Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025 are creating a major pathway for foreigners who want to build a life in the UK while earning a decent living. With the sharp growth in online shopping, food delivery and retail logistics, the demand for professional and reliable drivers has surged across the country.

Many logistics companies, supermarkets, courier services and e-commerce platforms are actively recruiting foreign delivery drivers and are offering visa sponsorship to close workforce gaps. This trend means that people from outside the UK, especially from countries like Nigeria, India, the Philippines and Ghana, now have more accessible routes to employment in the UK through sponsored delivery roles.

For many, delivery driver jobs are more than just transporting parcels or groceries – they are a dependable entry point into the UK workforce. These roles often don’t require university degrees or extensive qualifications making them attractive to unskilled or semi-skilled workers looking to relocate. Some positions even provide training upon arrival, especially with big names like Amazon, DPD or Ocado, ensuring international hires can quickly adapt to the standards and expectations of UK roads and regulations.

As long as applicants can demonstrate strong driving skills, a basic command of English and a commitment to safety and punctuality, they stand a good chance of getting hired.

Visa sponsorship is a game-changer in this space. Companies that are listed as UK-licensed sponsors can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. For roles such as van delivery drivers or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operators, sponsorship enables non-residents to legally work and live in the UK, often with opportunities for long-term employment and even family relocation.

The government’s updated immigration policy acknowledges the role of drivers in maintaining supply chains, which is why delivery roles have found their way into the list of eligible jobs under the sponsorship visa category.

Key Steps to Obtain Visa Sponsorship:

1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: You must secure a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer will provide a CoS, a unique reference number required for your visa application.

3. Skilled Worker Visa Application: With the CoS, you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa, meeting other eligibility criteria such as English language proficiency and financial requirements.

It’s essential to ensure that the employer is listed on the UK’s official register of licensed sponsors.

Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship for Delivery Drivers

Several reputable companies in the UK are known to offer visa sponsorships for delivery driver roles. These include:

• Amazon Logistics: As a global e-commerce giant, Amazon frequently hires delivery drivers across the UK.

• DPD UK: Known for parcel delivery services, DPD offers various driving roles with competitive benefits.

• Royal Mail: The UK’s national postal service often recruits delivery drivers, especially during peak seasons.

• Evri (formerly Hermes): Specializing in parcel delivery, Evri provides opportunities for both employed and self-employed drivers.

• Ocado Group: An online supermarket, Ocado hires delivery drivers to fulfill grocery deliveries.

Amazon Logistics

Amazon is perhaps the most prominent player in the delivery landscape, not just in the UK, but globally. With a constant need to fulfill Prime orders, same-day deliveries and logistics partnerships across the UK, Amazon has emerged as one of the most accessible employers for foreigners seeking driving jobs. In 2025, Amazon continues to scale its delivery operations and has been actively hiring drivers through its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program.

These DSPs, although independently owned, often collaborate directly with Amazon to sponsor skilled foreign drivers under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa route.

What makes Amazon appealing is its streamlined training system, competitive salary packages (averaging £30,000–£36,000 per annum) and flexible scheduling. Drivers are given Amazon-branded vans, handheld delivery devices and safety training. Many of the DSP partners work closely with immigration consultants to ensure applicants from countries like Nigeria, India and Pakistan can process their sponsorship and relocation smoothly.

Amazon’s high hiring volume means they can afford to invest in international talent long-term, often with opportunities to grow into team lead or logistics coordinator roles.

DPD UK (Dynamic Parcel Distribution)

DPD is one of the most reputable parcel delivery companies in the UK, with a massive footprint in both urban and rural delivery zones. They specialize in fast, secure parcel deliveries for both business and personal clients. Over the years, DPD has made a name for itself through its strong customer service and investment in workforce development – including hiring foreign drivers through visa sponsorship.

The company has consistently ranked high in logistics employer ratings and offers long-term employment contracts with added benefits like annual leave, pension contributions and safety bonuses.

In 2025, DPD continues to be one of the most active recruiters of delivery drivers, particularly for large parcel delivery roles and multi-drop operations. International applicants hired by DPD are usually offered full training upon arrival, which includes UK road regulations, safe driving practices and customer interaction protocols.

DPD’s HR department works hand-in-hand with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) to ensure smooth onboarding for foreign drivers, including those switching from other visas within the UK. Salaries start around £29,000 and can go beyond £35,000 depending on experience, shift patterns and bonus structures.

Ocado Group

Ocado is a tech-driven grocery delivery company that partners with large UK supermarket chains like Marks & Spencer. They operate a fleet of state-of-the-art refrigerated vans and employ thousands of drivers across the UK to handle grocery deliveries with precision timing. Unlike parcel companies, Ocado requires a bit more interpersonal interaction, as customers often receive fresh or frozen items directly at their doors. This makes the role slightly more demanding – but also more rewarding, both in pay and job satisfaction.

Ocado offers visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker category and has established a clear pipeline for international drivers. Applicants are expected to hold a valid driver’s license, pass a background check and demonstrate a willingness to learn about food safety and cold-chain logistics. Training is robust and includes route planning, van maintenance and customer service protocols.

