Looking for a legal way to work in the UK as a security officer? Here’s everything you need to land a high-paying UK security job with visa sponsorship — no agents, no scams.
Fully updated for 2025 — safe for Google AdSense and Meta advertising
🔐 Why the UK Needs More Security Guards in 2025
With rising demands in logistics, events, property protection, and nightlife industries, the UK is actively hiring certified security officers. Nigerians with the right training and documentation now qualify for legal work under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa.
As of 2024, many UK security companies are on the Registered Sponsor list, meaning they can legally offer visa sponsorship to foreign nationals.
Who They Are Hiring:
- Door supervisors
- Nightclub bouncers
- Event stewards
- Retail loss prevention officers
- Static and mobile guards
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💷 How Much Do Security Officers Earn in the UK?
- Hourly rate: £10.50 – £14.50/hour
- Monthly income (40 hrs/week): £1,680 – £2,320
- Yearly income: £20,000 – £27,000
In Nigerian Naira: ₦40M – ₦54M/year (₦2,000 = £1)
Night shifts, overtime, and special event jobs can increase earnings to over £35,000/year (₦70 million).
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📋 Minimum Requirements for Nigerians
You don’t need a university degree, but you do need to meet the UK security standards.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Age | Must be 18+ |
English Language Test | IELTS (UKVI) with CLB 4+ or NARIC Statement of Compatibility |
Experience | 1 year experience in security or military/police background preferred |
Background check | Police clearance from Nigeria |
Medical fitness | Required |
SIA License | Mandatory for all security officers in the UK |
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🛡️ What Is an SIA Licence and Why Is It Mandatory?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the UK’s official body for regulating private security. Without an SIA license, you can’t legally work as a guard in the UK.
Types of SIA Licences:
- Door Supervisor Licence
- Security Guard Licence
- CCTV Operator Licence
Most employers prefer Door Supervisor because it covers both door security and static guarding.
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📚 Can Nigerians Get SIA License Before Coming to the UK?
NO — you can only apply for an SIA license once you’re in the UK.
However, you can be offered a visa-sponsored job if the employer agrees to train you or assist with your licensing once you arrive.
Some UK companies will:
- Sponsor your Skilled Worker Visa
- Book your SIA training on arrival
- Deduct training costs from your salary over time
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🛂 What Visa Do You Need?
The correct route is the Skilled Worker visa — formerly called the Tier 2 General Visa.
Visa Benefits:
- Valid for 5 years
- Renewable and leads to permanent residency (ILR)
- You can bring your spouse and children
- No degree required — only skill, job offer, and sponsorship
2025 Visa Fees:
- Application fee: ~£600 (₦1.2M)
- Health surcharge: ~£624/year (can be covered by employer)
- Proof of funds: £1,270 (₦2.5M, can be waived if employer supports you)
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🔎 Where to Find UK Security Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Apply directly — no need for agents. Use these trusted portals:
- UK Government Job Portal
- Indeed UK
- TotalJobs
- Reed.co.uk
- Cylex Security Firms
- UK Visa Sponsor List (Updated)
Top Companies Hiring Foreign Security Officers:
- Kingdom Services Group
- G4S Security (UK)
- Mitie Group
- Bidvest Noonan
- Corps Security
- Wilson James
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⚠️ How to Spot Fake Agents
Real Employers Will:
- Provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Ask you to complete an online interview
- Register your visa with the Home Office
Fake Agents Will:
- Ask for ₦100K–₦500K “processing fees”
- Promise UK jobs without interviews or documentation
- Ask for payment before giving job offer
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👨👩👧 Family Sponsorship
Under the Skilled Worker visa, you can bring:
- Your spouse (can work full-time)
- Your children under 18 (can attend free UK schools)
You’ll need proof of support funds unless your employer states in writing that they’ll provide housing or financial help.
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🧾 Sample UK-Style CV for Security Jobs
[Your Name] [Phone Number] | [Email] | [City, Nigeria] Professional Summary: Physically fit and alert security professional with 2+ years of experience in private property and event security. Seeking full-time security position in the UK with visa sponsorship. Work Experience: Spearforce Security — Lagos, Nigeria (2022–2024) • Monitored CCTV and patrols across commercial sites • Managed access control, conflict resolution, and night patrol • Provided security at events with over 1,000 attendees Education: WAEC — 2015 Certificate in Conflict Management (online – Alison) Skills: Surveillance, Communication, Teamwork, Calm Under Pressure
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📦 Estimated Cost to Process From Nigeria
Item | Estimated Cost (₦) |
---|---|
IELTS (UKVI) | ₦90,000 |
Police Clearance | ₦15,000 |
Medical Test | ₦45,000 |
Visa Fee | ₦1,200,000 |
Flight Ticket | ₦1,500,000+ |
Total | ₦2.8M – ₦3.2M |
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✅ Final Checklist to Qualify
- Pass IELTS UKVI (4.0+)
- Get a UK-format CV + reference letter
- Apply directly to UK-licensed sponsors
- Prepare for video interviews
- Have funds or employer sponsorship for visa process
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📝 Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If you’re physically fit, have security experience, and meet basic requirements — the UK security industry is a real opportunity for Nigerians to legally relocate and earn millions annually in stable employment.
You don’t need agents or bribes. Just follow the steps and apply the right way.
Start your journey today — and secure your future in the UK, legally.