Visiting UK? Now you can work remotely

The United Kingdom has opened its doors to visitors for remote working. From January 31, 2024, individuals travelling to the UK have been allowed to work remotely while visiting.

However, the UK has not yet launched a digital visa.

The primary intent of their visit must be that of a visitor (be it a vacation, meeting with family members, attending a conference or business meetings, or engaging in other non work-related activities), states Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, a law firm.
These regulations prevent individuals from entering the UK with the main intention of working remotely, marking a notable contrast with the ‘digital nomad’ visas available in various other nations like Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and numerous others.

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In its immigration-update communique the law firm explains that permission granted is strictly limited to the remote performance of employment duties.

Visitors are prohibited from engaging with the local market, working for organizations in the UK, or directly providing goods and services to the public. These rules prohibit visitors from traveling to the UK with the primary purpose of remote working, which is a significant difference compared to the digital nomad visas offered by other countries.The recent addition to the immigration regulations regarding remote work allows for tasks like checking emails, taking phone calls, joining virtual meetings, and fulfilling any other job responsibilities that can be accomplished using telecommunications.

The visa changes have also created additional opportunities for researchers, scientists and academics, who now have permission to conduct research in the UK as part of their visit.

The research can be independent or relate directly to their employment overseas. Previously, travellers would have been obligated to apply for a visa to engage in such activities, explains Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Furthermore, the list of Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) will be extended to allow payment for speakers at conferences. PPE visitors will still need to plan and carry out any activities within 30 days of their arrival in the country, it adds.

(With TOI inputs)