Football Visa UK & ESC Work Permit Explained

esc work permit

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There is no specific “football visa” for the UK. Instead, international players looking to sign with English clubs must apply through existing work visa routes. The two main options are the International Sportsperson Visa and the Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) exemption, both of which operate under strict Home Office and FA regulations.

The International Sportsperson Visa is the standard route for professional footballers but requires a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from The Football Association (FA). Players must meet eligibility criteria based on international caps, domestic league quality, and club performance. Those who do not meet the standard GBE requirements may still be eligible under the ESC exemption, which allows clubs to sign a limited number of promising young players who show significant potential.

The rules are far from straightforward, making professional advice critical to securing a visa to play football in the UK. Clubs must hold a valid sponsor licence, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to players, and ensure that all eligibility requirements are met. Mistakes in this process can lead to visa refusals, recruitment delays or future immigration complications. For players, clubs and their advisers, ensuring the correct visa route is followed is essential to avoid issues that could disrupt careers or block future transfers.

 

Who needs a visa to play football in the UK?

 

Under the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system, foreign nationals must have permission to work in the UK. In most cases, this will mean applying to the Home Office for a suitable visa.

For professional footballers, the primary UK visa option is the International Sportsperson visa. This visa allows the holder to work, ie play professional football for an English club, for up to three years. The visa can be extended for as long as the player continues to be eligible under the visa conditions. After 5 years, the player can become eligible to apply for UK settlement, provided they’ve had at least one visa that lasted longer than 12 months.

Eligibility for the International Sportsperson visa is determined by the player being endorsed by the relevant sporting body and meeting the visa requirements.

 

International Sportsperson visa requirements

 

The International Sportsperson is a highly exclusive route, limited to elite and established professional players and coaches operating at the highest level in their sport. As such, the requirements are strict and aimed only at those who can show high-calibre sporting credentials.

Applicants first require Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from their sport’s governing body. For footballers, this is the FA.

GBE criteria include the number of international appearances the player has made, the number of minutes the player has featured in domestic or continental competition, the success of the player’s previous club and the quality of the domestic league in which that club competes.

In order to recruit an international player, the football club must hold a valid sponsorship licence.

Once the player has been endorsed, the club can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the player, who can then make their application to the Home Office for the International Sportsperson visa. For the visa, the applicant must attain a minimum of 70 points under the points-based immigration system.

For applicants intending to stay in the UK for more than 12 months under the International Sportsperson visa, there is an English language requirement. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by passing an approved test, holding a relevant academic qualification, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country. This requirement does not apply to those applying for a visa duration of 12 months or less.

Applicants must also show they have sufficient personal savings to support themselves upon arrival in the UK. Specifically, they need to have at least £1,270 in their bank account, maintained for a consecutive 28-day period, ending no more than 31 days before the visa application date. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or if their sponsor can cover these costs and confirms this on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

The initial visa can be granted for up to three years with an additional possible three years after a successful extension application. After spending five continuous years in the UK under this visa category, players may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they meet all other ILR requirements.

 

ESC work permit for Elite Significant Contribution players

 

In June 2023, an exemption was introduced to the standard GBE requirements for the International Sportsperson route, aimed at making it easier for English Premier League and English Football League (EFL) football clubs to bring in up-and-coming foreign players, so-called ESC (Elite Significant Contribution) players.

As such, the ESC player exemption allows clubs to sign players who may not meet the standard Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria but are considered to have significant potential.

 

ESC player requirements

 

ESC players are those deemed to have significant potential at an elite level and who will make a significant contribution to English football.

ESC players will effectively attain endorsement equivalent to a GBE, despite not meeting the standard 15-point GBE criteria, which will allow them to play for an English club.

The FA’s ESC criteria apply to the Player Reference Period, which is the period up to 24 months prior to the date the ESC GBE application is made. During this period, the player must have satisfied one or more of the following:

 

  • Played in one or more youth international matches for a country in the top 50 of the FIFA world rankings
  • Played in five or more youth international matches for a country outside the top 50 of the FIFA world rankings
  • Played in one or more continental youth competition matches
  • Played in five or more domestic youth competition matches
  • Played in one or more senior international matches for a country in the top 50 of the FIFA world rankings
  • Played in five or more senior international matches for a country outside the top 50 of the FIFA world rankings
  • Played in one or more continental competition matches
  • Played in five or more domestic competition matches

 

Clubs will also have to evidence to the Football Association’s (FA’s) satisfaction that the player is an elite player and will make a significant contribution to the sport.

 

ESC Player Quotas

 

Limits apply to the number of ESC players a club can bring into the UK. ESC player quotas for English football clubs are structured to balance the inclusion of international talent with the development of homegrown players. The quotas are designed to encourage clubs to provide substantial playing time to England Qualified Players (EQPs).

For the 2024/25 season, clubs in the Premier League and Championship are permitted to sign up to two ESC players under the initial quota, with the potential to increase this four, while those in League One and League Two can sign up to two.

Clubs in the Premier League and Championship can earn up to two additional ESC slots by exceeding the threshold of 35% weighted EQP minutes. This means that if a club provides more than 35% of total playing time to EQPs, they are rewarded with extra ESC slots, allowing them to sign additional international players under the ESC criteria.

The allocation of ESC slots is subject to annual review. For future seasons, the number of ESC slots available to a club will depend on the percentage of minutes allocated to EQPs in the previous season.

