UK Permitted Paid Engagement Visa Guide

Section A: What is the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa?

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visa allows established overseas professionals to come to the UK for a short visit to carry out a specific, pre-arranged paid activity in limited, pre-approved circumstances. It is intended for individuals with a recognised reputation or demonstrable track record in their field, such as academics, artists, entertainers, expert witnesses, qualified lawyers, professional sportspersons or other recognised industry specialists.

The route is designed for visits where the primary purpose is a single paid engagement that falls outside the scope of the unpaid activities permitted under the Standard Visitor visa. For example, an overseas lecturer may be invited by a UK university to give a one-off talk or a performer may be contracted for a single concert appearance. The engagement must be formally arranged in advance, linked directly to the applicant’s established area of expertise and hosted by a UK-based organisation, institution or individual client.

The visa is granted under the visitor rules, allowing a total stay of up to six months. However, the paid engagement must be undertaken and completed within the first 30 days of arrival in the UK. Once the engagement is completed, the visitor may remain in the UK for the remainder of the visit period as a standard visitor, but may not undertake further work or engagements that have not been approved under the conditions of the PPE visa.

The PPE visa does not permit ongoing or repeat employment in the UK, nor does it allow work in roles unrelated to the stated engagement. It cannot be used to provide a series of engagements over multiple visits or to take up a position with a UK employer. If your needs extend beyond the scope of the PPE visa, you should consider an alternative immigration strategy.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and able to evidence that they have been formally invited by a UK-based organisation or client. The invitation must specify the nature, dates, and location of the engagement, confirm its link to the applicant’s recognised expertise and include the details of any agreed payment or honorarium. The applicant must be able to show a professional history consistent with the role they have been invited to perform, supported by evidence such as publications, contracts, references or awards.

ETA and the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can be used for a permitted paid engagement visit, but only by non-visa nationals who meet all the PPE requirements under Appendix Visitor. The ETA is not a visa — it is pre-authorisation to travel. Border Force officers will still assess your eligibility for the PPE route on arrival and can refuse entry if they are not satisfied you qualify.

Only non-visa nationals can use an ETA for PPE purposes. To qualify, the visitor must be established in their field, have a pre-arranged paid engagement hosted by a UK-based organisation, and complete the work within the first 30 days of arrival. The engagement must be the primary purpose of the visit and must be fully documented before travel.

An ETA does not override the PPE rules. The visitor must still meet all general visitor requirements, including having sufficient funds, proof of onward travel, and evidence they will leave at the end of the stay. Visa nationals cannot use an ETA for PPE,  they must apply for a PPE visa in advance.

Even with an ETA, Border Force officers can refuse entry if they suspect the visitor’s planned activities fall outside the permitted PPE scope or if answers given at interview differ from the application or supporting documents. Carrying clear, consistent evidence of the engagement, qualifications, and financial position is critical to avoiding refusal.

Non-visa nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK as a visitor. Visa nationals must apply for and be granted the PPE visa before travel.

Section B: Permitted Paid Engagement Visa Requirements

The Permitted Paid Engagement visa is available to overseas professionals who have been formally invited to the UK to carry out a specific, pre-arranged paid activity directly related to their recognised field of expertise. Applicants must be aged 18 or over, based outside the UK at the time of application, and able to show they will comply fully with the conditions of stay.

Although the visa is issued under the visitor rules, entry can be granted for a total stay of up to six months. The paid engagement itself must be undertaken and completed within the first 30 days of arrival. The remainder of the stay may only be used for activities permitted under the Standard Visitor rules, with no further paid work allowed.

The visa is not suitable for anyone seeking long-term employment, repeated engagements in the UK, or work unrelated to the stated purpose of the visit. Eligible applicants must be established in their profession, with a demonstrable track record supported by independent evidence. Examples include:

• Qualified lawyers with the right of audience representing a client in UK legal proceedings
• Academics invited to deliver lectures or participate in an academic panel at a UK university
• Professional musicians contracted to perform at a specific cultural or commercial event
• Artists exhibiting or launching work at an accredited gallery or festival
• Professional sportspersons taking part in a pre-arranged paid sporting event

The engagement must be the primary reason for the visit and linked to the applicant’s current, full-time profession overseas. Semi-retired professionals may qualify if they can demonstrate ongoing professional activity and regular paid work in their field. Fully retired individuals are not eligible under this route.

