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UK Business Visa Information | UK Business Visas

UK Business Visa Information

A comprehensive guide to UK business visas for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals.

UK Business Visa Types

Choose the right visa category based on your business activities and investment plans.

Innovator Founder Visa

For experienced entrepreneurs starting an innovative business in the UK.

Investment

No minimum investment required (must have endorsement).

Duration

3 years, extendable, or path to settlement.

Requirements

Innovative, viable, and scalable business idea with endorsement.

Investor Visa (Tier 1)

For high net worth individuals making substantial investments.

Investment

£2,000,000+ in UK government bonds or active companies.

Settlement

Path to ILR in 2-5 years, depending on investment level.

Benefits

No English requirement, no job creation requirement.

Start-up Visa

For first-time entrepreneurs launching an innovative business.

Requirements

Endorsement for a new, innovative, and viable business idea.

Duration

2 years (cannot extend but can switch to Innovator visa).

Funds

£1,270 personal savings for 28 days.

General Requirements

Common requirements for most UK business visas

Financial Requirements

Proof of sufficient funds and investment capital

Personal maintenance funds (£1,270+ for 28 days)

Bank statements showing investment funds available

Investment funds in regulated financial institution

Business Plan

Detailed documentation of your business proposal

Comprehensive business plan with financial projections

Endorsement from approved body (for Innovator/Start-up)

Market research and competitive analysis

Other Requirements

Additional documentation and qualifications

English language proficiency (CEFR B2 for Innovator)

Valid passport or travel document

Relevant experience or qualifications for your business

Application Process

Step-by-step guide to applying for a UK business visa

1

Choose Visa Type

Select the appropriate business visa for your situation

2

Prepare Business Plan

Develop comprehensive business documentation

3

Obtain Endorsement

Get approval from authorized endorsing body (if required)

4

Gather Documents

Collect all required financial and personal documents

5

Apply Online

Complete application form and pay fees

6

Biometrics & Decision

Attend appointment and await decision (3-8 weeks)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about UK business visas

What's the difference between Innovator and Start-up visas?

The key differences between the Innovator Founder Visa and Start-up Visa:

  • Experience: Innovator is for experienced entrepreneurs, Start-up is for first-time founders
  • Duration: Innovator is 3 years (extendable), Start-up is 2 years (non-extendable)
  • Settlement: Innovator leads to ILR after 3 years, Start-up doesn't but can switch to Innovator
  • Business Stage: Innovator requires your business to be more developed than Start-up
  • English Requirement: Innovator requires B2 level, Start-up requires B2 level

Both require endorsement from approved bodies and innovative business ideas.

Can I work for another company on a business visa?

Work restrictions vary by visa type:

  • Innovator Founder Visa: Can work for your own business only (but can take other employment if it's skilled and doesn't interfere with your business)
  • Start-up Visa: Can work part-time in another job alongside developing your business
  • Investor Visa: No restrictions on employment
  • All visas: Family dependents usually have full work rights

Always check your specific visa conditions as rules may change.

How much do I need to invest for an Investor Visa?

The Investor Visa (Tier 1) has several investment tiers:

  • £2,000,000: Leads to settlement in 5 years
  • £5,000,000: Leads to settlement in 3 years
  • £10,000,000: Leads to settlement in 2 years

Additional requirements:

  • Funds must be held in a regulated financial institution
  • Must be disposable in the UK (not borrowed)
  • Invested in UK government bonds or active UK companies
  • No minimum time funds have been held (unlike some other visas)
What counts as an "innovative" business for visa purposes?

For Innovator and Start-up visas, your business must be:

  • Innovative: Original and different from anything else on the market
  • Viable: With potential for growth and realistic financial projections
  • Scalable: Potential for national or international growth

Endorsing bodies look for:

  • Unique intellectual property or proprietary technology
  • Significant competitive advantage
  • Potential to create jobs and benefit UK economy
  • Clear plans for growth beyond local markets

Traditional businesses like restaurants or retail shops typically don't qualify unless they have truly innovative aspects.

Can my family join me on a UK business visa?

Yes, most UK business visas allow dependents:

  • Eligible Dependents: Spouse/partner and children under 18
  • Work Rights: Dependents can usually work without restrictions
  • Financial Requirement: Additional £285 for partner, £315 for first child, £200 for each additional child
  • Application: Can apply at same time or join you later
  • Settlement: Dependents can apply for ILR when main applicant qualifies

You'll need to show you have adequate accommodation and funds to support your family without public funds.

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