Can I work full-time on the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Yes. There are no restrictions on working hours. You can work full-time, part-time, or multiple jobs. The only restriction is that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Can I be self-employed on the YMS?

Yes. Unlike the Student visa, the YMS allows self-employment. You can freelance, start a business, or work as an independent contractor.

Can I study on the YMS?

Yes. You can study full-time or part-time, including degree-level courses. There are no restrictions on studying.

Do I need to pay tax on my YMS earnings?

Yes. You pay UK income tax and National Insurance contributions on your UK earnings, just like any other worker. You need a National Insurance number, which you can apply for after arriving in the UK.

Youth Mobility Scheme Work Rights 2026

The Youth Mobility Scheme gives you nearly unrestricted work rights in the UK for 2 years. You can work full-time, part-time, be self-employed, freelance, or study. The only restriction is professional sport. This guide covers your work rights in detail.

What You Can Do

On the Youth Mobility Scheme, you can:

Work for any employer. No restrictions on industry, sector, or employer type.
Work full-time. No hour limits during term time or otherwise.
Be self-employed. Freelance, contract, or start a business.
Hold multiple jobs. Work as many jobs as you want simultaneously.
Study. Full-time or part-time, any level including degree courses.
Volunteer. No restrictions on volunteering.

What You Cannot Do

Professional sportsperson. You cannot work as a professional athlete.
Sports coach. Professional coaching is not permitted.

These are the only two work restrictions. In all other respects, your work rights are equivalent to a UK resident. This makes the YMS one of the most flexible work visas available.

Compared to Other Visas

vs Student visa: Student visa limits you to 20 hours/week during term and prohibits self-employment. YMS has no such restrictions.
vs Skilled Worker: Skilled Worker ties you to a specific employer and role. YMS lets you work anywhere. But Skilled Worker leads to ILR.
vs Graduate route: Similar work freedom but Graduate route is only available after completing a UK degree.

For a comparison of visa costs, see our UK visa fees guide.

Tax and National Insurance

You pay UK income tax and National Insurance contributions on your earnings. To start work, you need:

A National Insurance number (apply at your local Jobcentre Plus after arriving)
A UK bank account (most employers pay by bank transfer)

If you leave the UK before the end of the tax year, you may be able to claim a tax refund for overpaid income tax. See HMRC's guidance on leaving the UK.

NHS Access

You have full NHS access through the Immigration Health Surcharge you paid when applying. Register with a GP soon after arriving. See our NHS access guide for how to register.

After Your YMS Expires

If you want to continue working in the UK beyond 2 years, the most common route is to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. Start looking for a sponsor well before your YMS expires.

Next Steps

Related guides:

For official information, see the GOV.UK Youth Mobility Scheme page and the GOV.UK visas and immigration hub.