As of 2025, Ocado offers salaries ranging from £28,000 to £34,000, with additional pay for weekend or night shifts. Sponsorship candidates can expect strong support, including guidance with visa application paperwork and transition assistance upon arrival.

Royal Mail

The Royal Mail is a pillar of the UK’s delivery ecosystem. With over 500 years of history, it offers both prestige and stability to those lucky enough to join their workforce. The company delivers mail and parcels to millions of addresses every day and with the increase in parcel deliveries, it has begun to open doors to international drivers through visa sponsorship initiatives – particularly for roles in under-served regions or during high-demand periods like holidays.

What sets Royal Mail apart is its structured pay scale, strong union presence and transparent working conditions. In 2025, many of its depots in regions facing acute driver shortages – such as Northern England, Scotland and parts of Wales – are extending sponsorships to foreign drivers with clean driving records and some logistics experience.

The recruitment process typically involves a driving test, physical fitness check and background screening. Drivers earn between £30,000 and £38,000 and benefit from generous pension schemes, sick leave and holiday allowances. There are also opportunities for overtime and permanent residency routes for high-performing staff.

Evri (Formerly Hermes)

Evri is another major player in the UK parcel delivery market. It is known for its flexible delivery options and use of self-employed couriers. However, as demand for full-time, consistent delivery operations increases, Evri has shifted toward employing contracted drivers, many of whom are sponsored from abroad. They now offer permanent contracts to foreign applicants with a valid UK or international driving license and a willingness to undergo internal training.

Evri’s visa sponsorship program is fairly straightforward and typically handled by a third-party immigration partner. Once on board, drivers receive van lease options, fuel cards and performance-based bonuses. Salaries start from £27,000 and can rise with experience, route complexity and weekend shifts.

The company values efficiency and punctuality, rewarding high-performance drivers with promotions and even training to become driver supervisors or route planners. In 2025, Evri is expanding its depots across the Midlands and North of England, with most sponsored roles focused on these high-demand regions.

Yodel

Yodel is another delivery giant that services some of the UK’s largest retailers. Their recruitment of international drivers with visa sponsorship has picked up pace in 2025 due to increased seasonal and year-round demand. What makes Yodel unique is its focus on regional deliveries, meaning that drivers often operate within a specific postcode or local radius – ideal for those unfamiliar with long-haul UK routes.

Visa-sponsored applicants go through a structured recruitment process including driving tests, customer service training and background checks. Yodel provides fully equipped delivery vans and a dynamic route-planning app to optimize delivery schedules. Base pay ranges from £28,000 to £32,000, with the potential for extra earnings through delivery volume incentives.

Their HR teams are particularly helpful in assisting with visa documentation, accommodation guidance and family relocation support.

Additional Employers to Watch in 2025

Several smaller but fast-growing delivery companies in the UK are also now exploring visa sponsorship as a way to address driver shortages. These include:

• Deliveroo – While primarily known for food delivery, Deliveroo hires full-time vehicle drivers in select areas.

• Tesco and Sainsbury’s – Both offer in-house delivery services and have begun sponsoring skilled international drivers.

• ASDA and Morrisons – Grocery chains that are expanding their home delivery operations and require a stable pool of drivers.

• DX Group – Specializing in time-sensitive and secure deliveries, this firm offers well-paying roles with sponsorship potential.

Eligibility Criteria for Delivery Driver Roles

To qualify for delivery driver jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, candidates typically need to meet the following requirements:

• Valid Driving License: Depending on the vehicle type, a full UK driving license or an international equivalent may be necessary.

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a good command of English, often through standardized tests like IELTS.

• Clean Driving Record: A history free from major traffic violations is crucial.

• Medical Fitness: Some roles may require a medical examination to ensure fitness for driving.

• Experience: While not always mandatory, prior experience in delivery or logistics can be advantageous.

Salary Expectations and Benefits

Delivery driver salaries in the UK vary based on location, employer and experience. On average, delivery drivers can expect to earn between £28,000 and £35,000 annually . Additional benefits may include:

• Overtime Pay: Extra hours often come with higher pay rates.

• Bonuses: Performance-based incentives are common.

• Pension Contributions: Employers typically contribute to pension schemes.

• Paid Leave: Annual leave and sick pay are standard.

• Training Opportunities: Many companies offer ongoing training and career development programs.

Application Process: Steps to Success

1. Research and Identify Opportunities: Utilize job portals like Indeed, LinkedIn and the UK government’s Find a Job service to locate delivery driver positions offering visa sponsorship.

2. Prepare Your CV and Cover Letter: Tailor your application materials to highlight relevant experience and skills.

3. Apply to Licensed Sponsors: Ensure the employers you’re applying to are authorized to sponsor visas.

4. Interview Preparation: Be ready to discuss your driving experience, knowledge of UK roads and customer service skills.

5. Visa Application: Once you receive a job offer and CoS, proceed with the Skilled Worker visa application, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.