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You can now work in the UK on a tourist visa

The new year comes with some new updates for travellers. The UK government has updated its visa policy to allow travellers on tourist visas to work while visiting the country. The change in immigration rules, effective from 31 January 2024, will allow visa holders to conduct work-related activities in the UK as long as their reason to visit is tourism, visiting family, or any non work-related activity.

In November 2023, the UK government expanded its immigration rules to allow a wider range of paid engagements for business travellers. As part of this update, the Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) visa for experts coming to the UK to undertake paid engagements will now cease to exist, with everything allowed under the PPE visa incorporated into the six-month visitor visa . This will include activities such as attending meetings, interviews, and conferences; site inspections; negotiations; and signing off on deals and contracts. What it will not include is remote work as a digital nomad, as those looking to visit the UK primarily for work will need to apply for a relevant skilled worker visa.

The work being conducted should be finished during their stay in the country (up to six months), and meet the requirements and allowances as per the new rules. These include:

• Those working in the UK on a visitor visa must not have paid work as their primary reason for visiting.
• Those employed by an overseas company may consult or provide training or services on an internal project with UK-based employees of their corporate group.
• Those employed by companies with both British and overseas branches may engage in direct client work as long as it constitutes a small part of their overseas responsibilities and is required by their UK branch.
• Scientists, researchers, and academics may conduct research in the UK, and lawyers may also engage in activities such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.

New Rules for UK Visitors: Working on a Visit Visa

In This Article 

• Introduction
• Greater Clarity on Remote Working as a Visitor
• Intra-Corporate Activities: Direct Client Work
• Research by Scientists, Researchers and Academics
• Permitted Activities for Legal Professionals
• Contact our Immigration Barristers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Additional Resources

1. Introduction

In the last few months, the Government has introduced a whole host of changes to the Immigration Rules , including to the Visitor visa rules which are spread across a number of “Visitor appendices”: notably, Appendix V: Visitor , Appendix Visitor: Visa national list , and Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities .

This post will examine four specific changes in relation to the Visitor visa rules: (1) the clarifications regarding remote working, (2) the lifting of the ban on client-facing work for intra-corporate employees, (3) the greater scope for research and collaboration by scientists, researchers and academics, and (4) the expansion of permitted activities for legal professionals. This post also serves as an update for our previous posts:  UK Visit Visa: What Activities Are Permitted? and  Dos and don’ts of conducting business on a visit visa.

This is the first of two posts regarding changes to the Visitor visa rules; the new rules around “permitted paid engagements” will be examined in a subsequent blog post.

2. Greater Clarity on Remote Working as a Visitor

The default position, both under the old and new rules, is that Visitors must not intend to work while in the UK, unless this work is one of the “permitted activities” that is expressly allowed in the Visitor appendices. Under the old rules, the list of permitted “General Business Activities” allowed Visitors to:

(a) attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews; and 

(b) give a one-off or short series of talks and speeches provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser; and 

(c) negotiate and sign deals and contracts; and 

(d) attend trade fairs, for promotional work only, provided the Visitor is not directly selling; and (e) carry out site visits and inspections; and 

(f) gather information for their employment overseas; and

(g) be briefed on the requirements of a UK based customer, provided any work for the customer is done outside of the UK.

There was previously no mention of remote working in any of the Visitor appendices, whether as a permitted activity or otherwise. Given the overarching rule of “no work”, this seemed to indicate that Visitors were not allowed to work remotely in the UK.

However, the new rules have added a new activity to the list of permitted “General Business Activities”, such that Visitors are now also able to:

(h) undertake activities relating to their employment overseas remotely from within the UK, providing this is not the primary purpose of their visit.

The corresponding Home Office policy document confirms that Visitors can therefore undertake remote activities relating to their overseas employment such as responding to emails, answering phone calls, or participating in remote meetings.

Caveats to Remote Working as a Visitor

Though this change is a welcome and timely nod to the increase in remote working, particularly post-pandemic, there are three caveats to keep in mind.

First, remote working must not be the primary purpose of your visit. The primary purpose of your visit must therefore be a different permitted activity – whether this is tourism, visiting friends and family, attending conferences, signing deals, or some other permitted activity listed in the Visitor appendices.

The Home Office will check whether you are attempting to enter the UK specifically to work remotely from the UK, as this is not permitted. The Home Office will consider the length of your proposed stay, and whether a stay of that length is only financially viable via ongoing remote work. Thus, if the viability of your visit relies “substantially” on supporting yourself through remote work, the guidance states that work should be considered the “primary” purpose of your visit. 

Further, the rules prohibit Visitors from living in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits; this is true whether or not the Visitor is undertaking remote work while in the UK. The guidance notes that, where an applicant intends to spend a large proportion of their time in the UK and will be doing some remote work during their visit, the application will be scrutinised to ensure that the individual is genuinely employed overseas and is not seeking to work in the UK. 

In short, the new reference in the rules to remote working does not amount to the introduction of a “digital nomad”-style Visitor visa in the UK. 

Second, the remote work must relate to the Visitor’s overseas employment; Visitors cannot work for UK employers or fill a role within a UK organisation, even on a remote or “work from home” basis. The general prohibition on “work in the UK” encompasses employment in the UK, work for an organisation or business in the UK (including work while seconded to a UK company, or for a UK branch of an overseas employer), establishing or running a business as a self-employed person in the UK, doing a work placement or internship in the UK, and providing goods and services in the UK. All of these activities require some form of business visa , short-term work visa , or long-term work visa , and cannot be undertaken as a Visitor.

Given that Visitors undertaking remote work in the UK must be employed overseas, the guidance states that such Visitors are likely to stay for less than one month in the UK (presumably on the basis that the Visitor will need to return to their overseas employment). The guidance indicates that visits of over one month will be scrutinised to check that work is not the “primary” purpose, and states that activities lasting more than 90 days may lead to questions about the nature of the Visitor’s remote work.

Third, the fact that remote work must relate to a Visitor’s overseas employment ties into an existing rule: Visitors must not receive payment from a UK source for any activities undertaken in the UK (other than some narrowly defined exceptions, such as reasonable travel expenses, prize money, and certain “permitted paid engagements”). Thus, the expectation is that the payment for any remote work undertaken in the UK will not come from a UK source, but rather from the overseas employer for whom the remote work is being undertaken.

3. Intra-Corporate Activities: Direct Client Work

Under the previous rules regarding permitted “Intra-corporate Activities”, an employee of an overseas-based company could, while in the UK as a Visitor, undertake particular activities for a “specific internal project with UK employees of the same corporate group” (e.g. advising and consulting, troubleshooting, providing training). However, the old rules explicitly stated that Visitors could only undertake these activities “provided no work is carried out directly with clients”.

The new rules have removed this prohibition on working directly with clients, meaning an overseas-based employee can now also undertake the permitted “Intra-corporate Activities” directly with clients. However, direct client work is only allowed if:

(a) the employee’s movement is in an intra-corporate setting and any client facing activity is incidental to their employment abroad; and 

(b) these activities are required for the delivery of a project or service by the UK branch of the Visitor’s employer overseas, and are not part of a project or service that is being delivered directly to the UK client by the Visitor’s employer overseas.

As clarified by the guidance, any direct client work undertaken by the Visitor should not be the “primary purpose” of their visit to the UK, but “incidental” to their overseas employment.

The guidance states that it is therefore acceptable for an applicant to travel to the UK to support their UK-based colleagues on a project led from the UK branch, where this naturally leads to the Visitor undertaking direct client work. Conversely, the guidance states that, if an applicant travels to the UK to undertake direct client work, independently of a project led from the UK branch, the client-facing work would not be “incidental” to the applicant’s overseas employment, and the application would likely be refused.

4. Research by Scientists, Researchers and Academics

Under the old rules, scientists and researchers were permitted to gather information and facts for a “specific project which directly relates to their employment overseas”, or to conduct “independent research”. Meanwhile, academics were permitted to carry out research “for their own purposes” only if they were on sabbatical leave from their home institution.

The new rules no longer distinguish between scientists and researchers on the one hand, and academics on the other; instead, they simply state that academics, scientists and researchers may “collaborate, gather information and facts, or conduct research, either for a specific project which directly relates to their employment overseas, or independently”.

Thus, scientists and researchers can now collaborate and conduct research for projects relating directly to their overseas employment (beyond merely fact-gathering), while academics can now conduct research without being on sabbatical leave. 

However, it is important to note that these changes relate only to “Standard” Visitors who are visiting the UK for up to 6 months. Academics applying for 12-month Visitor visas are subject to a number of additional requirements, and are still required to be on sabbatical leave from their home institution if they wish to carry out research for their own purposes.

5. Permitted Activities for Legal Professionals

Under the previous rules, an overseas lawyer was only able to “advise a UK-based client on specific international litigation and/or an international transaction”. The new rules have greatly expanded this category of permitted activities, such that overseas lawyers can now “provide legal services” while in the UK as a Visitor. This is a very broadly defined permitted activity, which includes but is not limited to:

(a) advice; and

(b) appearing in arbitrations; and

(c) acting as an arbitrator or mediator; and

(d) acting as an expert witness; and

(e) appearing in court in jurisdictions which allow short term call or where qualified in that jurisdiction; and

(f) conferences, teaching; and

(g) providing advocacy for a court or tribunal hearing; and

(h) litigation; and

(i) transactional legal services, including drafting contracts

6. Contact our Immigration Barristers

For expert advice regarding travel and entry to the UK, and regarding working in the UK as a Visitor, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely while visiting the UK on a Visitor visa?

Yes, but only if the remote work is related to your employment overseas and is not the primary purpose of your visit.

What are the restrictions on remote working as a Visitor?

Remote working must not be the primary purpose of your visit, must relate to overseas employment, and you cannot receive payment from a UK source.

Can I undertake client-facing work as an intra-corporate employee visiting the UK?

Yes, but only if the client work is incidental to your overseas employment and relates to a project led by the UK branch of your employer.

What activities can scientists, researchers, and academics undertake in the UK as Visitors?

They can collaborate, gather information, and conduct research, whether for a specific project related to their overseas employment or independently.

Are there special requirements for academics visiting the UK on a 12-month visa?

Yes, academics on a 12-month visa must be on sabbatical leave from their home institution to conduct research for their own purposes.

What legal services can overseas lawyers provide while visiting the UK?

Overseas lawyers can provide a wide range of legal services, including advising, appearing in arbitrations, acting as mediators or expert witnesses, and conducting litigation.

What should I consider if I plan to stay in the UK for more than one month as a Visitor?

The Home Office will scrutinize visits longer than one month to ensure that work is not the primary purpose of your visit and that you are genuinely employed overseas.

Is it possible to live in the UK long-term through successive Visitor visas?

No, Visitors are prohibited from living in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, regardless of whether they are undertaking remote work.

8. Glossary

Visitor Visa : A type of UK visa that allows individuals to enter the UK for short stays, typically for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. It does not generally permit work or long-term residency.

Appendix V: Visitor : A section of the UK Immigration Rules that outlines the conditions, restrictions, and permitted activities for individuals entering the UK as Visitors.

Remote Working : Performing job duties from a location outside of the employer’s office, typically using digital communication tools. Under the UK Visitor visa rules, remote work is only permitted if it relates to employment overseas and is not the primary reason for visiting the UK.

Intra-Corporate Activities : Business activities carried out by employees of multinational companies who visit the UK to work on projects with UK branches of their employer. The rules now allow some direct client interaction as long as it is incidental to their main overseas employment.

Permitted Activities : Specific activities that Visitors can engage in while in the UK, as defined by the Immigration Rules. Examples include attending business meetings, conferences, and, under new rules, certain remote working activities.

Primary Purpose : The main reason or intent behind a Visitor’s trip to the UK. If work, including remote work, is deemed the primary purpose of the visit, it may lead to visa refusal.

Client-Facing Work : Interaction with clients as part of job duties. Under the new rules, this is allowed for intra-corporate employees, provided it is incidental to their primary overseas role.

Standard Visitor : A category of Visitor visa for individuals coming to the UK for short-term stays, typically up to six months, for tourism, business, or other permitted activities.

Sabbatical Leave : A period of leave granted to academics or professionals to focus on research or personal development. Under UK rules, academics on sabbatical can conduct research during their visit if on a 12-month Visitor visa.

