Part of the Cybersecurity Salary Guide — This article is one deep-dive in our complete salary and compensation series.
UK Cyber Jobs: Visa Sponsorship and Salary Guide
By HADESS Team | February 28, 2026 | Updated: February 28, 2026 | 9 min read
Table of Contents
- The UK Cybersecurity Job Market in 2026
- Visa Sponsorship for Cybersecurity Roles
- Salary Ranges by Role in the UK
- Employers That Sponsor Cybersecurity Roles
- The Skilled Worker Visa Process
- UK vs US Salary Comparison
- How to Find Sponsored Cybersecurity Jobs
- London vs Outside London
The UK Cybersecurity Job Market in 2026
UK cybersecurity jobs visa sponsorship is a growing search because the UK has a severe security talent shortage. The UK government’s own Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market report estimates tens of thousands of unfilled positions. This shortage has pushed many employers to sponsor international candidates, especially for mid-level and senior roles.
The UK places cybersecurity on the Shortage Occupation List, which makes visa sponsorship easier and cheaper for employers. This is a significant advantage for international candidates — the reduced visa fees and relaxed salary thresholds mean more companies are willing to sponsor.
Key UK markets for cybersecurity: London (largest market by volume), Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds, and Birmingham. London dominates with roughly 60% of all UK security job postings.
Visa Sponsorship for Cybersecurity Roles
The primary route for international cybersecurity professionals entering the UK is the Skilled Worker Visa. Here is what you need to know:
Eligibility. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license, the job must be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above, and you must meet the salary threshold. Most cybersecurity roles meet the skills requirement.
Salary threshold. The general threshold is GBP 38,700 per year (as of 2025). However, cybersecurity roles on the Shortage Occupation List may qualify for reduced thresholds — typically 80% of the going rate for the specific occupation code.
Occupation codes for cybersecurity:
- SOC Code 2135 — IT Security Professionals (the most common code used)
- SOC Code 2134 — Information Technology Professionals (broader IT, sometimes used)
- SOC Code 2139 — Information Technology Professionals (not elsewhere classified)
Duration. Initially granted for up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
Dependents. Your partner and children can join you on dependent visas. Partners can work in any occupation without restrictions.
Salary Ranges by Role in the UK
UK salaries are quoted annually in GBP. Here are current ranges:
| Role | Junior (0-2 years) | Mid (3-5 years) | Senior (5+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC Analyst | GBP 30,000-42,000 | GBP 42,000-55,000 | GBP 55,000-70,000 |
| Security Engineer | GBP 40,000-55,000 | GBP 55,000-75,000 | GBP 75,000-100,000 |
| Penetration Tester | GBP 35,000-50,000 | GBP 50,000-70,000 | GBP 70,000-95,000 |
| Cloud Security Engineer | GBP 45,000-60,000 | GBP 60,000-80,000 | GBP 80,000-110,000 |
| GRC Analyst | GBP 35,000-45,000 | GBP 45,000-60,000 | GBP 60,000-80,000 |
| Security Architect | N/A | GBP 70,000-90,000 | GBP 90,000-130,000 |
| CISO | N/A | N/A | GBP 120,000-200,000+ |
London salaries are typically 15-25% higher than the rest of the UK. Financial services companies pay 10-20% above market for equivalent roles. Calculate your specific rate with the HADESS salary calculator.
Important tax note: UK income tax is progressive — 20% up to GBP 50,270, then 40% up to GBP 125,140, then 45% above that. National Insurance adds roughly 12% on earnings between GBP 12,570 and GBP 50,270. Use the tax calculator to estimate your take-home pay.
Employers That Sponsor Cybersecurity Roles
Financial services. Banks and financial institutions are the largest sponsors of security professionals in the UK. Major sponsors include Barclays, HSBC, NatWest Group, JP Morgan (London office), Goldman Sachs, and Lloyds Banking Group. Financial services firms often have dedicated security teams of 50-200+ people.
Technology companies. Amazon (AWS), Microsoft, Google (DeepMind in London), Meta, Apple, and Arm all have UK security teams that sponsor visas.
Consulting firms. Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG (the Big Four) hire cybersecurity consultants and typically sponsor visas. NCC Group, FTI Consulting, and Mandiant also hire internationally.
Government and defense. GCHQ, NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre), and BAE Systems hire security professionals but typically require UK/Commonwealth nationality or specific security clearances.
Specialist security firms. Rapid7, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, and other security vendors with UK offices sponsor experienced candidates.
Use the HADESS UK sponsor finder to search the complete list of licensed sponsors and their specific cybersecurity openings.
The Skilled Worker Visa Process
Step 1: Secure a job offer. The employer must have a valid sponsor license. Confirm sponsorship willingness before investing time in the interview process.
Step 2: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The employer issues a CoS assigning your role to a specific SOC code and salary. This is the formal sponsorship document.
Step 3: Visa application. Apply online, pay the fee (GBP 719-1,420 depending on duration), pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (GBP 1,035/year), provide biometrics, and submit supporting documents (passport, English language proof, financial evidence).
Step 4: Processing. Standard processing takes 3-8 weeks from outside the UK. Priority processing (additional fee) reduces this to 5 working days.
