UK Business Visas

The term ‘UK Business Visas’ is often used to collectively describe various types of long-term UK visa which focus on the business acumen and/or investment capability of a candidate relocating to the UK. The UK business visit visa, a short stay visa which has a maximum duration of six months and which does not permit an applicant to work in the UK is not included in this group. The business visas group includes the UK Entrepreneur visa, the UK Innovator visa, and the UK Investor visa, all of which provide routes to permanent residency in the UK.

As UK immigration specialists, Global Visas provide a complete range of UK visas and immigration services from short-term visit visas through to assisting with applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and UK citizenship. To find out more about UK business visas and to set your application in motion visit the online assessment area today.

The UK Entrepreneur Visa

UK entrepreneur visas are based upon a candidate’s ability to start a UK business and focus upon factors such as the candidate demonstrating that the venture will create job opportunities for UK citizens and permanent residents. The entrepreneur visa also requires an investment of at least £200,000 of the candidate’s own money and the applicant must fulfil a key role in managing the venture on a day-to-day basis.

One of the key advantages over points based visas such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is that under this route no points assessment of a candidate’s skill and qualifications needs to be undertaken. However, the entrepreneur visa does focus strongly upon a candidate’s businesses acumen, The visa route is designed to attract those candidates who will contribute most to the UK economy, as a result candidates must be able to demonstrate their business experience and must submit a detailed and economically viable business plan which shows that the venture will create at least two positions of employment beyond the main applicant and his or her family.

The Entrepreneur visa is granted for an initial period of 24 months during which time the conditions of this immigration service must continue to be met. If at the 24-month point the candidate continues to satisfy the criteria, a visa extension may be obtained for a further three years. After five years of living and working in the UK, the candidate may apply for ILR and ultimately, UK citizenship.

The UK Investor Visa

The UK investor visa, like the entrepreneur visa requires a significant investment although in this case the required amount is much higher at £1 million. Where the entrepreneur visa requires the candidate to be directly employed in their business venture at a managerial level, the investor visa focuses upon the investment capability of the candidate. It should be noted that this visa service for the UK does not permit candidates to work in the UK beyond managing their investments.

UK Investor visas are aimed specifically at portfolio investors relocating to the UK on a permanent basis and are issued for an initial period of 12 months. Within the first three months the minimum £1 million investment must be transferred to the UK and a minimum of £750,000 must be invested in either private companies or unit trusts. The remainder of the money may be invested as the candidate sees fit, however, in order to obtain a visa extension for three more years the candidate’s investment must continue to be valued at £1 million or more. After four years, if this requirement is still met the candidate may apply for ILR.

The UK Innovator Visa

Uniquely among the UK business visas for permanent immigration, the innovator visa does not require an investment; however, like an entrepreneur visa it does closely examine a candidate's business ability, specifically in the form of a business plan. The innovator visa is mainly concerned with a candidate’s ability to bring an innovative technology or business proposal to the UK and to successfully establish this venture once in the UK.

Unlike the other business visas, this category employs a points based assessment which examines the personal characteristics of the applicant along with their projected economic benefit to the UK and their business plan.

Economic Benefit

The most heavily weighted factor is the likely economic benefit to the UK, which requires a minimum score of 30 points. This category awards points for the innovative nature of the proposal, whether it brings a new technology, process, and/or product to the UK, the level of personal investment in the venture and the likelihood of jobs being created. Extra points will be awarded for businesses which are primarily internet based and in all cases, applicants must have sufficient financial resources to establish their venture in the UK.

Personal Characteristics

The personal characteristics section of the assessment requires a minimum score of 15 points and focuses upon a candidate's relevant experience in the area of the proposal, research conducted into the area in question and qualifications and management experience.

Business Plan

The third assessment area is the candidate’s business plan which requires a minimum of 15 points and is crucial to the overall application. Business plans much show what makes the proposal innovative, the likelihood of job creation, and the financial status of the venture as well as giving details of the management and legal structure. The business plan must cover at least 18 months, which is the duration for which an innovator visa is granted.

Beyond the first 18 months, an innovator visa can be extended by 4 years if the business is still functional and has created at least two jobs. After five years of living and working in the UK in this manner, the candidate may apply for permanent residency in the UK.

Family Immigration – Visas for an Applicant’s Spouse and Dependents

The UK business visas outlined above are all intended as permanent immigration services for the UK. In each case, obtaining a UK visa extension depends upon the specific requirements of the visa continuing to be met. However, since these visa routes are intended as permanent solutions, an applicant’s spouse or partner and dependent children may immigrate to the UK with the main applicant. Dependents will be granted the same leave to remain in the UK as the principle applicant and will also be permitted to take up employment in the UK.

At Global Visas, our team of specialist immigration lawyers are committed to helping you obtain the best UK business visa service for your needs. Visit the online assessment are today to find out whether you qualify.