--- title: "United Kingdom Skilled Worker 2026: from £33.4k/yr needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/skilled-worker/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- United Kingdom · Work # United Kingdom Skilled Worker **Income needed:** from £33k a year ≈ $44k Skilled Worker visa First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Income needed:** from £33k a year ≈ $44k (Income of at least GBP 41,700 a year (≈ $55,100) · Standard minimum salary, or the occupation going rate if higher. Income of at least GBP 33,400 a year (≈ $44,100) · Reduced minimum for applicants who qualify under the lower-salary provisions outside healthcare and education. Savings of at least GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680) · Funds to support yourself on arrival unless the sponsor covers costs or you are exempt. A fee of GBP 819 (≈ $1,080) · Standard application fee ranges from GBP 819 (up to 3 years, job not on the immigration salary list) to GBP 1,865 depending on length of stay and circumstances; healthcare surcharge GBP 1,035 per year extra.) - **First stay:** 5 yrs (Visa can last up to 5 years before extension; settlement may be possible after 5 years.) - **Who can apply:** Most passports (Non-British, non-Irish nationals needing permission) - **Spouse work:** Can work (Partner and children can apply as dependants. Your spouse or partner may work in the United Kingdom without a separate permit.) - **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime: Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025.) ## Key facts Skilled Worker is a work route for United Kingdom. Applicants need income from £33k a year ≈ $44k. You can stay 5 yrs, renewable. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Money needed:** from £33k a year ≈ $44k - **Government fees:** £819 ≈ $1,080 - **Processing:** 21–56 days - **First stay:** 5 yrs ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fee £819 ≈ $1,080; income to show from £33k/yr ≈ $44k; decision: 21–56 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: £819 ≈ $1,080** - GBP 819 (≈ $1,080) Standard application fee ranges from GBP 819 (≈ $1,080) (up to 3 years, job not on the immigration salary list) to GBP 1,865 (≈ $2,460) depending on length of stay and circumstances; healthcare surcharge GBP 1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year extra. **Shown, not spent: £42k+/yr ≈ $55k · +2 more** - GBP 41,700 a year (≈ $55,100) Standard minimum salary, or the occupation going rate if higher. - GBP 33,400 a year (≈ $44,100) Reduced minimum for applicants who qualify under the lower-salary provisions outside healthcare and education. - GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680) Funds to support yourself on arrival unless the sponsor covers costs or you are exempt. **Renewal: Renewable** Extend as many times as you like while you still meet the requirements. [UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa) **Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence** You can usually apply to settle permanently after 5 years in the UK if other requirements are met. [UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa) **Citizenship: After 6 years of residence** British citizenship needs 5 years living in the UK and then 12 months with settled status, so about 6 years on this route (no 12-month wait if married to a British citizen), with no more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain) **Processing: 21–56 days** Decisions usually come within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. [UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa) **Where to apply: Abroad or in-country** Apply online from outside the UK, or from inside the UK to extend or switch from another visa. [UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Needs a job offer from an employer in United Kingdom - Not open to passports from Ireland ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The applicant is a non-British, non-Irish national who needs permission. - A job offer from a Home Office approved sponsor with an eligible occupation code. - Medium-skilled codes qualify only if on the immigration salary list or temporary shortage list. - English at CEFR level B2; applicants who held the visa before 8 January 2026 and extend or update it need B1. #### What you must show - Salary of at least GBP41,700 (≈ $55,100) per year, or the occupation going rate if higher. - GBP33,400 (≈ $44,100) may apply to applicants who qualify under the lower-salary provisions outside healthcare and education. - Prison officers extending or switching use GBP31,300 (≈ $41,400). - Funds of GBP1,270 (≈ $1,680) unless the sponsor covers costs or the applicant is exempt. - Application fee from GBP819 (≈ $1,080) (up to 3 years, job not on the immigration salary list) to GBP1,865 (≈ $2,460). - Healthcare surcharge: GBP1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year. - Sponsor licence fee: GBP611 (≈ $810) for small businesses and charities, GBP1,682 (≈ $2,220) for medium and large organisations. ## When you become tax resident How United Kingdom decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 5 years at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** Statutory Residence Test. - **Foreign-source income:** **New-resident relief (4 years)** Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025. - **Special regime:** **Four-year Foreign Income and Gains regime** · Tax relief [All tax rules for United Kingdom](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Sponsored employment visa; the job must be at an eligible skill level and pay the higher of the general salary rate or the occupation going rate. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4) #### What you must show and pay - Income of at least GBP 41,700 a year (≈ $55,100) · Standard minimum salary, or the occupation going rate if higher. (source 1) - Income of at least GBP 33,400 a year (≈ $44,100) · Reduced minimum for applicants who qualify under the lower-salary provisions outside healthcare and education. (source 1) - Savings of at least GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680) · Funds to support yourself on arrival unless the sponsor covers costs or you are exempt. (source 3) - A fee of GBP 819 (≈ $1,080) · Standard application fee ranges from GBP 819 (≈ $1,080) (up to 3 years, job not on the immigration salary list) to GBP 1,865 (≈ $2,460) depending on length of stay and circumstances; healthcare surcharge GBP 1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year extra. (source 3) #### Requirements - The applicant is a non-British, non-Irish national who needs permission. (sources 1, 2, 3) - A job offer from a Home Office approved sponsor with an eligible occupation code. (source 1) - Medium-skilled codes qualify only if on the immigration salary list or temporary shortage list. (source 1) - English at CEFR level B2; applicants who held the visa before 8 January 2026 and extend or update it need B1. (sources 1, 5) - Salary of at least GBP41,700 (≈ $55,100) per year, or the occupation going rate if higher. (sources 1, 3) - GBP33,400 (≈ $44,100) may apply to applicants who qualify under the lower-salary provisions outside healthcare and education. (sources 1, 3) - Prison officers extending or switching use GBP31,300 (≈ $41,400). (sources 1, 2, 3) - Funds of GBP1,270 (≈ $1,680) unless the sponsor covers costs or the applicant is exempt. (sources 1, 3) - Application fee from GBP819 (≈ $1,080) (up to 3 years, job not on the immigration salary list) to GBP1,865 (≈ $2,460). (sources 1, 3) - Healthcare surcharge: GBP1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year. (sources 1, 3) - Sponsor licence fee: GBP611 (≈ $810) for small businesses and charities, GBP1,682 (≈ $2,220) for medium and large organisations. (source 1) #### Stay - Visa can last up to 5 years before extension; settlement may be possible after 5 years. - First stay: up to 60 months, decided case by case. