Global Mobility Sponsor Licence

The UK Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes enable overseas businesses to deploy workers to the UK for specific assignments that support commercial expansion, training, or service delivery. To sponsor these individuals, the UK host entity must hold a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence.

What this article is about: This guide explains what the Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is, who needs it, how to apply, and the compliance duties involved. It also covers the eligibility criteria for employers, the different GBM routes supported by the licence, and the responsibilities businesses must meet once the licence is granted.

The GBM sponsor licence sits within the broader UK sponsorship framework managed by the Home Office. It is designed to ensure only legitimate businesses with robust HR systems and compliance procedures can bring workers to the UK. Employers must therefore prepare carefully before applying to meet both the eligibility and suitability criteria.

For businesses that succeed, the licence provides access to several specialised routes under the Global Business Mobility umbrella. These routes facilitate inward investment, international training programmes, service contracts, and corporate expansions into the UK. With opportunities come obligations, and businesses must comply with strict sponsor duties to maintain their licensed status.

Section A: Understanding the Global Mobility Sponsor Licence

The Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is a type of sponsor licence that permits UK-based entities to sponsor overseas workers under the GBM routes. Introduced on 11 April 2022, the GBM framework replaced several legacy visa categories with a consolidated set of five routes designed to support international business operations.

A GBM sponsor licence is required where an organisation wishes to bring overseas staff to the UK under one of these routes. Without the licence, the business cannot assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), and individuals cannot apply for visas under the scheme.

1. The GBM Routes Covered by the Licence

The licence enables sponsorship under five Global Business Mobility categories:

• Senior or Specialist Worker – For senior managers or specialist employees being transferred to a UK entity linked to their overseas employer.
• Graduate Trainee – For employees on structured graduate training programmes being transferred for professional development.
• UK Expansion Worker – For senior employees sent to establish a new UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business.
• Service Supplier – For contractual service suppliers or self-employed independent professionals delivering services in the UK under international trade agreements.
• Secondment Worker – For workers seconded to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment.

Each route serves a distinct business need, but all require the employer to hold a valid GBM sponsor licence.

2. Who Needs a GBM Sponsor Licence?

Any UK entity that intends to sponsor overseas staff under one of the GBM categories must hold a sponsor licence. This includes multinational companies with existing UK operations, as well as overseas businesses seeking to establish a UK presence through the UK Expansion Worker route.

Holding a GBM licence is also necessary for service providers who contract with UK clients under international trade agreements. Without the licence, the business cannot employ or engage the overseas worker legally in the UK.

3. How the GBM Licence Differs from Other Sponsor Licences

The GBM licence is distinct from the Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Skilled Worker licences allow long-term recruitment into the UK labour market with a route to settlement. By contrast, GBM sponsorship facilitates temporary corporate mobility assignments, and GBM routes do not generally lead to settlement.

Another difference is that the GBM sponsor licence can be used to sponsor across several categories under one umbrella licence, making it flexible for businesses with diverse mobility needs.

Section A Summary

The Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is an essential tool for businesses needing to move staff into the UK for temporary but strategic assignments. Covering five specialised routes, it enables a broad range of activities from setting up a new UK operation to delivering services under trade agreements. Its main distinction from other licence types lies in its focus on temporary corporate mobility rather than long-term migration.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence, a business must demonstrate that it is both eligible and suitable to hold licensed status. The Home Office applies strict checks to ensure only genuine and compliant organisations are permitted to sponsor overseas staff.

1. Who Can Apply

Only a UK-based entity can apply for a GBM sponsor licence. This means the organisation must either:

• Already have a UK trading presence, or
• Be in the process of establishing one, in the case of the UK Expansion Worker route.

For expansion applications, the overseas business must nominate a senior employee who will come to the UK to set up operations. The Home Office will expect evidence that the overseas company is active, trading, and intends to expand genuinely into the UK market.

