Looking for a dependable route to work in the UK? Security guard positions are in high demand, offering foreign workers a trusted way to enter the job market. With competitive pay averaging £23,000–£28,000 annually and employers willing to sponsor visas, you can turn your sense of responsibility into a thriving career. Your opportunity to stand guard over your dreams is here.
One of the most in-demand and accessible roles for foreign workers is in security. With a consistent need for personnel across the country, competitive salaries, and opportunities for visa sponsorship, this could be the ideal pathway to build your career in UK.
Details of Security Guard Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Key Points
- Country: United Kingdom
- Job Type: Security Guard/Officer
- Experience Required: Preferred (security, customer service, or military background is advantageous)
- Training Required: Yes (mandatory SIA licensing)
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years
- Visa Sponsorship: Available with licensed sponsoring employers in 2026
Why Work as a Security Guard in UK?
A security role in the UK is more than just a job it’s a stable career with clear progression. Key benefits include:
- Competitive & Stable Pay: Salaries are reliable and often include overtime, shift allowances, and holiday pay.
- High Demand & Job Security: Security personnel are essential across numerous sectors, including retail, corporate buildings, events, transport hubs, and healthcare.
- Clear Career Pathway: Many security supervisors, managers, and consultants began their careers as guards.
- Flexible Scheduling: Opportunities for full-time, part-time, night, and weekend shifts to suit different lifestyles.
- Professional Development: Employers frequently provide ongoing training, and an SIA license is a transferable professional credential.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Approved UK employers can sponsor suitable foreign candidates under the Skilled Worker Visa route.
Average Salary for Security Guards in UK
Earnings vary based on location, specific role, and experience. Current averages are:
- Entry-Level Guards: £20,000 – £22,000 per year
- Experienced Guards: £23,000 – £29,000 per year
- Specialised Roles (e.g., Close Protection, CCTV Operator): £25,000 – £32,000+ per year
- Additional Earnings: Overtime, night shifts, and site allowances can add £2,000 – £6,000 annually.
Duties of a Security Guard in UK
- Conducting foot or vehicle patrols of premises.
- Monitoring and operating CCTV systems.
- Controlling access points and verifying identification.
- Writing detailed incident and occurrence reports.
- Providing excellent customer service while enforcing rules.
- Responding to alarms and emergency situations.
- Performing security checks on equipment and doors.
Requirements to Work as a Security Guard in UK
To work legally as a security guard in the UK, you must meet these non-negotiable requirements:
- Right to Work: You must have a valid work visa. For foreigners, this is typically the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires sponsorship from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- SIA Licence: It is illegal to work in most security roles without a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. To obtain one, you must:
- Complete an approved training course (e.g., Door Supervision or Security Guarding).
- Pass a criminal record check (both in the UK and from your home country).
- Provide proof of identity and right to work.
- Clean Background: A clear criminal history is essential for passing the SIA background check.
- Strong Communication Skills: Proficiency in English is critical for reporting incidents, interacting with the public, and following procedures.
- Physical Fitness: The role often requires long periods of standing, patrolling, and occasionally managing difficult situations.
Visa Requirements
Confirmed Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
You must have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your employer must issue a valid CoS linked to your security guard role.
Eligible Work Visa Application
Most sponsored roles fall under the Skilled Worker visa, provided the job meets skill and salary thresholds.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
Minimum Salary Requirement
The offered salary must meet the UK’s minimum threshold for the visa route or the occupation’s going rate.
SIA Licence (Mandatory)
You must obtain or be eligible for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to legally work as a security guard in the UK.
English Language Requirement
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, approved test, or qualification taught in English) is required.
Criminal Record Certificate
A police clearance certificate from your home country (and any country you lived in recently) is mandatory.
Health Requirement
You may need a TB test certificate from an approved clinic, depending on your country of residence.
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years or older to work as a security guard in the UK.
Relevant Training or Experience
Prior experience in security, military, or law enforcement is often required or strongly preferred.
Supporting Documents
Employment contract, CV, passport photos, qualification certificates, and proof of funds (if applicable).
How to Apply for Security Guard Jobs in UK
Follow this step-by-step process to navigate your job search:
- Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa and understand the SIA licensing process.
- Search for Job Openings: Target your search on major UK job platforms and company sites. Use keywords like:
- “Security Officer UK visa sponsorship”
- “SIA Security Guard jobs 2026”
- Look on Indeed UK, LinkedIn, Totaljobs, and CV-Library.
- Focus on Licensed Sponsors: Prioritize companies that are on the UK Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors. Major security firms like G4S, Securitas, and Mitie often sponsor eligible candidates.
- Prepare Your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in security, customer service, conflict resolution, or surveillance. Clearly state your SIA license status or willingness to obtain one.
- Apply Online: Submit applications through job portals or directly on company career sites.
- Ace the Interview: Be prepared to discuss your experience, understanding of security protocols, and your right to work in the UK. Mention your commitment to obtaining the SIA license if you don’t already have it.
- Secure Your Offer & Visa: If successful, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which you will use to apply for your Skilled Worker Visa.
Conclusion
Security guard jobs in UK present a viable and respected career pathway for foreign workers. With clear licensing requirements, competitive salaries, and the potential for visa sponsorship, these roles offer more than just employment; they provide stability, professional growth, and a meaningful contribution to community safety.
By obtaining your SIA license, preparing a strong application, and targeting employers open to sponsorship, you can successfully launch your career in the United Kingdom. Take the first step today by researching job openings and beginning the licensing process. Your future as a security professional in UK awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to become a security guard in UK?
While basic security or customer service experience is preferred, some employers provide training. The mandatory requirement is obtaining an SIA license, which includes completing accredited training.
What is the average salary for a security guard in UK
Salaries typically range from £19,000 for entry-level roles to £28,000+ for experienced guards. Overtime, shift allowances, and London weighting can increase total earnings significantly.
