In recent years, the demand for delivery drivers across the United Kingdom has skyrocketed and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. With e-commerce booming, food delivery expanding, and logistics companies scaling their fleets, UK employers are now hiring both local and international drivers to keep up with demand.
For foreign workers seeking stable, well-paying employment, delivery driver jobs with visa sponsorship offer an incredible opportunity to earn between £14 and £20 per hour, often with added perks like fuel reimbursements, paid overtime, and uniform allowances.
Overview of Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK (2025 Update)
The United Kingdom logistics and delivery industry has evolved into one of the country’s fastest-growing employment sectors. With over 70,000 new driver positions projected in 2025, companies across retail, logistics, and food delivery are struggling to fill vacancies.
Key factors driving demand include:
- The rise of same-day delivery and online shopping
- Expansion of supermarket home delivery services
- A shortage of licensed drivers due to post-Brexit changes
- Ongoing partnerships between delivery platforms and retailers
Types of Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK
Delivery roles in the UK can be broadly categorized into three main types, depending on vehicle type and employer:
1. Van and Parcel Delivery Drivers
- Deliver small parcels and packages to residential or business addresses.
- Employed by courier and e-commerce giants such as Amazon, DPD, Hermes, and Royal Mail.
- Typical Pay: £14–£18/hour
- Shifts: Flexible; both full-time and part-time available.
2. HGV / LGV Drivers (Heavy or Large Goods Vehicles)
- Operate larger trucks for long-distance haulage or retail distribution.
- Usually require a Category C or C+E licence.
- Typical Pay: £17–£20/hour, plus overtime or night-shift bonuses.
- Often eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship due to shortage status.
3. Food and Grocery Delivery Drivers
- Deliver groceries or hot meals for companies like Tesco, Asda, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.
- Pay is usually hourly or per delivery.
- Typical Pay: £13–£16/hour, with additional mileage or fuel pay.
Visa Sponsorship Options Explained
Foreign applicants who wish to work as delivery drivers in the UK must hold a valid visa. The two most common routes for driver sponsorship are the Skilled Worker Visa and the Seasonal or Temporary Work Visa, depending on job type.
1. Skilled Worker Visa (Permanent/Long-Term Option)
This is the most common route for HGV/LGV and long-term delivery driver positions.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor
- Role that meets the salary threshold (around £26,200/year or more)
- English language proficiency
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer
- Clean driving and criminal record
Benefits:
- Stay up to 5 years with the option to extend or apply for permanent residency
- Bring dependents (spouse/children)
- Access to healthcare (NHS) and worker rights
2. Temporary or Seasonal Work Visa
Some logistics companies offer short-term employment under the Temporary Worker route.
While less common than Skilled Worker sponsorships, they can cover peak delivery seasons (e.g., Christmas or Black Friday).
Duration: Up to 12 months
Key Advantage: Quicker processing and no long-term commitment
Average Salaries and Benefits (2025 Data)
| Role | Hourly Pay (£) | Annual Equivalent (£) | Common Benefits |
| Food Delivery Driver | 13 – 16 | 26,000 – 32,000 | Flexible hours, fuel bonus |
| Van / Parcel Driver | 14 – 18 | 28,000 – 36,000 | Paid overtime, uniform, insurance |
| HGV / LGV Driver | 17 – 20 | 34,000 – 40,000+ | Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship |
| Supervisor / Fleet Leader | 20 – 23+ | 40,000 – 45,000+ | Pension plan, family visa eligibility |
Extra benefits often include:
- Paid overtime and mileage allowance
- Company-provided vehicle or van leasing options
- Pension contributions
- Paid holidays and healthcare
- Training support for international drivers
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants (local and international) generally need to meet these requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Hold a valid driver’s licence (international or UK equivalent)
- Have a clean driving record
- Basic English communication skills
- Be physically fit and able to handle packages
- For HGV roles: hold Category C / C+E licence and a Driver CPC certification
Employers offering visa sponsorship may also require:
- Proof of experience (1–2 years preferred)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Police clearance and medical test results
Top UK Employers Offering Driver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Here are some reputable employers currently known to sponsor or recruit international drivers:
- Tesco PLC – Offers logistics and grocery delivery jobs across the UK.
- DHL Supply Chain – Regularly sponsors HGV drivers under the Skilled Worker Visa route.
- DPD Group UK – Provides parcel delivery positions with visa support for qualified applicants.
- Amazon Logistics UK – Hires international drivers through third-party delivery service partners.
- Royal Mail – Offers seasonal and permanent postal delivery driver roles.
- Ocado and Sainsbury’s – Hire grocery delivery drivers with company vans and paid training.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for UK Delivery Driver Jobs from Abroad
- Check eligibility — confirm you meet the age, licence, and experience criteria.
- Search for legitimate sponsors via the UK Government’s licensed sponsor list.
- Prepare your CV highlighting relevant driving, logistics, or delivery experience.
- Apply directly through company websites or trusted recruitment platforms (Indeed, Reed, TotalJobs).
- If selected, receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Apply for your visa on GOV.UK.
- Attend biometric and health checks in your country of residence.
- Once approved, arrange travel and accommodation in the UK.
Conclusion
With hourly pay ranging from £14 to £20, consistent demand, and opportunities for visa sponsorship, delivery driver jobs in the United Kingdom are among the best career options for international job seekers in 2025.
Whether you’re experienced in long-distance trucking or just starting in van delivery, the UK’s logistics industry offers flexible schedules, fair pay, and real growth potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can foreigners work as delivery drivers in the UK?
Yes. Many companies hire foreign drivers through visa sponsorship programs like the Skilled Worker Visa.
2. What’s the average pay for delivery drivers in 2025?
Between £14 and £20 per hour, depending on job type, experience, and location.
3. Do I need UK driving experience?
Not always. Some employers accept international licences and provide paid training after arrival.
4. Which companies sponsor driver visas?
Major employers include DHL, Tesco, DPD, and Amazon Logistics.
5. Is accommodation provided?
In some cases — especially for HGV or long-distance drivers — employers offer temporary housing or relocation assistance.
6. Can I bring my family to the UK?
Yes, if you’re on a Skilled Worker Visa. Dependents can apply to join you under family sponsorship rules.