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UK immigration law’s dynamic nature makes it challenging to handle without the help of specialists. This guide will help you understand how to get business visa for UK, helping you fast–track your global ambitions.
Table of Contents
Introduction to UK Business Visas
A UK Business visa permits individuals or corporate representatives access to the British market. It is designed for entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, or investors keen to expand or establish their business in the UK, potentially leading to a settlement scheme.
A business visa is distinct from the standard work visa, as instead of employment from a single employer, it precisely targets trade activities such as negotiation and exploring opportunities. Business visa further categorises to serve your purpose more, such as innovator visa and self-sponsorship visa. Each of the categories has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
Business Immigration Routes to the UK
To cater to different types of industry professionals and business executives, various UK business visa types are:
1. Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder visa is custom-made for seasoned entrepreneurs who wish to establish and invest in their own business in the UK and have proven business experience.
Eligibility for innovator founder visa is a business proposal that is not only innovative but also has the potential to create jobs and benefits UK’s economy.
Once your business is up and thriving and the performance criteria for the initial visa period is successfully achieved, you can get indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after three years.
2. Self-Sponsorship
Self-sponsorship offers an adaptable settlement scheme to non-UK residents, allowing you to establish business and permanent residency in five years. Compared to other immigration routes, this does not require huge investments or rigid conditions.
Self-sponsorship has three steps:
- Immigration specialist helps you in either establishing or taking over an already existing business in the UK.
- The business is registered in UK, sponsor license paperwork is completed, and key staff members such as the Authorising Officer are appointed. Sponsorship license is procured by showing compliance with HR regulations.
- You obtain the certificate of sponsorship and file your skilled worker visa application.
This route allows you to bring five family members, avail free education and healthcare for your kids, and enjoy a more secure visa status with no sponsorship cancellation risk.
3. Global Business Expansion Visa
For senior executives and specialist professionals, the Business Expansion Visa becomes the stepping-stone to expand their business or manage a subsidiary in the UK. This visa allows your employer to send you to the UK to start off operations whilst exploring the new market for opportunities.
Eligibility criteria:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), with 12 months experience in the same company.
- Must have an eligible occupation.
- Must earn an annual salary of at least £48,500 or more.
A business expansion visa is the ideal career transition if you are on a UK study visa. You can stay in the UK for up to 2 years, bring your family, and the entire visa application process with visa approval takes 3 months.
Who Is Eligible for a UK Business Visa
Individuals who want to establish or expand their business in the United Kingdom are eligible for business visa. However, eligibility depends on specific business criteria such as:
- A certain amount must be in your account for 28 consecutive days. No investment cap is required, but it’s a must to demonstrate that you can support yourself and fund the business.
- A genuine intent to take over a business or a strong innovative business idea that gets endorsed and approved by the endorsing body.
- Must meet a CEFR B1 English proficiency level or a minimum of 5.5 band IELTS and have relevant skills and proven experience record.
- Must have an eligible job occupation (defined by 4-digit job code) and must have annual income of £48,500 or ‘going rate’ whichever is higher.
- A British Citizen who can become your Authorising Officer.
How to Get Business Visa for UK
After selecting the business visa type based on the eligibility criteria, here is how to get your business visa for the UK.
Documentation
Required documents for visa application are:
- Valid passport and Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Recent passport size picture.
- Business proposal.
- Financial statements or proof of funds.
- Proof of business experience.
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS 5.5 bands minimum.
- Endorsement letters (if applicable).
Online Application
Fill out your visa application form via the official UK Government website with accurate information.
Getting help from an immigration consultant would help streamline the application process with a greater success rate.
Payments
Submit the UK business visa fee and immigration health surcharge. This authorises your access to National Health Services (NHS) during your stay.
Identity Verification & Interview
Once all dues are cleared and application is submitted, you will be summoned to the embassy for identity verification and interview.
To clarify aspects of your personal background or business proposal, Home Office may request additional information.
Getting a Decision
It usually takes 3 weeks to get a decision after documentation, identity verification, and application submission. However, in case of any delay, you will be contacted.
Welcome to the UK!
Once your business visa application is approved, you will get your visa and can immediately fly off to kick-start business operations in the UK.
FAQs
No, investment capital is not required for any business visa category. However, £1,270 must be held in the bank account for 28 consecutive days.
You must have a bachelor’s degree and IELTS 5.5 bands minimum, must hold a minimum amount of 600,000 PKR to 700,000 PKR in a Pakistani bank account as proof of business investment and living expense.
Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years via India Young Professionals Scheme. You need to be selected in the scheme ballot before applying.
As an overseas business representative from UAE, you must not be a major shareholder in the company. Overall, the business visa application procedure is the same.
Processing time usually ranges from 3 to 8 weeks. The exact duration varies depending on case complexity and business visa category.
Get Expert Guidance from Legend Consults
Creating a global business footprint starts with understanding the challenges of how to get business visa for UK and meeting eligibility requirements for streamlined application.
Connect with Legend Consults for tailored support and expert guidance guaranteed success.