Digital Nomad : A person who works remotely while traveling. The UK’s Visitor visa does not permit long-term remote work in the UK, differentiating it from a “digital nomad” visa.

Home Office : The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order. It sets and enforces the rules regarding Visitor visas and permissible activities in the UK.

Overseas Employment : Employment with a company or organization based outside the UK. Visitors are allowed to work remotely for their overseas employer while in the UK, under specific conditions.

Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) : Specific paid activities allowed under a Visitor visa, such as lectures or performances, for which Visitors may receive payment. These are subject to additional rules and are not the primary focus of this post.

Visa National : A person who must obtain a visa before traveling to the UK, regardless of the purpose or duration of the visit. The Visa National list details which countries’ nationals require a visa to enter the UK as Visitors.

9. Additional Resources

Appendix V: Immigration Rules for Visitors

The official government document detailing the Immigration Rules related to Visitor visas.

UK Government: Visa National List

List of countries whose nationals need to obtain a visa before visiting the UK, whether for tourism, business, or other purposes.

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UK new visa rule: You can now work in the country on tourist visa. Check what’s allowed, what’s not

The united kingdom will introduce changes in its visa rules on january 31, allowing tourist visa holders to work with clients and work remotely while visiting the country..

As per the latest updates, tourist visa holders will now be granted permission to engage in work-related activities with clients and undertake remote work while visiting the UK. It’s expected that this move will provide a consider … Read more

As per the latest updates, tourist visa holders will now be granted permission to engage in work-related activities with clients and undertake remote work while visiting the UK. It’s expected that this move will provide a considerable boost to both business and tourism within the country. Read less

More from Travel News

World’s strongest passports for visa-free travel in 2024

• Employees of companies with branches in both the UK and internationally can engage in client work abroad, provided it constitutes a small portion of their overseas responsibilities, which is crucial for a project or service by their UK branch, and is not directly delivered to a UK client by the overseas employer.
• While visitors can work remotely from the UK, the primary purpose of their stay should not be remote work.
• Scientists, researchers, and academics are permitted to conduct research in the UK, with certain exceptions for academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or seeking permission extensions within the country.
• Lawyers will be allowed to engage in additional activities, such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.
• The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be integrated into the Standard Visitor route, eliminating the need for a separate visa for those involved in paid engagements, though they must still plan the activity within 30 days of arrival.

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As per the latest updates, tourist visa holders will now be granted permission to engage in work-related activities with clients and undertake remote work while visiting the UK. It’s expected that thi...

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How to apply for a visa to come to the UK

Choose a visa.

You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family.

There are different visas depending on:

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Your application must be approved before you travel.

You do not need to apply for a visa if you’re an Irish citizen.

If you want to visit the UK

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:

• for a holiday or to see family and friends
• for a business trip or meeting
• to do a short course of study

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.

If you have a visitor visa you cannot take a job in the UK.

If you’re travelling through the UK

You might need a visa if you’re travelling through the UK on your way to another country, for example if you have a layover between flights.

Apply for a visa to travel through the UK .

If you want to study in the UK

Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.

A Standard Visitor visa lets you do a short course of study that lasts no longer than 6 months.

A Short-term study visa lets you come to the UK to study an English language course that is over 6 months and up to 11 months.

A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. On this visa, you may be able to do some work.

A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over, this visa lets you do some work.

If you want to work in the UK

You can work in the UK on a short or long-term basis with a work visa. There are many types of work visa .

The visa you need depends upon:

• your skills and qualifications
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• if you want to bring your family with you
• what you’ll be doing - for example sporting, charitable or religious work

You can set up a business with an Innovator Founder visa .

If you want to join family in the UK

If you’re a spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or settlement in the UK, you can apply for a family visa to join them. They may need to show that they can support you financially.

You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain ( ILR ) after a set amount of time living in the UK.

If your family member is in the UK on a visa

You may be able to apply for a visa to join a family member who’s in the UK on a visa. They must be either:

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Check what visa you’ll need to join them.

Family reunion visas for refugees

If you were separated from your partner or child when you were forced to leave your country, they can apply to join you in the UK.

