Generally speaking, “work permit” and “work visa” are, for all intents and purposes, interchangeable terms in the UK. To live and work in the country, your employee will need a relevant work visa, which acts as a work permit and gives the holder the right to leave and enter the UK.

A Work Permit or Work Visa is usually needed for workers who are coming to the UK, as a result of having already secured a formal offer of work from an eligible UK company with a Sponsor Licence, or if you are being relocated to the UK by your current employer.