The invitation must be from a UK-based organisation, institution, or individual client, and must specify the purpose, dates, and location of the engagement, confirm its connection to the applicant’s expertise, and set out any agreed payment or honorarium. Supporting evidence should include qualifications, a career history, examples of published or publicly available work, professional memberships, references, or industry awards.

Applicants must also satisfy the general visitor requirements under Appendix V, including demonstrating they have sufficient funds to cover their travel, accommodation, and living expenses without accessing public funds or breaching visa conditions. They must also satisfy the Home Office that they will leave the UK at the end of their visit, which will be assessed based on their professional background, travel history, and ties to their country of residence.

Section C: Permitted Activities and Conditions of Stay

The Permitted Paid Engagement visa permits a limited range of professional activities in the UK, all of which must be pre-arranged before travel and directly connected to the applicant’s established area of expertise. The engagement must be hosted by a UK-based organisation, institution, or individual client, and must be completed within the first 30 days of arrival. The visa is granted under the visitor rules, allowing a total stay of up to six months, but no further paid work can be undertaken after the engagement ends.

1. Permitted Professional Activities

Activities allowed under the PPE route reflect those listed in Appendix Visitor and are linked to recognised professional fields. Examples include:

• Delivering a lecture, speech, or series of lectures at a UK institution
• Participating in a selection panel, examination board, or student assessment as an academic or industry expert
• Representing a client in court or tribunal proceedings as a qualified lawyer with the right of audience
• Performing in a cultural, artistic, or musical event, such as a concert, festival, or theatrical production
• Competing in, or officiating at, a pre-arranged paid sporting event or exhibition match
• Assessing UK-based pilots for national aviation standards as an approved air pilot examiner

Each permitted activity must be linked directly to the applicant’s current full-time profession overseas. The engagement must be specific, time-limited, and supported by formal documentary evidence confirming its nature, location, dates, and payment arrangements.

2. Prohibited Activities

The PPE visa does not allow:

• General employment or work outside the stated engagement
• Multiple paid engagements during the same visit
• Voluntary work, internships, or work placements
• Long-term, repeated, or ongoing paid activity in the UK
• Activities unrelated to the applicant’s established professional field

Study is generally prohibited unless incidental to the visit and not interfering with the primary engagement. Dependants cannot be included under this route; they must qualify separately for their own visa. The visa cannot be extended or switched to another route from within the UK.

3. Conditions of Stay and Compliance

Visa holders must leave the UK before the expiry of their authorised stay. Overstaying, even for a short period, may result in future UK visa refusals and potential re-entry bans. They must have sufficient funds to cover accommodation, living expenses, and travel without working outside the permitted engagement. Access to public funds is prohibited.

All engagements must be completed within the first 30 days of arrival. After the engagement ends, the visitor may remain in the UK for the balance of the six-month period permitted under the visitor rules but cannot undertake any further paid work. Any breach of conditions can result in refusal of entry at the border, visa curtailment, or removal from the UK.

From 2025, non-visa nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Visa nationals must apply for and be granted a PPE visa before travelling. In both cases, Border Force officers can refuse entry if not satisfied that the visitor will comply with the visa’s terms or if there is any inconsistency in the applicant’s explanation or documentation.

Section D: PPE Visa Application Process, Timeline and Supporting Documents

Applicants apply for the Permitted Paid Engagement visa online through the official UK government website. The application must be made from outside the UK, as switching into this route from within the UK is not permitted. Applications can be submitted up to three months before the intended date of travel.

From 2025, non-visa nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK under this route. Visa nationals must secure the PPE visa before departure. In both cases, having a visa or ETA does not guarantee entry — Border Force officers can refuse admission if not satisfied the visitor will comply with the visa conditions.

The online application form requires personal details, travel history, information about the engagement, and details of the UK-based host. The application must be accompanied by scanned copies of all required supporting documents. These must be in English or Welsh, or accompanied by a certified translation.

After submitting the application, the applicant must attend a visa application centre (VAC) to provide biometric information — a digital photograph and fingerprints. VAC appointments should be booked promptly to avoid delays, especially during peak travel seasons.

Standard processing usually takes up to three weeks, although some VACs may offer priority services at an additional cost. Applicants should avoid confirming travel arrangements until a decision has been received and the passport has been returned with the visa vignette.

