An visa national outside the UK/European Economic Area intending to establish themselves in full time business as a sole trader, partnership or registered company in the United Kingdom is eligible to apply for a Business Visa provided that they meet the requirements.

Visa Period

The initial period granted to a businessperson is a maximum of 24 months.  A businessperson in business can extend his visa after the initial length the visa has been approved provided that the person can demonstrate that the person remains in business in the UK

Requirement

The requirements that must be met are as follows:-

• You must actively be involved full time in trading or providing services on his own account or in partnership, or in the promotion and management of the company as a director; and
• You must have a level of financial investment will be proportional to his interest in the business; and
• You must have either a controlling or equal interest in the business and that any partnership or directorship does not amount to disguised employment; and
• You must be able to bear his share of liabilities; and
• You must show that there is a genuine need for his investment and services in the United Kingdom; and
• You must have £200,000 sterling of your own money ready to invest in the UK business
• You must show that can employee at least 2 full time employees from the resident work force with a settled status and details of their employment conditions;
• You must have a business plan stating the objective of the business
• You must provide information of the last 2 annual year audited accounts by a chartered account if you wish to join or take over an established business in the UK
• You must intend to work full time and live in the UK
• You must be able to provide evidence of sufficient funds to meet you and your dependants maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public
• Your dependant family will be allowed to join you as dependants, and a dependant spouse can work full time
• You must seek permission from the Home Office if you intend to change to a different business

Further Information