Your family members can apply if you have been given asylum or 5 years’ humanitarian protection, and not have British citizenship.

If your family member is from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can apply for a free EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK if you have a close family member who:

• was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
• has pre-settled or settled status
• you had a relationship with by 31 December 2020 (unless you’re applying for a child who was born or adopted after this date)

Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent.

A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK after your family permit expires. You usually need to apply within 3 months of arriving in the UK.

Other ways to get permission to live in the UK

If you’re from the eu, switzerland, norway, iceland or liechtenstein.

If you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme instead of applying for a visa. The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021, but you can still apply if you can show reasonable grounds for the delay in applying.

Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme .

You can only apply from outside the UK if you have a valid passport or national identity card with a biometric chip.

Commonwealth citizens

You can apply for an Ancestry visa to work in the UK if you have a British grandparent and meet other eligibility criteria.

You may have right of abode to live in the UK.

If you’re a Commonwealth citizen and cannot prove your right to be in the UK, read about the Windrush scheme .

Returning residents

You’ll need to apply for a returning resident visa to come back to the UK if one of the following is true:

you had indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme (‘settled status’) and left the UK for more than 5 continuous years (or 4 continuous years if you’re a Swiss citizen or their family member)

you had permanent permission to stay in the UK (‘indefinite leave to remain’) but it was not under the EU Settlement Scheme and you left the UK for more than 2 years

Other visas

There may be another visa that’s right for you based on your circumstances. Check if you need a visa and what other visas you’re eligible for.

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New 2024 uk visit visa rules | work in the uk without a work permit, introduction.

The United Kingdom’s immigration landscape is constantly evolving, and with the new, proposed 2024 UK visit visa rules potentially coming into effect, it’s crucial for potential visitors, business travellers , and legal professionals to stay informed. This guide provides an up-to-date overview of the significant changes and what they mean for you.

Key Changes in 2024 UK Visit Visa Rules

The UK government has introduced several key amendments to the visit visa rules effective from 31 January 2024. These changes are aimed at facilitating business and research activities, while also adapting to modern work trends like remote working.

Intra-Corporate Activities and Remote Working

• Intra-Corporate Activities : A major shift is the allowance for individuals employed abroad to engage directly with clients in the UK. This includes consulting, training, and sharing skills, provided these activities are incidental to the visitor’s employment abroad.
• Remote Working Permission : Visitors can now engage in remote work related to their overseas employment during their UK stay, as long as it’s not the primary purpose of their visit.

Expanding Opportunities in the Aviation and Legal Fields

• Aviation Industry Adjustments : Flight crew members can now enter the UK under approved wet lease arrangements between March and October, streamlining previous concessions.
• Legal Professionals’ Expanded Scope : Legal professionals have more flexibility in their permitted activities, including advising, arbitration, and litigation services.

Enhancements for Scientists, Researchers, and Academics Visiting the UK.

Researchers and academics visiting the UK can now participate in research projects beyond their individual purposes, expanding the scope of their professional activities during their stay.

Paid Engagements and Consolidation of Visitor Routes

• Paid Engagements : Conference speakers are now allowed remuneration for their participation, marking a significant change in the policy.
• Visitor Route Consolidation : The Permitted Paid Engagement visitor route is merged into the Standard Visitor route, simplifying the visa process for those engaging in paid activities.

Changes to the Youth Mobility Scheme

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), a pivotal program for cultural and professional exchange, has undergone significant enhancements in 2024, reflecting the UK’s evolving immigration policy.

Uruguay Inclusion

• Expansion of Eligibility : Uruguay’s addition to the YMS opens doors for up to 500 Uruguayan citizens annually, offering a unique opportunity for cultural and professional exchange.
• Application Process : Uruguayan applicants must meet the standard YMS criteria, including age and financial requirements, to explore work and travel opportunities in the UK.

Increased Allocations for Japan and South Korea

• Japan and South Korea Quota Increase : The scheme now allows for 6,000 Japanese and 5,000 South Korean participants each year, significantly increasing cultural and professional exchange opportunities.
• Age Limit Adjustment for South Koreans : The age range for South Korean applicants is now expanded to 18-35 years, offering a wider demographic the chance to experience life in the UK.