If approved, the visa is issued under the visitor rules, allowing a total stay of up to six months. The paid engagement must be completed within the first 30 days of arrival. After the engagement is finished, the visitor may remain in the UK for the balance of their authorised stay but cannot undertake any further paid work.

1. PPE Visa Application Summary

2. Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit evidence that they meet the eligibility requirements and that their proposed activity in the UK is permitted under Appendix Visitor. Key documents include:

• Formal invitation letter from the UK-based organisation, institution, or client hosting the engagement, specifying the nature, dates, and location of the activity, the link to the applicant’s professional expertise, and any agreed payment or honorarium
• Evidence of professional background such as a CV, professional references, portfolio, or published work. Where applicable, provide copies of licences, accreditations, practising certificates, or professional memberships
• Proof of current occupation to demonstrate the engagement is linked to the applicant’s ongoing professional work overseas
• Financial evidence such as recent bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters to confirm sufficient funds for the duration of the visit
• Valid passport or travel document containing at least one blank page and valid for the intended stay

Evidence must clearly demonstrate the applicant’s standing in their field and the genuine, pre-arranged nature of the engagement. Incomplete or unclear documentation is a common cause of refusal.

3. Examples by Profession

4. Application Fee

The fee to apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement visa is £127. This is payable at the time of application and is non-refundable if the application is refused.

Section E: At the UK border

Travellers entering the UK under the Permitted Paid Engagement visa route must be prepared to show evidence of their eligibility and intentions when they arrive. Border Force officers have the authority to question visitors and assess whether they meet the entry conditions. Even if a visa has been issued in advance, entry can still be  if the officer is not satisfied that the visitor meets the requirements.

Visitors should carry printed copies of their invitation letter from the UK host organisation, details of the paid engagement, evidence of qualifications or experience relevant to the engagement and proof of funds to support themselves. Travel and accommodation details may also be requested.

Border officers may also ask questions about the nature of your work, the length of stay and whether any other activities are planned while in the UK. Any inconsistency between the declared purpose of the visit and the visa conditions may result in refusal of entry.

Visitors should answer all questions clearly and honestly and be prepared to show supporting documents.

Entry can be refused even if the visa was issued in advance, and can have serious implications for future UK and international travel.

1. Documents to Carry

Travellers should carry printed copies of key documents in their hand luggage to present if requested. These should include:

• The formal invitation letter from the UK host organisation, institution, or client, with details of the engagement, payment arrangements, dates, and location
• Evidence of qualifications, experience, or professional standing directly relevant to the engagement
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover travel, accommodation, and living costs without working outside the permitted activity
• Confirmed travel and accommodation details for the duration of the visit
• A copy of the PPE visa or ETA confirmation

Supporting evidence should match the details provided in the visa or ETA application, as inconsistencies can raise doubts and lead to refusal of entry.

2. Border Force Interviews

Border officers may question visitors about:

• The nature and scope of the paid engagement
• The professional background that qualifies them for the role
• The length of their intended stay
• Any other activities planned while in the UK

Responses should be clear, consistent, and truthful. Any discrepancies between answers and the supporting documentation, or between the stated purpose of the visit and the conditions of the visa, can result in refusal of entry.

3. Compliance After Entry

Once admitted, visitors must comply fully with the PPE visa conditions. The paid engagement must be completed within the first 30 days of arrival, and no further paid work is permitted during the remainder of the stay. Undertaking activities outside the permitted scope, overstaying, or breaching any other condition can lead to cancellation of the visa, removal from the UK, and negative immigration history impacting future applications.

Travellers should maintain copies of their engagement confirmation, travel tickets, and accommodation receipts for the duration of their stay in case of compliance checks.

Section F: Alternatives to the PPE Visa

The Permitted Paid Engagement visa is only suitable for short-term, one-off professional engagements in the UK. Where the activity does not meet the PPE criteria, or where greater flexibility or duration is required, other immigration routes may be more appropriate.

1. Standard Visitor Visa (Unpaid Activities)

For those who do not intend to receive payment for their activities in the UK, the Standard Visitor visa may be more suitable. It permits a wide range of professional and business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, and seminars, or taking part in unpaid artistic, sporting, or academic events. Payment is not permitted under this route, other than genuine reimbursement of reasonable expenses such as travel, accommodation, or subsistence. This route is often used for preliminary business visits, unpaid collaborations, or participation in events where no fees are involved.

