General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) work permits are issued to employers who do not have a commercial presence in the EU, in other words a non-European employer.

The company must be based in a country that is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and is also signed up to the GATS agreement with the WTO. This allows an employer to have employees work in the UK on service contracts awarded by British organisations.

The employee must have:

• high-level skills
• must also have a recognised degree-level qualification
• professional qualifications
• three years professional experience in the relevant sector
• and 12 months of employment by the overseas company

If you are an overseas employer and require help or assistance to obtain a GATS work permit (visa), then please complete the free assessment form and submit this on-line now for an initial, no obligation assessment of your visa requirements. We will respond to you usually within 48 working hours giving our initial view on your chances of obtaining a UK visa. Alternatively call to speak to a solicitor now on +44 (0)870 770 9846.