How to Comply with New Rules Visit Visa Rules

To comply with the 2024 uk visit visa rules effectively:.

• Identify Relevant Changes : Pinpoint which specific rule changes apply to your visit’s purpose, whether it’s for business, tourism, or academic research.
• Activity Alignment : Ensure that your planned activities in the UK align with the updated visa guidelines, particularly in areas like remote working, intra-corporate projects, and legal services.
• Document Preparation : Compile and prepare documentation that substantiates your visit’s purpose and demonstrates compliance with the new rules. This may include employment letters, invitations for conferences, or proof of ongoing projects abroad.

FAQs on 2024 UK Visit Visa Rules

Q: what are the conditions for remote working on a uk visit visa.

A : Remote working is permitted under the new rules, but it must not be the primary reason for your visit to the UK. This means that while visitors can continue their work for an overseas employer, the main purpose of their stay should be tourism, visiting family, or another non-work-related activity. Additionally, the work done remotely should be related to the visitor’s overseas employment.

Q: How do the new rules affect flight crew members?

A : The 2024 changes positively impact flight crew members, allowing them to enter the UK under wet lease arrangements approved by the Civil Aviation Authority . This provision is primarily available between March and October and is designed to streamline the process for aviation professionals working with UK airlines on temporary assignments.

Q: Can legal professionals provide services under the new visit visa rules?

A : Yes, the new rules significantly broaden the scope for legal professionals visiting the UK. They can now engage in a variety of legal services, including advice, representation in arbitrations, acting as a mediator, and participating in legal conferences or educational events. This change acknowledges the global nature of legal work and facilitates cross-border legal collaboration.

Q: Are there any changes to the research activities allowed under the visit visa?

A : Absolutely, the new rules expand the scope for scientists, researchers, and academics. They can now engage in research activities directly related to their employment abroad, rather than being restricted to independent research. This opens up opportunities for collaborative projects with UK-based institutions and enhances the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Q: What changes have been made to the Permitted Paid Engagements for visitors?

A : One of the notable changes is the inclusion of conference speaking as a Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE). Visitors can now be remunerated for participating as speakers at conferences. Furthermore, the Permitted Paid Engagement visitor route has been merged into the Standard Visitor route, simplifying the process for those engaging in paid activities. However, these engagements must be pre-arranged and completed within 30 days of arrival in the UK.

Navigating the updated 2024 UK visit visa rules requires a clear understanding of the changes and their implications. By aligning activities with the new guidelines and preparing the necessary documentation, visitors can ensure a compliant and enjoyable UK experience. For in-depth guidance and support, refer to our  UK Visit Visas   page.

If You Want to Apply for UK Visit Visa, Don’t Hesitate To Contact Our Expert Immigration Solicitors At Primus Today!

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[email protected], new uk visa rule: tourists can work in 2024.

The United Kingdom has announced significant revisions to its visa regulations, set to take effect on January 31, 2024. In a move aimed at enhancing both business opportunities and tourism, holders of tourist visas will now be permitted to work within the country.

Under the updated guidelines, employees of companies operating both in the UK and internationally can undertake work involving clients abroad. However, this work must constitute only a minor aspect of their responsibilities outside the UK and must be integral to a project or service based in the UK. While remote work is permissible, the primary purpose of the visit must not be remote employment.

The UK government will also extend permissions for scientists, researchers, and academics conducting research within the country. Exceptions include academics who may apply for a 12-month visit visa, with the option to seek extensions while in the UK. Additionally, lawyers will have the opportunity to engage in various activities such as providing legal advice, acting as expert witnesses, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.

In a bid to streamline processes, the Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be incorporated into the Standard Visitor route. This integration eliminates the need for a separate visa for individuals involved in paid engagements, provided that such engagements are arranged within 30 days of arrival.

The revisions follow the earlier commitment made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to expand business visitor regulations. This expansion aims to afford business professionals a wider array of approved activities, including participation in paid engagements, thereby facilitating increased business opportunities within the UK

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Rules for UK visit visas and permitted paid activities are changing, here’s how

UPDATED 1 February 2024

In the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt promised that “the government will expand the business visitor rules to allow businesspeople to engage in a wider range of permitted activities and paid engagements, to take effect from January 2024. The government will also explore further reforms to the business visitor rules, during 2024.”

