, or

• The duration of your employment (as stated on your CoS) plus 14 days before and after.

You may apply to extend your stay up to the maximum 24-month period, provided you continue working for the same employer under the same conditions.

Conditions of Stay on an International Agreement Visa

As a Temporary Work – International Agreement visa holder, you may:

• Work for your sponsor in the role specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship;

• In some cases (but not as a private servant), take up a second job;

• Bring eligible dependants (partner and children under 18).

However, this visa does not permit settlement in the UK, and you cannot switch into this visa category from within the UK. All applications must be made from outside the UK.

UK International Agreement Visa Processing Times

International Agreement Visa applications are typically processed within three weeks. If you need a faster decision, priority and super priority services may be available in your country of residence, including Switzerland.

Applications to extend your visa from within the UK are usually processed within eight weeks, or faster via premium services.

Refusals and Administrative Review

If your application is refused, you may have the option to submit a new application or request an Administrative Review, depending on the grounds for refusal. Seeking legal advice before submitting a fresh application can improve your chances of success.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Assist

At Richmond Chambers, we regularly advise individuals based in Switzerland—both Swiss nationals and foreign residents—who are looking to relocate to the UK for diplomatic or international service work. Whether you are a private servant, a senior official, or an employee of an international organisation, our team of specialist UK immigration lawyers can assist you with:

• Assessing your eligibility;

• Preparing and submitting your visa application;

• Liaising with your sponsor to ensure compliance;

• Assisting with extension applications or switching routes if your circumstances change.

  
  

We are committed to offering clear, reliable and practical immigration advice in a professional and approachable manner. To discuss your eligibility for the UK Temporary Work – International Agreement Visa, contact our team today on +41 21 588 07 70, email info@richmondchambers.ch or complete our online enquiry form.