UK Business Visas

In the United Kingdom, the collection of immigration services commonly referred to as “UK Business Visas” comprises several routes to permanent immigration based on a candidate’s business acumen and/or investment capabilities. This group does not include the UK business visitor visa; a short term visit visa for the UK which permits some business activities but does not allow its holder to work in the UK.

The Global Visas online business visa assessment area makes it easy to set your application in motion. Complete one of our online assessment forms now and one of our specialist immigration consultants will contact you.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

Applying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is designed for those who wish to immigrate to the UK in order to start a business. The business must also form the applicant’s place of employment, they must function in a managerial role and must invest a minimum of £200,000.

Unlike UK work visas such as the old Highly Skilled Migrant visa and Tier 2 Work Permit, the entrepreneur visa does not require candidates to undergo a point based assessment, nor does it require an offer of employment to be in place. This UK immigration service focuses upon the ability of a candidate to contribute to the prosperity and development of the UK economy. Candidates must be able to present a viable business plan which shows that the candidate can support him or herself and any dependents as well as showing that the proposed business will create at least two new positions of employment for EEA nationals. The investment may be in the form of cash or share capital and the applicant must have a controlling interest in the business. However, the money must be the applicant’s own, and may not include external sources of money such as loans.

UK entrepreneur visas are granted for two years during which time the criteria outlined above must be satisfied. After two years, if the conditions are met a UK visa extension of three years may be granted. After five years a successful applicant may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR), and beyond this they may apply for British Naturalization as a UK Citizen.

Tier 1 Investor Visa

The Tier 1 Investor visa, like the entrepreneur visa does not require candidates to undergo a points based assessment and does not necessitate an offer of employment from a UK based company. The investment required for this class of UK business visa application is considerably higher than that of the entrepreneur visa, however, fewer demands are placed on candidates and they do not have to engage in the day to day running of a business.

The UK Investment visa is designed for those who wish to relocate to the UK as a portfolio investor and requires a minimum of £1 million to be invested in the UK. £750,000 of this investment must be put into private companies or unit trusts. In all cases documentary evidence proving that the candidate has these funds at his or her disposal will be required.

UK visas of this class are normally issued for 12 months and investment funds must have been transferred to the UK within the first three months of a candidate’s arrival. Beyond the 12 month grant, an extension of three years may be granted if the candidates investment continues to exceed a total value of £1 million. After four years an Investor visa holder may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) and beyond this, they may pursue a grant of UK citizenship.

Unlike the other UK business visa classes, holders of UK investor visas may not undertake employment in the UK beyond managing their investment portfolios.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

In all cases, the UK Business Visas outlined above are potential routes to permanent settlement in the UK and as such, the spouse, partner, and/or dependent children of the main applicant may accompany them to the UK. Such dependents will be granted the same leave to remain in Britain and will be permitted to work in the UK.

At Global Visas our specialist team of immigration lawyers and consultants will help you to obtain the right UK business visa service for you. Find out whether you qualify by visiting the Global Visas online assessment area today.