The first of these changes, now take effect from 31 January 2024. They are not a major reform of the business and other permitted activities that can be carried out on a visit visa, but there are some important changes which I outline below.

The main difference is that the one month Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) visa for experts in their field coming to the UK to undertake specific paid engagements ceases to exist as everything that was allowed under the PPE visa is now incorporated into the six months Standard Visitor visa. However, such activities will have to be carried out in the first 30 days regardless whether someone chooses to stay longer in the UK.

NB: where the activities are the usual activities permitted as a visitor – which range from attending a trade fair to promote a product to donating a bodily organ and can be found here – visitors can carry them out at any point during the granted stay. It is only activities that are classed as PPE that must be carried out in the first 30 days of your stay.

Please contact us on  0207 033 9527  or at  [email protected] for a free initial consultation if you need more clarity of what activities people can carry out entering Britain on the visitor route or want advice on a visit to the UK.

What is a visitor?

The UK Visitor route is for people who “want to visit the UK for a temporary period, (usually for up to six months), for purposes such as tourism, visiting friends or family, carrying out a business activity, or undertaking a short course of study.”

This category may be suitable for people who intend to stay in the UK for up to six months and will not be engaging in any unpermitted paid work or study.

Visitors can come to the UK for tourism or certain business activities – these include: negotiating and signing deals and contracts; carrying out site visits or inspections; servicing machinery sold to a British customer or promoting their business at trade fairs (though they cannot sell things).

From 31 January, the PPE will cease to exist and engagements permitted as PPE – which can be found here – will be able to be carried out under a Standard Visitor visa, as well as some new activities – see below.

Some visitors will require a visa – or entry clearance for the UK unless they are a “non-visa national”(see next question). You can contact our friendly immigration lawyers if you are unsure or want advice on a visit to the UK.

Who needs a Visit visa for the UK?

British or Irish citizen enjoy free movement into the UK without the need of a visa. Those with permission on the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or another type of UK visa relevant to the purpose of their trip do not need to apply for a visit visa either.

For everyone else, the UK Government has an occasionally updated list of countries whose citizens are “Visa nationals.” You can find the list here . Visa nationals must apply for a visitor visa and obtain entry clearance before their arrival in the UK. There are exceptions such as emergency travel documents and diplomatic passports.

Those not on the list of Visa Nationals generally do not need a Visitor visa to come to the UK, so long as they stick to permitted activities and are not coming to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership or give notice of impending marriage or civil partnership (unless British, Irish or EUSS). However, with a criminal record or a poor immigration history, they may wish to consider applying for a visit visa anyway so that their circumstances can be considered before arrival at the border.

Stateless people and people travelling with any document other than a national passport or national identity card should also apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK.

What are January’s changes for visit visas to the UK?

As of 31 January 2024, the activities that visitors can undertake in the UK has expanded. Instead of either applying for a Standard Visitor visa (up to six months) or a Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) visa (up to one month) which allows certain other specified activities, the Standard Visitor visa now allows all the usual activities such as attending meetings, interviews, conferences or seminars, site inspections, negotiating and signing deals and contracts, as well as the paid engagements allowed under the current PPE visa if invited as an expert in a qualifying profession by a qualifying UK-based organisation or client.

The additional activities that can be undertaken apply to anyone who makes their visa application on or after 31 January 2024, as well as non-visa nationals entering the UK as a visitor on or after this date.

As for non-visa nationals who do not need to make an application prior to their entry, the additional activities apply if they enter the UK as a visitor on or after this date.

Changes to Permitted Activities that visitors can participate in over the whole of their stay

Intra-corporate activities.

For these activities, the current restriction of working directly with clients has been removed. An employee of an overseas company may now undertake the following activities with clients:

• Advising and consulting;
• Trouble-shooting;
• Providing training and
• Sharing skills and knowledge.

They are permitted to do the above provided that the activities are required for the delivery of a project or service by the UK branch rather than a project or service that is being delivered by the overseas business. Any client facing activity must also be incidental to their employment abroad.