 

Transitioning ESC players to non-ESC status

 

After 12 months of signing an ESC player, clubs have the option to reclassify the player as a non-ESC player, thereby freeing up an ESC slot for another eligible player. To qualify for this reclassification, the player must meet specific criteria, including:

 

  • Achieving minimum thresholds in international appearances.
  • Attaining 15 points or more for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE).
  • Participating in 25% of EQP qualifying matches and meeting the requisite percentage of available minutes.

 

This mechanism allows clubs to manage their ESC allocations effectively while promoting the progression of ESC players within the club.

It’s important to note that not all clubs may utilise their maximum ESC slots for the 2024/25 season, as allocations are contingent upon meeting the specified EQP playing time criteria. Clubs are encouraged to plan strategically, balancing the integration of international talent with the development of homegrown players to optimise their squad composition under the ESC framework.

 

Need assistance?

 

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration experts, providing specialist visa advice to football clubs, football players and coaches on all aspects of UK Home Office applications. If you have a query about the visa rules for professional footballers, or require professional support with a UK visa application, contact us.

 

ESC Work Permits & UK Football Visa FAQs

 

What is the International Sportsperson Visa?

The International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite athletes and coaches who have been endorsed by their sport’s governing body in the UK. For footballers, this endorsement comes from The Football Association (FA). The visa allows individuals to live and work in the UK for up to three years, with the possibility of extension.

 

What is a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE)?

A GBE is an endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body, confirming that the individual is an elite sportsperson or coach who will make a significant contribution to their sport in the UK. In football, The FA assesses players based on criteria such as international appearances, the quality of the leagues they’ve played in, and their overall career achievements.

 

What is the Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) exemption?

Introduced in June 2023, the ESC exemption allows clubs to sign promising young international players who may not meet the standard GBE criteria but are expected to make a significant contribution to English football. This initiative aims to facilitate the entry of emerging talent into the UK football scene.

 

How many ESC players can a club sign?

For the 2024/25 season, Premier League and Championship clubs can sign up to four ESC players, while League One and League Two clubs are permitted to sign up to two. These quotas are subject to review and may change in subsequent seasons.

 

Can ESC players transition to non-ESC status?

Yes, after 12 months, clubs can apply for an ESC player to be reclassified as a non-ESC player, thereby freeing up an ESC slot. To qualify, the player must meet specific criteria, such as achieving a certain number of international appearances or accumulating sufficient points under the GBE system.

 

Do clubs need a sponsor licence to sign international players?

Yes, UK football clubs must hold a valid sponsor licence to recruit players from outside the UK. This licence allows them to issue Certificates of Sponsorship, which players use to apply for their visas. Clubs are responsible for ensuring compliance with immigration regulations throughout the player’s employment.

 

What are the English Qualified Player (EQP) requirements?

The EQP system encourages clubs to develop homegrown talent. The number of ESC slots available to a club can depend on the percentage of game time given to EQPs in the previous season. For instance, clubs that provide more playing time to EQPs may be allocated additional ESC slots.

 

How does Brexit affect football visas in the UK?

Following Brexit, EU players are no longer automatically eligible to work in the UK. They must now obtain a GBE and apply for an International Sportsperson Visa, similar to players from non-EU countries. This change has made the recruitment process for international players more stringent.

 

What happens if a player’s visa application is denied?

If a player’s visa application is denied, they cannot legally play professional football in the UK. Clubs should ensure that all visa and endorsement requirements are thoroughly met before finalising transfers to avoid such situations.

 

Can players work in the UK while their visa application is pending?

Players must wait until their visa application is approved before commencing employment with their club. Starting work without the appropriate visa can lead to legal complications for both the player and the club.

 

Glossary

 

 

Term Definition
International Sportsperson Visa A visa allowing elite athletes and coaches to live and work in the UK, provided they meet the governing body’s endorsement criteria.
Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) An approval from the relevant UK sports governing body, confirming that an athlete or coach is an elite professional who will contribute to UK sport.
Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) Exemption A system introduced to allow young footballers with high potential to play in the UK even if they do not meet standard GBE requirements.
Sponsor Licence An official licence issued by the Home Office allowing UK football clubs to employ international players and issue Certificates of Sponsorship.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) A reference number assigned by a licensed sponsor (football club) to an international player, which is required for their visa application.
Football Association (FA) The governing body responsible for overseeing English football, including work permit regulations and endorsement criteria for international players.
Work Permit A legal authorisation for foreign nationals to work in the UK under specific immigration rules, including those governing professional football.
Points-Based System (PBS) The UK’s immigration system that assigns points for visa eligibility based on factors like skills, salary, and English proficiency.
English Qualified Player (EQP) A homegrown player system that influences the number of ESC slots a club can receive, based on the percentage of game time given to English players.
FIFA World Rankings A ranking system used by FIFA to evaluate national teams, which can impact GBE eligibility for footballers based on international appearances.
Premier League The highest tier of English professional football, featuring the top 20 clubs in England.
Championship The second tier of English professional football, below the Premier League.
League One The third tier of English professional football, below the Championship.
League Two The fourth tier of English professional football, below League One.
Endorsing Body An organisation approved by the UK government to assess visa applications and endorsements for international players and coaches.

 

Author

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility.

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Read more about DavidsonMorris here

 

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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