2. Suitability Criteria

The Home Office assesses whether an organisation is suitable to hold a licence by reviewing:

• HR and recruitment systems – The business must have adequate processes to monitor sponsored workers, track attendance, and maintain required records.
• Compliance history – Previous immigration breaches, illegal working penalties, or sponsor licence revocations may disqualify an applicant.
• Business legitimacy – The organisation must be genuine and lawfully operating in the UK, with no risk of being a sham entity.

The Home Office also applies a “genuine vacancy” test to ensure the roles being sponsored are credible.

3. Key Personnel Roles

Every licence application must identify individuals to fill mandatory key personnel roles:

• Authorising Officer – A senior and competent person responsible for the licence overall.
• Key Contact – The main liaison with the Home Office.
• Level 1 User – The person responsible for day-to-day management of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

These individuals must be reliable, free from immigration or criminal breaches, and usually based in the UK.

4. Financial and Trading Requirements

The Home Office expects applicants to show they are financially viable and lawfully trading. Supporting evidence may include:

• Latest audited accounts or annual reports
• Proof of registration for VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax
• Recent business bank statements
• Evidence of trading activities, such as contracts, invoices, or client agreements

For the UK Expansion Worker route, the applicant must demonstrate the overseas parent company is active and trading, supported by business plans and evidence of genuine UK market entry.

Section B Summary

Eligibility for a GBM sponsor licence is not limited to established UK businesses. Expansion and service-based applicants can also apply, provided they demonstrate legitimacy, financial standing, and effective HR compliance systems. By meeting suitability standards and appointing competent key personnel, organisations can position themselves strongly for a successful application.

Section C: Application Process

Applying for a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence involves careful preparation, submission of an online application, and providing detailed supporting evidence. The Home Office will assess whether the organisation meets all requirements before granting the licence.

1. Preparing the Application

Preparation is critical. Businesses should begin by:

• Reviewing internal HR systems to ensure compliance with sponsorship duties.
• Identifying and appointing key personnel (Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User).
• Gathering evidence of trading presence, financial stability, and corporate legitimacy.
• Drafting a business case to demonstrate why a GBM sponsor licence is required.

For UK Expansion Worker applications, additional documentation such as business plans, market research, and proof of overseas trading will be needed to support the case.

2. Online Application and Fee Payment

The sponsor licence application is made via the Home Office’s online system. During the process, the applicant must:

• Complete the electronic form with business and key personnel details.
• Select the relevant GBM routes for which the licence is sought.
• Pay the appropriate application fee, which depends on the size and type of organisation (small, medium, or large).

3. Supporting Documents Checklist

Applicants must submit specified documents to evidence their eligibility. Common examples include:

• Certificate of incorporation or Companies House registration
• Evidence of PAYE and VAT registration
• Recent corporate bank statements
• Audited financial accounts
• Lease agreements or proof of business premises

The Home Office may also request additional documents specific to the GBM category applied for. All evidence must be submitted within five working days of the online application being filed.

4. Processing Times and Home Office Requests

The standard processing time for a sponsor licence is up to 8 weeks. A limited number of priority processing slots may be available for an additional fee, but these are not guaranteed.

During assessment, the Home Office may:

• Request further documents or clarification
• Conduct a compliance visit to inspect HR systems and interview staff
• Ask questions about the business model and intended use of the licence

5. Application Outcomes

The application will either be:

• Granted – The business is added to the Register of Licensed Sponsors and may assign Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible workers.
• Refused – The application is considered but unsuccessful. The business cannot usually reapply for at least six months.
• Rejected – If the application is incomplete or documents are missing, the Home Office may reject it outright without consideration.

There is no right of appeal against a refusal, but organisations may seek an administrative review if they believe an error has been made.

Section C Summary

The application process for a GBM sponsor licence demands thorough preparation and timely submission of supporting documents. Businesses should anticipate scrutiny of their HR systems and corporate legitimacy, and be prepared for Home Office compliance visits. A well-prepared application with strong supporting evidence maximises the prospects of approval.

Section D: Sponsorship Duties and Compliance

Securing a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is only the beginning. Once granted, the business must comply with extensive duties to maintain its licence and avoid enforcement action. The Home Office monitors sponsors closely, and non-compliance can have serious consequences for both the employer and the sponsored workers.