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Nationality Non-British, non-Irish nationals needing permission Not open to: United Kingdom, Ireland. #### Work Work for the sponsoring employer. #### Family Partner and children can apply as dependants. Your spouse or partner may work in the United Kingdom without a separate permit. Checked 2026-10-11 ## Official sources 1. [Skilled Worker visa: your job](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Skilled Worker visa overview](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Skilled Worker visa: how much it costs](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Skilled Worker visa: your partner and children](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-12 5. [Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english) · UK Government (GOV.UK) · checked 2026-10-11 6. [Apply for citizenship if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11 ## Skilled Worker and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Skilled Worker | Needs income from £33k a year ≈ $44k | 5 yr, renewable | – | | [Health and Care Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/health-care-worker/) | Needs income of £25k+ a year ≈ $33k | 5 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Scale-up Worker](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/scale-up-worker/) | Needs income of £39k+ a year ≈ $52k | 2 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Senior or Specialist Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/senior-specialist-worker/) | Needs income of £53k+ a year ≈ $69k | 5 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/eu-blue-card/) Portugal | Needs income from €1,726 a month ≈ $1,930 | 2 yr, renewable | Limited | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Skilled Worker? Income of at least GBP 41,700 a year (≈ $55,100). Standard minimum salary, or the occupation going rate if higher. Income of at least GBP 33,400 a year (≈ $44,100). Reduced minimum for applicants who qualify under the lower-salary provisions outside healthcare and education. Savings of at least GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680). Funds to support yourself on arrival unless the sponsor covers costs or you are exempt. A fee of GBP 819 (≈ $1,080). Standard application fee ranges from GBP 819 (≈ $1,080) (up to 3 years, job not on the immigration salary list) to GBP 1,865 (≈ $2,460) depending on length of stay and circumstances; healthcare surcharge GBP 1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year extra. ### How long can I stay on the Skilled Worker? Visa can last up to 5 years before extension; settlement may be possible after 5 years. ### How long does the Skilled Worker take to process? Decisions usually come within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. ### Can I work on the Skilled Worker? Work for the sponsoring employer. ### Can I bring my family on the Skilled Worker? Partner and children can apply as dependants. ### Who can apply for the Skilled Worker? Non-British, non-Irish nationals needing permission Not open to: United Kingdom, Ireland. ### Does the Skilled Worker lead to permanent residence in United Kingdom? Time on the Skilled Worker counts toward permanent residence in United Kingdom, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Skilled Worker counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 6 years of residence. ### Is there a tax break for Skilled Worker holders in United Kingdom? Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime: Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/#tax-gb-fig-new-resident) Tax relief Foreign-source income: New-resident relief (4 years) **Details** - Who: UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025. #### Taxed on Claimed eligible foreign income and gains arising in the first four UK tax-resident years after at least ten years’ non-UK residence. Examples include foreign trade conducted wholly outside the UK, overseas property-business profits, non-UK dividends and foreign interest. Foreign employment earnings and specified employment income are outside FIG. #### Who it applies to - UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test. - Within the first 4 years of UK tax residence after at least 10 years as non-UK resident. - Claim made annually; unused years do not roll over; temporary years abroad are skipped. - If the 4 years began before 6 April 2025, claims are available from 2025 to 2026 to the last year of the period. #### Exclusions - UK-source income stays taxable. - Foreign earnings and foreign specific employment income are not eligible, though Overseas Workday Relief may apply. - A claim loses Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax tax-free allowances, Marriage Allowance, Married Couples Allowance and Blind Person's Allowance. #### Tax residence Qualifying resident means UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test and within the first four years of UK residence after at least a 10-year period as non-UK tax resident. #### Visas Immigration permission does not qualify anyone; eligibility is tax residence only. #### Other taxes National Insurance, VAT, payroll, UK-source income, treaties and home-country taxes are outside the claim. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/) ## More in United Kingdom [Global Talent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/global-talent/) [High Potential Individual](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/high-potential-individual/) [India Young Professionals visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/india-young-professionals/) [Youth Mobility Scheme](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/youth-mobility-scheme/) [Innovator Founder](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/innovator-founder/) [UK Expansion Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/uk-expansion-worker/) [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/student-visa/) [British citizenship by descent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/citizenship-by-descent/) ## Work visas elsewhere [🇪🇸 EU Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇪 IT sector permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/it-residence-permit/) [🇮🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇷 Large-company director permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-executive-b3/) [🇩🇪 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/eu-blue-card/) [🇫🇷 Talent · Company officer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/talent-corporate-officer/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Skilled Worker visa: your job](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Skilled Worker visa overview](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa) · UK Government (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Skilled Worker visa: how much it costs](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Skilled Worker visa: your partner and children](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-12 5. [Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english) · UK Government (GOV.UK) · checked 2026-10-11 6. [Apply for citizenship if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.