The UK and its thriving economy attracts business people from all over the world. The UK economy is ranked above regional and global averages.
If you do not hold a British passport and wish to carry out your business activities in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa first. The UK Business Visitor Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor Visa.
Business Visa Options:
There are a number of UK business visas and schemes for those wishing to migrate to the UK as part of the business immigration flow. While there is no all-encompassing set of basic requirements that apply to the entire range of business visas, each of the following pages will outline what is needed to qualify for each visa.
This visa is based on an individual’s wealth and willingness to invest money in the interests of the United Kingdom. This is a passive investment.
Tier 1 (Investor) Visa Requirements.
- You must have at least £1 million at your disposal;
- You must be willing to invest £750,000 of that money in investment trusts or private companies (not bank accounts, property development companies or offshore companies);
- You may not be employed in any role other than managing your investment;
- You must be prepared to spend at least 50% of your time in the UK;
- You can invest the remaining £250,000 however you like;
- You must meet the English language proficiency requirements (see below); AND
- You must have sufficient funds, as specified by the UK Government at the time of application.
Tier 1 (investor) visa conditions.
- You will initially be granted a 3 year visa.
- You must then apply for an extension which is normally granted provided that any decrease in the value of your investments is based solely on market fluctuation, you have transferred the money within 3 months of arriving in the UK and the total investment is still more than £1 million. If these conditions are not met the extension may be refused.
- Successful extensions last 2 years.
- After 5 years you can apply for an indefinite residence permit (permanent residence).
- Your partner and dependent children can join you on this visa and are free to work and attend school.
English language skills
Applicants who do not have a degree taught in English must take and pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and obtain a score of at least 6.5 on each of the 4 components. IELTS measures the ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking – for people planning to study or work where English is the language of communication.
This visa is for people who wish to come to the UK to start a new business and work in the capacity of running that business.
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa Requirements.
- Applicants must have a minimum of £200,000 to start the proposed business;
- Applicants can open any type of business, but must work full time managing the business;
- Applicants must, through opening the business, create full-time employment for 2 EEA citizens;
- Applicants must assume a share of the company’s liabilities;
- Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves until the business becomes profitable;
- Applicants must have a controlling interest in the company;
- Applicants must have a compelling and feasible business plan;
- You must meet the English language proficiency requirements (see below); AND
- You must have sufficient funds, as specified by the UK Government at the time of application.
Tier 1 (entrepreneur) visa conditions.
- The successful applicant is generally granted a 2-year visa initially;
- It is possible to request an extension of a further 3 years as long as the business is operational, investments have been made and the 2 jobs have been created;
- Applicants can, after 5 years, apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence); AND
- Your partner and dependent children can join you on this visa and are free to work and go to school.
English language skills
Applicants who do not have a degree taught in English must take and pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and obtain a score of at least 6.5 on each of the 4 components. IELTS measures the ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people planning to study or work where English is the language of communication.
This visa is for citizens of Bulgaria and Romania who wish to come to the UK to start a new business and work in a management capacity for that business.
Requirements of the European Union Association Agreement
- Applicants can open any type of business they wish, but must work full time managing the business (and not take up any other employment);
- Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves until the business becomes profitable;
- Applicants must have a compelling and feasible business plan;
- There is no need to hire additional staff; AND
- Applicants can operate as a limited company or as an individual or in partnership with others.
Conditions of the European Union Association Agreement
- The successful applicant is generally granted a 2 year visa initially.
- It is possible to request an extension of a further 3 years as long as the business is operating in line with the original plan, the applicants have not had to access public funds and the business continues to be profitable. If these conditions are not met, the extension may be refused.
- Applicants can, after 5 years, apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence).
- Your partner and dependent children can join you on this visa and are free to work and go to school.
Commissions
The cost of a business visitor visa is £83 per person.
Long-term visit visa fees are:
- £300 for 1 year
- £300 for 2 years
- £544 for 5 years
- £737 for 10 years
Long-term visit visa application
You must also provide proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit.
If you do not provide proof, you may receive a visa for a shorter period. You will not receive your application fee back if your application is rejected or if you get a shorter visa.
Apply from outside the UK
You need to apply online from Pakistan or any other country for a business visitor visa.
You will need to have your biometric information which includes photographs and fingerprints taken at a Visa application center.
Apply in the UK
You can only extend your visa if you already live in the UK.
Additional requirements for the UK Business Visitor Visa
Business visitors traveling to the UK for work purposes or to complete a test, identical to all UK visa applicants, will still need to meet additional prerequisites keeping in mind the end goal of obtaining the visa. Specifically, they will have to demonstrate that:
- They are squatting and working abroad and have no intention of settling in the UK
- They do not intend to give administrations or deliver goods whilst in the UK.
- Under the rules of passage, guests will also be granted a business visitor visa if, for example, they are traveling to the UK to speak at an irregular meeting or to attend a meeting with potential employees for work in the UK.
FAQ
How to apply for UK Visa from Ireland while in Ireland on Indian Business Visa?
You will be required to submit an online application package and visit the VFS in Ireland to submit documents and biometrics if you have a non-tourist visa. If you have an Irish tourist visa you may also be able to enter the UK without applying for a UK visa.
Do I have to personally visit the VFS office for the UK business visa if I have already traveled to the UK and have a valid Schengen and USA b1 visa?
Yes, every time you apply for UK visa, you have to personally visit the VFS office for your biometric details.
I have an appointment for UK business visa in Pune. Can I go to Hyderabad embassy for visa
You may cancel your appointment at VFS Pune and come to VFS Hyderabad for your appointment. The embassy will not directly consider the submission of visa applications. It is also advisable to check with VFS Hyderabad before visiting whether they accept walk-ins.
Is having a valid UK business visa beneficial for obtaining US B1 visa status if you stay in your home country despite having a UK business visa?
It is not mandatory to visit the country even if you have a visa. However, each application is decided based on the facts and information provided to the immigration officer.
Can I change my UK tourist visa to a business visa from India?
If you are eligible, you can apply for a business visa from India, while having a valid visit visa.