1. Ongoing Sponsor Duties

Licence holders are required to meet statutory sponsorship duties, including:

• Reporting duties – Notifying the Home Office of changes such as employee start dates, early terminations, role changes, or changes to business structure within specified deadlines.
• Record-keeping duties – Maintaining copies of workers’ passports, visas, contracts, attendance records, and evidence of recruitment in line with Appendix D requirements.
• Monitoring duties – Ensuring sponsored staff are working in their approved roles and are not breaching immigration conditions.

Failure to meet these obligations can result in licence action.

2. Compliance Visits by the Home Office

The Home Office has wide powers to inspect sponsors, both before and after granting a licence. Visits may be announced or unannounced and typically involve:

• Reviewing HR systems and processes
• Checking the accuracy of records held on sponsored staff
• Interviewing staff responsible for compliance and record-keeping
• Confirming that sponsored workers are carrying out their approved duties

A poor compliance inspection can lead to sanctions, including downgrading, suspension, or revocation of the licence.

3. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Sanctions imposed by the Home Office for failing to comply with sponsor duties include:

• Downgrading – Moving the licence rating from A to B, with an action plan imposed at the sponsor’s cost.
• Suspension – Temporarily preventing the sponsor from assigning Certificates of Sponsorship while an investigation takes place.
• Revocation – Permanent loss of the licence, leaving sponsored workers without valid sponsorship and at risk of losing their immigration status.

Employers may also face reputational damage and financial losses if they fail to comply.

4. Renewal of the GBM Sponsor Licence

A Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is valid for four years. Businesses must apply for renewal before expiry if they wish to continue sponsoring workers. The renewal process involves a further assessment of the organisation’s compliance and suitability. Sponsors that have maintained strong HR systems and fulfilled their duties are more likely to be granted swift renewals.

Section D Summary

Compliance with sponsorship duties is fundamental to retaining a GBM sponsor licence. The Home Office places significant emphasis on monitoring and enforcement, meaning that sponsors must invest in robust HR systems and ongoing oversight. Failure to meet these duties can result in severe penalties, including loss of the licence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a GBM sponsor licence last?
A Global Business Mobility sponsor licence is valid for four years. Employers must apply to renew their licence before it expires if they wish to continue sponsoring overseas workers.

Can one licence cover multiple GBM routes?
Yes. A single GBM sponsor licence can cover more than one of the five routes, provided the employer applies for those routes at the time of application or later adds them with Home Office approval.

How much does it cost to apply for a GBM sponsor licence?
The cost depends on the size of the organisation. Small or charitable sponsors pay a reduced fee, while medium and large sponsors must pay a higher rate. Fees are payable at the time of application and are subject to periodic Home Office updates.

What happens if my business is refused a sponsor licence?
If refused, the business cannot usually reapply for six months. There is no right of appeal, but the organisation may seek an administrative review if it believes the refusal was based on a Home Office error.

Can I upgrade to a Skilled Worker sponsor licence later?
Yes. Businesses can apply separately for a Skilled Worker licence if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements. However, holding a GBM sponsor licence does not automatically allow Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Conclusion

The Global Business Mobility sponsor licence provides UK-based entities with the ability to bring overseas staff into the UK for temporary assignments that support business expansion, training, or service delivery. Covering five distinct routes, it is a versatile option for organisations engaged in international operations.

Applying for a GBM sponsor licence requires businesses to demonstrate eligibility, financial standing, and robust HR systems. Once granted, the licence carries significant compliance responsibilities, with the Home Office actively monitoring sponsors to ensure they fulfil their duties.

For employers, preparation is critical. A well-structured application supported by strong evidence will maximise the likelihood of approval. Once licensed, maintaining effective HR systems and proactive compliance management is key to retaining status and avoiding enforcement action.

By understanding the requirements and responsibilities involved, businesses can use the Global Business Mobility sponsor licence to achieve their strategic goals in the UK while remaining compliant with immigration law.

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