UK Business Visa Requirements and Types

A UK business visas

A UK business visa allows individuals to enter the UK for specific activities related to overseas business matters.

A UK business visa permits individuals to enter the UK for the purpose of engaging in activities that are directly connected to a foreign business. The current UK immigration regulations for businesses offer various types of business visas, which are as follows:

Business visitor visa: This visa is suitable for short-term stays in the UK for specific business-related activities.
Short-term business visa: Designed for individuals coming to the UK for a brief period to conduct business-related tasks.
Innovator visa: Intended for entrepreneurs who want to establish innovative businesses in the UK.
Start-up visa: Targeted at individuals with limited business experience who wish to create new and innovative ventures in the UK.

Additionally, the Global Business Mobility visas encompass the following categories:

a. Senior or Specialist Worker visa: For overseas senior managers and employees with specialized skills working in a UK branch or subsidiary.

b. Graduate Trainee visa: Allows overseas employees to work in a UK branch or subsidiary as part of a graduate training program.

c. Secondment Worker visa: Enables overseas workers to be transferred by their employer to work on a high-value contract with a UK business.

d. Service Supplier visa: Allows overseas employees and self-employed individuals to provide services to a UK company under a contract.

It is crucial to understand the distinct purposes and criteria for each visa type and ensure compliance with the relevant requirements when applying. If you need further information or expert assistance with obtaining a UK business visa, please feel free to contact us at [contact details].

The UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) introduced the Global Business Mobility scheme in April 2022 to facilitate overseas businesses' expansion into the UK market. This scheme offers five new types of visas specifically tailored to support such business endeavors. The Global Business Mobility visa types are as follows:

Senior or Specialist Worker visa: This visa replaces the previous Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa and is intended for senior managers and employees with specialized skills who aim to work in a UK branch or subsidiary of their employer. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, be sponsored by a licensed UK employer, and meet specific salary requirements.
Graduate Trainee visa: The Graduate Trainee visa replaced the Intra-Company Transfer Graduate Visa. It allows overseas employees to work in the UK for a branch or subsidiary of their employer while participating in a graduate training program. To qualify, applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, have worked for their employer outside the UK for at least three months, and meet certain salary criteria.
UK Expansion Worker visa: This visa type replaced the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa UK. It enables overseas businesses to send senior managers to the UK to establish a business presence. Eligibility criteria include holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, having worked for the employer outside the UK (normally for 12 months), and meeting specific salary requirements.
Secondment Worker visa: The Secondment Worker visa allows overseas workers to be transferred by their employer to work on high-value contracts with UK businesses. To qualify, applicants must have worked for an overseas business with a high-value contract with a UK licensed sponsor for at least one year and hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
Service Supplier visa: The Service Supplier visa permits overseas employees and self-employed individuals to provide services to a UK company under a contract as part of an international trade agreement. Requirements include working for an overseas business or an overseas self-employed service provider, having an eligible job and necessary qualifications, and holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.

These Global Business Mobility visas are specifically designed to streamline and facilitate the expansion of overseas businesses into the UK, enabling them to engage in various business activities and contribute to the UK economy.

How to apply for a UK business visa

We work hard every day to make our customers' lives better and happier

The application process for a UK business visa varies depending on the specific visa type you are applying for. In general, the following steps are involved:

Review Visa Requirements: Begin by carefully reviewing the requirements for the visa you wish to apply for and ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Gather Necessary Documents: Depending on the type of business visa, you may need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship or an endorsement letter. For visitor visas, you might require a letter from the relevant business explaining your purpose of visit.
Submit Online Application: Complete and submit your visa application online through the UKVI website.
Pay Visa Fees: Pay the required visa application fees. For long-term visas, you may also need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge to access UK health services.
Biometric Appointment: If you are in the UK, book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point. If outside the UK, book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to have your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) processed.
Upload Supporting Documents: Provide any necessary documents required by UKVI to support your application, such as evidence of investment funds.
Attend Biometric Appointment: Attend your scheduled biometric appointment to have your fingerprints scanned and your photo taken.
Decision and Interview: Wait for a decision on your business visa application. In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview to discuss your application further.

For long-term business visas like the Start-up and Innovator visas, it is crucial to provide clear evidence justifying your eligibility to enhance your chances of a successful application.

At Reiss Edwards, we have extensive experience helping numerous overseas businesses and entrepreneurs obtain the necessary immigration permission to operate in the UK. We also specialize in assisting foreign nationals in gaining UK citizenship through investment.

For expert guidance and best practices in securing a UK business visa, feel free to reach out to our immigration lawyers. You can schedule a free telephone consultation by calling 020 7193 1110 or contacting us via email at post@cg-cons.eu

Request a callback!

Leave your number for a call back and we will contact you within 15 minutes.

By clicking on the "Request a call" button, you agree to the processing of your personal data. We do not share your data with anyone, and any information from the client, including the fact of the appeal, is protected by attorney-client privilege.