The UK immigration process is quite complicated; therefore, it is essential to hire a professional immigration solicitor to help you navigate the process and secure the right business visa you need.
If you are an entrepreneur or a startup that wants to start a new business in the UK, relocate an existing business or set up a subsidiary or branch of a company based outside the country, you’ll need help to process your visa application.
Types of UK business visas
The UK issues different types of business visas according to the purpose of the visit. Your solicitor will be able to help you understand the business immigration requirements to ensure that you can get a business visa.
1. Standard Visitor visa
The Business Visitor visa is now called the Standard Visitor visa. This type of business visitor visa lasts for six months, but it can now be extended for up to ten years based on the circumstances (long term Standard Visitor visa). The visa holder has to satisfy several requirements and follow some restrictions.
You can qualify to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if you are travelling to the UK because:
- You are attending a business conference or meeting
- You are an academic and doing research
- You are a dentist or doctor doing an observer post or clinical attachment
- You are a musician or artist doing a performance
- You are taking professional examinations
- You are buying or joining a UK business or seeking funding to launch a business in the UK
2. Startup visa
The UK universities can endorse Startup visas, especially if the applicants are graduates from these universities. There are several business-endorsing bodies to help startups travel to the UK. The Startup visa replaces the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa programme and is available to applicants who are not from Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA) member countries. It is reserved for entrepreneurs who have an early-stage, high-potential business they want to set up in the UK. The entrepreneur must be setting up the business in the UK for the first time. The visa does not require the applicant to have access to initial funds, but they need the endorsements.
3. Innovator visa
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa has replaced the Innovator visa. This visa allows entrepreneurs residing in non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries to set up a UK business. Innovator visa applicants should have access to a minimum of £50,000 to invest in the business they want to set up in the UK. The business, which must be approved by an endorsing body, should be scalable, viable, and innovative. The Innovator visa is valid for three years.
4. Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa
This visa is for senior managers and executives of an overseas company that wants to set up a subsidiary, branch, or office in the UK for the first time. The company representative should not have more than 50 per cent ownership of the business. The law stipulates that the main company should remain in its current location and be larger than the UK’s proposed operation. The visa allows the holder to stay for three years and apply for a two-year extension.
5. Turkish Businessperson visa
This visa is specific to Turkish businesspersons who want to run an existing business in the UK or establish a new one. This is subject to eligibility requirements and restrictions. The Turkish Businessperson visa is valid for one year and can be extended to three years.
It is vital to work with a professional business immigration solicitor before you make your travel plans. The solicitor can guide you and give you support until you receive your business visa.
