Hiring and Sponsoring Estate agents and auctioneers (SOC Code 3555)

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Hiring skilled estate agents and auctioneers from overseas is a real option for UK property businesses that cannot fill roles domestically. SOC Code 3555 covers professionals who value land and property, advise clients on market conditions, negotiate sales and lettings, and conduct auction services. This guide explains what the role involves, how sponsorship works, and what employers need to do to stay compliant.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• SOC Code 3555 covers estate agents, property valuers, auctioneers and related property market professionals.
• Employers must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold and skill level requirements set by the Home Office.
• Right to work checks are mandatory before employment begins, regardless of nationality.
• Sponsors must keep records and report changes through the Sponsor Management System.

What Is SOC Code 3555?

Occupational Definition

SOC Code 3555 - Estate Agents and Auctioneers - covers workers who organise the buying, selling, letting and management of residential and commercial property. They also conduct valuations, advise buyers and sellers on market conditions, and manage or facilitate auctions for land, property and related assets.

Typical Job Titles Under This Code

• Estate Agent
• Lettings Agent
• Property Valuer
• Auctioneer
• Land Agent
• Property Negotiator
• Commercial Property Agent
• Residential Sales Negotiator

Key Duties Associated With This Role

• Valuing residential and commercial properties for sale, purchase or letting purposes.
• Advising clients on current market conditions, pricing strategies and investment potential.
• Negotiating and agreeing terms between buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.
• Managing property viewings, marketing campaigns and listing details.
• Conducting or facilitating auctions for land and property sales.
• Preparing legal documentation and coordinating with solicitors and surveyors.
• Maintaining client relationships and managing post-sale or post-let processes.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 3555

Is SOC 3555 Eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship?

Yes. Estate Agents and Auctioneers under SOC Code 3555 appear on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. This means UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can recruit overseas nationals into these roles, provided all eligibility requirements are met.

Minimum Salary Requirements

From April 2024, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applications increased significantly. Employers sponsoring workers into SOC 3555 roles must pay the higher of the general threshold, the going rate for the occupation, or the new entrant rate where applicable. Employers should check the latest going rate for SOC 3555 on the GOV.UK skilled worker going rates page before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English language ability at B1 level or above on the Common European Framework of Reference. This is typically evidenced through an approved secure English language test, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

How to Sponsor an Estate Agent or Auctioneer

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring any overseas worker, your business must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. If you do not already have one, you will need to apply through the UK Visas and Immigration portal and demonstrate that your business is genuine, operates lawfully and has appropriate HR systems in place. You can read more about the process in our guide to obtaining a sponsor licence.

Step 2: Identify the Correct SOC Code

Ensure the role genuinely corresponds to SOC 3555. Assigning an incorrect SOC code can lead to a Certificate of Sponsorship being rejected or compliance action against your licence. Review the job description against the standard occupational classification definitions carefully.

Step 3: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once licensed, use the Sponsor Management System to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the overseas worker. The CoS must accurately reflect the job title, SOC code, salary and start date. The worker uses this reference number as part of their visa application.

Step 4: Conduct a Right to Work Check

Before employment begins, you must carry out a compliant right to work check. For overseas nationals on a Skilled Worker visa, this involves checking their permission to work using the Home Office online checking service. Retaining evidence of this check is a legal requirement.

Step 5: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Sponsorship does not end at the point of hire. Employers must monitor attendance, report changes in circumstances, keep records up to date and carry out follow-up right to work checks when visas are due to expire. Failure to comply can result in licence suspension or revocation.

Resident Labour Market Test and Sponsorship Considerations

Is a Resident Labour Market Test Required?

The Resident Labour Market Test was abolished under the current points-based system. UK employers are no longer required to advertise a role domestically before sponsoring an overseas worker. However, sponsors should still be able to demonstrate that the role is genuine and that the salary offered is in line with what a settled worker would receive for the same position.

New Entrant Rate

Some workers may qualify for a reduced new entrant salary rate if they are under 26, are switching from a student or graduate visa, or are in the early stages of their career. This can make it more accessible to sponsor junior estate agents or trainee auctioneers at a lower salary threshold, provided all other requirements are met.

Compliance Obligations for Sponsors

Record Keeping

Sponsors must retain copies of identity documents, right to work evidence, contact details, job descriptions and payroll records for every sponsored worker. These records must be made available to the Home Office on request during compliance visits.

Reporting Duties

• Report if a sponsored worker does not turn up for their first day of work.
• Report significant changes to the worker's role, salary or working location.
• Report if a sponsored worker is absent for ten or more consecutive working days without authorisation.
• Report if the worker's employment ends before their visa expires.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The Home Office can downgrade, suspend or revoke a sponsor licence if a business fails to meet its duties. This can prevent you from hiring overseas workers in the future and may trigger curtailment of existing sponsored workers' visas. Employers should ensure their HR teams are trained and that compliance processes are regularly reviewed.

Why UK Property Businesses Sponsor Overseas Workers

Skills Shortages in the Property Sector

The UK property market faces persistent skills shortages, particularly in specialist valuation, commercial property and high-value residential sales. Employers in regions with competitive markets or niche property types increasingly look overseas to find experienced professionals who can operate at the required level from day one.

Multilingual and International Client Bases

Many estate agencies and property firms serve international buyers and investors. Hiring multilingual estate agents or auctioneers with experience of cross-border transactions can be a strategic advantage that domestic recruitment alone cannot satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 3555?

SOC Code 3555 refers to Estate Agents and Auctioneers. It covers professionals who value, sell, let and manage property, advise clients on the property market and conduct auctions for land and real estate.

Can I sponsor an estate agent on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC 3555 is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. You must hold a valid sponsor licence, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship and ensure the salary meets the applicable threshold for this occupation code.

What salary do I need to pay a sponsored estate agent?

You must pay the higher of the general Skilled Worker salary threshold or the going rate for SOC 3555 as published by the Home Office. Check the current going rates on GOV.UK before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship, as these figures are updated periodically.

Do I need to advertise the job before sponsoring someone?

No. The Resident Labour Market Test no longer applies under the points-based immigration system. You can proceed directly to sponsorship without needing to demonstrate that no suitable settled worker was found, although the role must be genuine.

What records do I need to keep as a sponsor?

You must keep right to work evidence, identity documents, contact details, employment contracts, payroll records and any changes to the worker's role or salary. These must be available for inspection by the Home Office at any time.

What happens if my sponsored worker leaves before their visa expires?

You must report the end of employment through the Sponsor Management System. The Home Office will then consider