Providing legal services

The permitted activities for overseas lawyers are also expanding considerably.

Before 31 January, they were only permitted to advise a UK based client on specific international litigation and/or an international transaction. Under the new Immigration Rules, they are now able to provide a wider range of legal services which does not just have to be for a UK based client any more.

They may now conduct the following activities:

• Appearing in arbitration;
• Acting as an arbitrator/mediator;
• Acting as an expert witness;
• Appearing in court in jurisdictions which allow short term call or where qualified in that jurisdiction;
• Conferences, teaching;
• Providing advocacy for a court or tribunal hearing;
• Litigation and
• Transactional legal services, including drafting contracts.

Science and academia

Academics, Scientists and researchers had been restricted to carrying out research for their own purposes if they are on sabbatical from their home institution.

Under the new Rules, they are permitted to conduct research either for a specific project which directly relates to their employment overseas or independently without having to be on sabbatical.

Manufacture and supply of goods to the UK

An employee of an overseas company may install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment or software or train UK based workers to provide these services where there is a contract with a UK organisation and the overseas company is the manufacturer or supplier or part of a contractual arrangement for after sales services.

According to the latest Home Office Guidance employees will now also be able to enter the UK if “required, for safety reasons, to operate equipment, machinery, or hardware that is being provided under contract of purchase, supply or lease to a UK company or organisation.”

Permitted paid engagements

As mentioned above, all visitors on the standard visitor route can now carry out activities classed as permitted paid engagements: from January there is no separate Permitted Paid Engagement route.

However, the engagements must be arranged before the individual travels to the UK, the engagement must be declared as part of an application for entry , it must be evidenced by a formal invitation, and it must relate to the individual’s area of expertise and occupation overseas.

We would advise both visa nationals and  non-visa nationals to have formal invitations for their engagements ready and with them.

An additional requirement is that the permitted paid engagements will be completed within 30 days of the visitor’s entry to the UK despite the fact that the maximum initial length of stay as a visitor in the UK is up to six months.

Additionally, applicants who are seeking to undertake a permitted paid engagement must be aged 18 or over when they enter the UK instead of the previous condition that they are aged 18 or over on the date of application.

Speaking at a one-off talk or short series of talks and speeches is now also included as a permitted paid engagement, where visitors have been invited to a conference or other event. This was previously not allowed if this was a profit making event. Home Office Guidance published in January adds “speakers may be invited to a wide range of events, such as business events, or one-off or a series of lectures in an academic setting. If the speaker is being invited to a trade fair they should not be directly selling to the public.”

General Business Activities – Remote working

The UK Government has also clarified that visitors are allowed to work remotely from the UK on activities relating to their employment overseas, providing this is not the primary purpose of their visit. The new Rules do not seem to contain restrictions on the range of work activities that may be carried out remotely, but the Home Office published the following Guidance in January which should inform how Immigration Officers decide if visitors will be crossing the line between working in the UK unlawfully and occasionally logging in to work emails and remote meetings:

• when looking at what is the primary purpose of the stay, decision makers are instructed to consider the proposed length of stay and whether a stay of such a length would be financially viable without remote working on an ongoing basis
• it is likely that visitors who will undertake some remote work should be staying for less than one month; further, while activities lasting more than 90 days are not an automatic ground for refusal this may lead to questions about the nature of the remote work
• where a visitor is coming to the UK to undertake permitted business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, they can also work remotely as part of their overseas employment, but decision makers must ensure that this does not amount to the applicant being seconded to a UK company or organisation, or to the UK branch of their overseas employer

So for those planning to decamp to British beach resorts such as Torquay with their laptops, I’m afraid this is not a way to indulge a digital nomad lifestyle on the English Riviera. People are still not permitted to come to the UK as a visitor for the express purpose of remote working. In most cases, if a person wants to work remotely in the UK, they will need an appropriate visa with work authorisation, such as a Skilled Worker visa . So work cannot be the primary purpose of a visit, though visitors can carry out some work while enjoying all the surprises that South Devon’s beautiful coastline has to offer…

Photo of airport by CHUTTERSNAP/Unsplash, Brixham seal by Ben Gelblum