Working in Tech in the UK: Sponsorship, CVs and Contracts
Updated 8 November 2026 · 7 min read
The UK has one of Europe's biggest tech job markets, centred on London but with strong hubs across the country. International candidates can find good roles, but sponsorship rules and the contracting market have their own vocabulary. This guide explains the parts that most often confuse people moving into UK tech jobs.
Where the jobs are
London has the most roles, especially in fintech, banking, media and large tech companies. Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, Cambridge and Birmingham all have strong and growing markets, often with lower living costs. Hybrid working with two or three office days a week is common.
Visa sponsorship
Most people who are not UK or Irish citizens need a visa to work. The main route for IT professionals is the Skilled Worker visa, which needs a job offer from an employer that holds a sponsor licence, at an eligible skill level and salary. The UK government publishes a register of licensed sponsors, so you can check whether a company can sponsor you before you apply. People recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in digital technology can also apply for a Global Talent visa, which does not need a job offer.
Salary requirements and rules change, so always check gov.uk for the current details.
Writing a UK-style CV
Keep your CV to two pages, without a photo, date of birth or marital status. Start with a short profile, then skills and experience with measurable results. A short cover letter or a few lines in the application form explaining why you fit the role helps, especially when you need sponsorship. Employers carry out right-to-work checks before you start, so have your documents ready.
Contracting and IR35
The UK has a large market for IT contractors, usually paid a daily rate. Contract ads often say whether the role is “inside IR35” or “outside IR35”. These are tax rules that decide whether a contractor should be taxed like an employee. Inside IR35 means tax and National Insurance are deducted much like a salary, so take-home pay is lower than the day rate suggests. For most medium and large clients, the client decides the status. If you are new to contracting, get advice from an accountant before choosing how to work.
Notice periods and timing
Permanent roles in the UK often have notice periods of one to three months, and senior roles can be longer. Employers usually expect to wait, so mention your notice period in applications. Contract roles often start within days or a couple of weeks, which can make them easier to secure if you are already in the country.