Can accountants get a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Accounting roles such as chartered accountants, management accountants, and tax advisers are eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. The role must be at RQF Level 6 (degree level) and meet the salary threshold.

What salary do accountants need for the Skilled Worker visa?

Accountants must meet both the general salary threshold and the going rate for their specific SOC code. The going rate varies by role. Check the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations for the current figures.

Do I need to be a qualified accountant?

You do not need UK professional qualifications to get the visa, but many employers prefer candidates with recognised qualifications. Your overseas qualifications may earn exemptions from UK professional exams (ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA).

Can accountants get ILR?

Yes. After 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa (or a combination of qualifying routes), accountants can apply for ILR provided they meet salary, absence, and other requirements.

Skilled Worker Visa for Accountants: UK Guide 2026

Accountants are eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa under several SOC codes. The role must meet the skill level and salary requirements. While UK professional qualifications are not mandatory for the visa, they are important for career progression.

Eligible Accounting Roles

Several accounting roles qualify for the Skilled Worker visa. These are classified under SOC codes that include chartered and certified accountants, management consultants and business analysts, and taxation experts. Check the eligible jobs list for your specific role.

Bookkeeping roles and accounts assistant positions are generally not eligible as they fall below the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above). The role must involve professional-level accounting work.

Salary Requirements

Your salary must meet the general salary threshold and the going rate for your occupation code, whichever is higher. The salary calculation is based on your guaranteed basic gross pay, excluding bonuses and overtime.

If you hold a PhD relevant to accounting or finance, you may be able to claim PhD tradeable points to meet a lower salary threshold.

Professional Registration

The UK has several major accounting professional bodies:

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland)

While professional registration is not legally required to work as an accountant in the UK (accounting is not a regulated profession), holding a recognised qualification significantly improves your career prospects and earning potential.

Most professional bodies offer exemptions from some of their exams for holders of recognised overseas qualifications. Check with the specific body for your country's qualification.

Finding a Sponsor

You need an employer with a sponsor licence who is willing to assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship. Major accounting firms (Big Four and mid-tier) regularly sponsor overseas accountants. Smaller firms may also hold sponsor licences.

Check the register of licensed sponsors on GOV.UK to verify potential employers.

Career Progression

The typical progression for an overseas accountant in the UK:

Arrive on a Skilled Worker visa.
Work towards UK professional qualifications alongside your role.
Progress through roles: junior accountant, senior accountant, manager, director/partner.
Apply for ILR after 5 years.
Apply for British citizenship after 12 months of ILR.

Next Steps

Identify eligible roles, check salary requirements for your specific SOC code, and find a sponsoring employer. If you plan to pursue UK professional qualifications, research exemptions available for your overseas credentials.

Related guides: