Business Visas UK

The UK has one of the strongest currencies and economy in the world. In the United Kingdom, "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.

UK Entrepreneur Visa

UK Entrepreneur visas are designed for those who wish to immigrate to the UK in order to start a business. The business must also form the candidates place of employment; they must function in a managerial role and must invest a minimum of £200,000.

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 convincing 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.

UK Investor Visa

The UK Investor does not require candidates to undergo 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 candidate's 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.

The UK investor visas may not undertake employment in the UK beyond managing their investment portfolios.

UK Innovator Visa

The UK Immigration for Innovators programme is a UK business visa based on a candidate's ability to bring an innovative technology to the UK. Unlike other UK business visas, this immigration service do not depend upon an investment being made, concentrating instead on the innovative aspects of the candidate's application.

Although the innovator visa does not require an investment in the UK economy, it does require an agreed source of funding and applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient business ability to development and implement their proposals. Uniquely among the UK business visas, this class employs a points based assessment, similar to that used in the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, or HSMP, to assess candidates. The points system assesses each candidate on the three main areas of personal characteristics, a detailed business plan and economic benefit to Britain.

Candidates must achieve a minimum of 15 points in the personal characteristics section, and will be assessed on their qualifications, management experience, experience of the business area concerned and research conducted into the relevant area. They may also gain extra points for experience in starting a business and any experience gained in Britain.

Candidates will be awarded up to 30 points in the Economic Benefit to Britain section, which focuses upon the opportunities to create employment for UK citizens and permanent residents and specifically for science and technology graduates. This section will also award points for the introduction of a new technology to the UK, and investment in research and development with extra points being awarded where businesses will be primarily internet based.

Finally the business plan is worth up to 15 points and is a pivotal aspect of the UK innovators visa. A business plan must cover at least 18 months and must give full details of the following:

  • Why the proposal is an innovative one
  • The management team and legal structure
  • The likelihood of employment opportunities
  • Cash flow, source of funding and risk assessment

Innovator visas are awarded for 18 months which may be extended by a further four years if a candidate continues to meet the requirements outlined above. For an extension to be granted the business must have created at least two new jobs and must be fully functional with the candidate holding a 5% stake. As with other business visas a successful candidate may ultimately progress to permanent residency in the UK and a grant of UK Citizenship.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

The 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.