A company in Poland may send employees to the UK for a project lasting less than 6 months, without having to apply for a work visa, under the following conditions:
Working in the UK: Opportunities for Polish Companies: Short Projects
1. A Polish company has a contract for purchase, supply or lease with a UK company or organisation and either:
- the Polish company is the manufacturer or supplier; or
- the Polish company is part of a contractual arrangement for after-sales services agreed upon at the time of the sale or lease, including in a warranty or other service contract incidental to the sale or lease.
- The employees will continue to be employed and paid in Poland.
- The employees will be in the UK for 6 months or less.
- The employees must meet all requirements of the Immigration Rules for a standard visitor.
- Upon entry to the UK, the employees will disclose to the Immigration Officers the nature of their jobs and provide evidence that they meet the above conditions.
It is advisable to provide a letter prepared by the Polish employer to the employees going to the UK for a short project.
Before signing any contractual agreements with the UK company, the Polish company should consider the costs of the flights (it is expected that the employees will have their return flights booked as well) and provide accommodation.
If the arrangements between the Polish and UK companies cover a long-term project where the working relationship between the employees and the UK company resembles employment, then it would be more appropriate to consider applications for a sponsored working visa instead.
For advice contact:
Jarmila Entezari on jarmilaentezari@cartercamerons.com