Step 5: Travel and start work. You can enter the UK up to 14 days before your job start date. Report to your employer and begin work.
Total cost to the employee:
- Visa fee: GBP 719-1,420
- Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035/year (GBP 5,175 for 5 years)
- English language test: GBP 150-200 (if required)
- Some employers reimburse these costs as part of the relocation package — always negotiate this.
UK vs US Salary Comparison
Raw numbers are lower in the UK, but cost-of-living adjustments narrow the gap more than most people expect:
| Factor | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average security engineer salary | GBP 65,000 (~$82,000) | $120,000 |
| Healthcare cost | Included (NHS) | $6,000-$15,000/year employee share |
| Pension (employer contribution) | 3-8% mandatory | Varies (0-6% match typical) |
| Annual leave (statutory minimum) | 28 days | 10-15 days typical |
| Income tax + NI (on GBP 65,000) | ~30% effective | ~25% effective (varies by state) |
When you add NHS healthcare (no premiums, no copays), mandatory pension contributions, and significantly more leave days, the real compensation gap is smaller than the base salary numbers suggest.
Financial services roles in London are the exception — they often approach or match US salary levels, especially at VP and Director levels, while including UK benefits.
How to Find Sponsored Cybersecurity Jobs
Filter for sponsorship explicitly. On LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, search for “visa sponsorship” alongside “cybersecurity” or “information security.” Many job postings do not mention sponsorship in the listing even when the company sponsors, so apply anyway if the company has a sponsor license.
Check the sponsor register. The UK government publishes a register of licensed sponsors. Search this register before applying to verify the company can legally sponsor you.
Use the HADESS tools. The UK sponsor finder cross-references the sponsor register with active cybersecurity job postings, saving you hours of manual research. The salary calculator shows UK-specific ranges.
Target large employers first. Companies with 500+ employees are more likely to have established visa sponsorship processes. Smaller companies may be willing but unfamiliar with the process, which slows things down.
Build UK-relevant credentials. UK employers value CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+, and OSCP. Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure) are particularly valuable for UK cloud security roles. UK-specific certifications (CHECK, CREST) are valued for penetration testing but not typically required for initial sponsorship.
Engage UK-based recruiters. Specialist security recruiters like Client Server, Hays Technology, and Reed Technology place international candidates regularly. They know which companies sponsor and can advocate on your behalf.
London vs Outside London
London. Highest salaries, most job volume, most sponsor-friendly employers. Also highest cost of living — average rent for a 1-bedroom flat in Zone 2 is GBP 1,500-2,000/month. The London salary premium (15-25% higher) roughly offsets the higher living costs.
Manchester and Edinburgh. Growing cybersecurity hubs with lower cost of living. Several financial services firms have security teams in Manchester. The Scottish tech scene, anchored by Edinburgh, offers good security opportunities with significantly lower rent.
Bristol. Aerospace and defense companies (BAE Systems, Airbus) have security teams here. Growing tech scene with reasonable cost of living.
Remote-first roles. Many UK security employers now offer remote or hybrid arrangements. A London-level salary with a Manchester or Bristol cost of living is the optimal outcome — actively negotiate for this.
For career planning and UK-specific job search strategy, the HADESS coaching feature provides 1-on-1 sessions with practitioners who have navigated the UK cybersecurity market.
Related Guides in This Series
- Cybersecurity Salary UK: Complete Guide
- SOC Analyst Salary: US, UK, Europe Breakdown
- Entry Level Cybersecurity Salary: What to Expect
Take the Next Step
Find sponsoring employers. The HADESS UK sponsor finder shows companies with active sponsor licenses and cybersecurity openings.
Calculate your UK salary. Use the salary calculator and tax calculator to understand your take-home pay for any UK role.
Get started free — Create your HADESS account and access UK-specific career tools and job search resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to get visa sponsorship for cybersecurity in the UK?
Easier than most other fields. Cybersecurity is on the Shortage Occupation List, which reduces sponsorship costs for employers. Large financial services companies and technology firms regularly sponsor security professionals.
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa in cybersecurity?
The general threshold is GBP 38,700. Shortage occupation roles may qualify for a reduced threshold (80% of the going rate). Most mid-level cybersecurity roles comfortably exceed both thresholds.
Can I switch employers on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, but you need your new employer to issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship and you must apply to update your visa before starting the new job. The process takes 2-4 weeks.
Do I need UK security clearance for cybersecurity jobs?
Not for most private sector roles. Government and defense roles (GCHQ, NCSC, BAE Systems) require security clearance, which typically requires UK/Commonwealth nationality. Most commercial security roles have no clearance requirement.
Is the UK a good destination for cybersecurity careers compared to the US?
Different trade-offs. The US offers higher raw salaries. The UK offers better work-life balance (more leave, NHS healthcare, stronger worker protections), easier immigration pathways for many nationalities, and access to European markets. Financial services security roles in London offer some of the best combinations of compensation and benefits globally.
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HADESS Team consists of cybersecurity practitioners, hiring managers, and career strategists who have collectively spent 50+ years in the field.
