The UK is a top destination for business, with a wide range of visas available to entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals. If you’re looking to set up or expand a business in the UK, it’s important to choose the right visa for your needs. Here, we break down the best UK business visas based on different business goals.
Short-Term Business in the UK
If you only plan to visit the UK for a short period (up to six months) for business purposes, the Standard Visitor Visa is the simplest option. You can use this visa for activities like:
- Attending business meetings, conferences, and seminars
- Giving talks (as long as they aren’t for profit)
- Negotiating and signing contracts
- Attending trade fairs (but you cannot sell products directly)
- Conducting site visits and inspections
- Gathering information for overseas business
However, this visa doesn’t allow you to work for a UK-based company or receive payment in the UK.
Setting Up a Business in the UK
If you have an innovative and viable business idea, the Innovator Visa may be the best choice. This visa is for experienced entrepreneurs looking to start a new business in the UK that is scalable and sustainable. To apply, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Investment Funds: At least £50,000 (unless an exception applies)
- Endorsement: Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved UK body
- English Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirement (CEFR level B2)
- Genuine Business: Your business must be genuine, and you must demonstrate that it is a viable business idea
- Age: You must be 18 or older
The Innovator Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to three years. After that, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if your business is successful.
If you want to set up a start-up business in the UK but don’t have the investment funds, the Start-Up Visa might be a better option. This visa is for new entrepreneurs who want to develop a business but do not require a £50,000 investment. You must be endorsed by either a UK higher education institution or a business organization that supports new businesses. This visa is for up to two years and cannot be extended. After that, you’ll need to switch to another visa (such as the Innovator Visa) to stay longer.
Expanding an Overseas Business to the UK
If you already run a business overseas and want to expand to the UK, the UK Expansion Worker Visa may be suitable. This visa allows senior employees (including yourself) to move to the UK temporarily to help establish the UK branch of your business. The key requirements include:
- Sponsorship: You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based sponsor
- Job Role: The job must be at a graduate level or above
- Salary: You must meet the minimum salary requirement, which is at least £42,400 (or the going rate for the role)
- Company Requirements: The overseas company must have been trading for at least three years and have a physical presence in the UK
This visa does not lead directly to settlement, but it allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years. After that, you may be able to switch to the Skilled Worker Visa to continue living and working in the UK.
Self-Sponsorship for Business Owners
If you want to start or expand your business in the UK without relying on an endorsement or specific investment requirements, self-sponsorship might be your best option. This route is ideal for business owners who wish to set up or take over a business in the UK. It’s a more accessible visa that doesn’t require a minimum investment or endorsement.
To qualify for self-sponsorship, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Solid Business Plan: You must have a clear business plan or intend to take over an existing UK business
- Relevant Skills and Experience: You need the qualifications or experience to manage the business successfully
- English Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirement (CEFR level B1)
- Funding: You should have the necessary funds to start the business
- Salary: You must be able to meet the salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker route
- Sponsorship Role: You will need a UK-based person (such as a British citizen) to act as the Authorising Officer for your business’s sponsor license
Self-sponsorship offers a more flexible route to settlement compared to other business visas, allowing you to stay longer and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
There are many business visa options available for entrepreneurs and investors looking to move to the UK. It’s important to carefully choose the visa that best matches your business goals. Self-sponsorship is the most flexible and accessible route for those wanting to start or grow their business in the UK, with a clear path to settlement.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK for business straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Business Visa or an Immigrant Investor Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas and permits they need for international travel. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