2. Skilled Worker Visa

Where the planned activity involves taking up employment with a UK-based company, or repeated or ongoing paid work, the Skilled Worker visa may be the correct route. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds set out in the Immigration Rules. This route is designed for longer-term employment and can lead to settlement after five years, making it appropriate for sustained work commitments rather than short-term appearances.

3. Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa

Artists, entertainers, and musicians undertaking short-term engagements in the UK may be eligible for the Creative Worker visa, provided they have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK-based sponsor. This visa can be granted for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension, and allows for multiple performances or projects. It offers greater flexibility than the PPE visa for touring artists or those with engagements across different venues.

4. Temporary Work – International Sportsperson Visa

For professional sportspeople, the International Sportsperson visa is generally more appropriate if joining a UK club or participating in multiple events over a period. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed organisation and obtain endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body. This route is designed for sustained sporting participation rather than a single paid event.

5. Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa is aimed at leaders or emerging talents in fields such as arts, culture, academia, research, science, engineering, and digital technology. Applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body or meet the requirements for a peer-reviewed award. The visa offers considerable flexibility, including the freedom to undertake multiple paid engagements, change employers without sponsorship, and apply for settlement after three or five years.

6. High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

Graduates from eligible top-ranked global universities can apply for the High Potential Individual visa to work in the UK without sponsorship. The visa is granted for two years (three for PhD holders) and allows for a wide range of work, including paid engagements. It is particularly suitable for those looking to explore diverse professional opportunities, rather than a single event.

Section G: Summary

The Permitted Paid Engagement visa offers a targeted solution for overseas professionals invited to the UK for a single, pre-arranged paid activity. It provides flexibility to carry out the engagement without the need for sponsorship, but is subject to strict eligibility, activity, and timing conditions. The paid work must be completed within the first 30 days of arrival, and no further paid engagements are permitted during the visit.

Success under this route depends on clear evidence of professional standing, a genuine invitation from a UK host, and a well-documented plan that aligns with Appendix Visitor requirements. Applicants must also prepare for scrutiny at the border, where inconsistencies can result in refusal even if a visa has been issued.

Where the engagement falls outside the PPE criteria, alternative visas may be more suitable, offering longer stays or broader work rights. Choosing the correct route at the outset reduces the risk of refusal and ensures compliance with UK immigration law.

Section H: Need Assistance?

The most appropriate route depends on the type of work planned, whether you are being paid, how long you plan to stay and whether sponsorship is available. Applicants should ensure they meet the conditions of the chosen route and seek advice where appropriate to avoid breaching immigration rules.

For specialist guidance on the permitted paid engagement route, or any other aspect of coming to the UK for work purposes, contact our experts.

Section I: Permitted Paid Engagement FAQs

How long can I stay in the UK on a Permitted Paid Engagement visa?

You can stay in the UK for up to six months. However, the paid engagement must take place within the first month of your arrival.

Can I undertake more than one engagement on this visa?

You may attend other unpaid engagements or professional meetings during your stay, but only one paid engagement is allowed and must be the primary purpose of your visit.

Can I bring family members with me?

No, the Permitted Paid Engagement visa does not allow dependants to accompany you. Family members would need to apply separately as Standard Visitors.

Do I need to apply for a visa before I travel?

If you are a visa national, you must apply in advance. Non-visa nationals do not need to apply for a visa but must still obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling and meet all eligibility requirements.

Can I switch to another visa category while in the UK on a PPE visa?

No, you cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK. You must leave the UK and apply from overseas if you wish to apply for a different visa.

What happens if the engagement is cancelled?

If the paid engagement is cancelled, you are still subject to the terms of your visa. You may remain in the UK for the remainder of your visit but cannot undertake any other paid work.

Can I take a short-term teaching or performance job?

Only if it meets the specific criteria set out for your profession and is a one-off engagement. The visa does not permit ongoing or full-time employment.

What kind of evidence do I need for my application?

You must show proof of your invitation from a UK-based organisation and provide documents confirming your expertise and professional standing, such as published work, media coverage, or proof of recent performances.

Section J: Glossary

Section K: Additional Resources and Links