Choose by the status and practical freedom required, not by an abbreviation. Each programme below is explained separately.
UK
United Kingdom
Two routes without conventional employer sponsorship: one based on professional achievement and one on an innovative start-up.
UK
Global Talent
Work, change employers, be self-employed and run a business without being tied to one sponsor.
Who it may suit
Specialists and founders in digital technology, as well as applicants in science, arts and other supported fields.
What must be shown
Recognition in the field, personal contribution, outcomes and independent sources. Publications are only one possible form of evidence.
Preparation
Usually 2–4 months where the foundation exists; longer where the profile must be developed.
Government processing
Endorsement by the relevant professional body usually takes 2–8 weeks; the visa stage is normally around 3 weeks from abroad or 8 weeks from inside the UK.
External party
A professional body issues the initial approval, known as endorsement. No employer is required.
Four programmes with different outcomes: permanent residence, temporary work or relocation through an investment business.
US
EB-1A – extraordinary ability
An immigrant category that may lead to permanent residence without a required employer.
Who it may suit
Specialists and founders with sustained recognition and high-level achievement in their field.
What must be shown
Threshold criteria and a final review of the whole record: the scale of recognition, personal contribution and continued work in the field.
Preparation
From 1–2 months with a mature evidence base; longer where the profile needs development.
Government processing
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): premium processing of the I-140 immigrant petition takes 15 business days. Consular processing or adjustment of status is separate.
External party
No employer is required; the applicant may file the petition independently.
An immigrant category that waives the employer and labour-certification requirements in the US national interest.
Who it may suit
Specialists, researchers and entrepreneurs with a defined proposed endeavour in the United States and evidence that they can advance it.
What must be shown
The importance of the proposed work, the applicant's ability to advance it and the reasons for waiving the ordinary employer requirement.
Preparation
From 1–2 months once the proposed endeavour and evidential logic are defined.
Government processing
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): premium processing of the I-140 immigrant petition takes 45 business days. The later immigration stage is separate.
External party
No employer is required; the applicant may file the petition independently.
A route for remote work for an overseas company or clients, with different evidence for employees and self-employed contractors.
ES
Digital Nomad – remote-work residence
Live in Spain while working remotely for an overseas company or foreign clients.
Who it may suit
Employees of foreign companies and self-employed contractors who meet the experience, contract, income and working-arrangement requirements.
What must be shown
Employment or commercial contracts, duration of the relationship, qualifications, income, insurance and family documents.
Preparation
Usually from 1 month where employment and supporting certificates are stable.
Government processing
The statutory period for a consular visa is 10 business days. An in-country residence application is handled within a statutory 20-day period by Spain's Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas).
External party
The overseas employer or clients confirm the relationship and permission for remote work.
This comparison is a starting point, not an eligibility decision. Nationality, present status, family circumstances, filing location and documentary detail may change the conclusion.
Your circumstances
Compare several programmes against the same facts
Complete five short fields. During the free consultation, we will discuss suitable options and the next step.
