This visa gave my family and me the chance to relocate to the UK in a calm, well-structured way. Relocation is demanding in itself—especially when a work visa forces you to combine the move with immediately stepping into a new role or product. The GTV removes much of that pressure.
For me, it was important to move countries in a considered and sustainable way—one that allowed me to focus on my work, my family, and long-term plans.
The GTV offers rare flexibility to work, build products, or grow a business in the UK while remaining active internationally. Importantly, this flexibility applies to my spouse as well, which was crucial for our family.
At that time, I was living and working in Brazil—a wonderful country with unique nature, climate, and very open, welcoming people. Over time, however, my priorities became more global. I wanted my child to grow up in an international environment and for our family to have broader opportunities for development.
I started considering relocation, primarily to English-speaking countries. Based on a combination of factors—flexibility, transparent rules, a strong tech ecosystem, and long-term prospects—the UK Global Talent visa turned out to be the best fit.
The main advantage is flexibility. The visa isn’t tied to a specific employer, allowing you to work with international teams, build products, or pursue your own projects across markets.
Another key benefit is long-term stability. A visa of up to five years reduces the need to worry about extensions or your right to remain in the country. Exceptional Global Talent holders can apply for permanent residence after three years, and family members after five. Despite discussions about immigration reforms, the Global Talent conditions are expected to be maintained, providing a genuine sense of stability and peace of mind.
I carefully reviewed the requirements and quickly realised that my experience and achievements already met them. The main challenge was ensuring the application was of high quality—presenting my profile clearly, accurately, and persuasively.
To achieve this, I sought professional advice to objectively assess my strengths and organise the evidence in a way that would be clear and convincing to independent reviewers. This made the process more structured and helped minimise risk.
From a requirements standpoint—no. By the time I started, I already met them. The main challenge was not “closing gaps,” but preparing high-quality materials.
It was important to properly collect evidence, build a coherent case narrative, and select referees—especially given the large number of strong, accomplished professionals I had worked with throughout my career.
The GTV provides significant freedom in career planning, and I use it consciously. I am interested in international projects at the intersection of technology, product, and business—particularly in companies with global scale and a high level of responsibility for outcomes.
For me, this is not just about changing location, but about long-term growth: working on complex, meaningful products for an international audience and contributing to knowledge exchange within the professional community.
Focus on building a strong public professional profile and don’t shy away from the word “talent.” What feels basic to you can be valuable to others. In my experience, sharing structured insights on “fundamental topics” often finds strong resonance within the professional community.
For instance, one of my talks on a clear and accessible topic in product strategy at a major conference was ranked in the top 10 by audience ratings, and my publications and presentations consistently resonate with the community.
Share your experience: speak, write, and join professional discussions. Over time, your contributions become visible and appreciated. Hands-on experience, significant responsibility, and a willingness to share knowledge are key to successfully obtaining the GTV.
