SIA licence for non-UK citizens

You do not have to be a UK citizen to get an SIA licence, but most licences do need the right to work in the UK, and there are extra steps if you have lived abroad. This guide covers what the SIA says.

Right to work

Most front line and non-front line licences require the right to work in the UK. UK citizens have it automatically. For everyone else, SIA staff check your right to work against Home Office records, so you do not need to contact the Home Office, which cannot help with this.

You may not be able to get a licence if your right to work has run out or you are still waiting for it. If the SIA needs evidence, it will ask for it, and if it does not receive it within 21 days it cancels your application. Do not send your share code, biometric residence permit or similar unless the SIA asks.

A director of a UK-registered company (or its parent company) who does not have the right to work may be allowed a non-front line licence.

Identity documents

As for everyone, you need one Group A and two Group B documents. Group A includes a passport and a UK biometric residence permit card. A biometric residence permit is only accepted if its "valid until" date is less than 15 months ago and it shows "Indefinite leave to remain", "Indefinite leave to enter" or "No time limit". Documents not in English need a translation from an approved translator, paid for by you. See our guide to getting an SIA licence for the full list of document groups.

Overseas criminal record checks

If you live outside the UK, or have spent 6 continuous months or more outside the UK in the last 10 years, you must provide overseas criminal record checks. This period was 5 years until 1 December 2025. If you have lived in more than one country abroad, the SIA may ask for checks for some or all of them. Start these early, because they can take time and the SIA cannot decide without them. See our criminal record guide for how the SIA weighs convictions.

Applying from outside the UK

The "next steps" message usually asks you to upload:

• your identity documents
• a passport-style photo signed by a UK passport holder
• a form with that UK passport holder's details
• an overseas criminal record check for your country of residence

If you pay your own fee, you pay online by credit or debit card.

Training and English

The licence-linked courses are taught and assessed in English or Welsh, and your training centre must check your English before you start. A B2 test or an ESOL Level 1 qualification are both accepted. See our guide on qualifications and English.

After you have a licence

You must tell the SIA within 2 days of any change to your right to remain or work in the UK. If your licence was granted on the basis of a qualification or licence gained outside the UK, you must also report changes to its validity and any disciplinary action. See licence conditions.

Quick questions

Can a non-UK citizen get an SIA licence?

Yes, if they have the right to work in the UK where the licence requires it and meet the other requirements. The SIA checks the right to work itself.

Should I send my share code with my application?

Not unless the SIA asks for it. If it needs evidence it will tell you, and you have 21 days to provide it or the application is cancelled.

When do I need overseas criminal record checks?

If you live outside the UK, or have spent 6 continuous months or more outside the UK in the last 10 years.

Does my licence length depend on my visa?

The GOV.UK page does not say. Most licences last 3 years, so check with the SIA if your permission to stay is shorter.

Related guides

• How to get an SIA licence
• Can you get an SIA licence with a criminal record?
• SIA licence qualifications: do you need maths and English?