Do you want to start a business in the UK but you are not from the UK? Then don’t worry. You just need a UK business visa. But you have to know that there are different types of business visas, and the one you need depends on what kind of business you want to start and how long you want to stay in the UK. This guide will help you understand how to get a business visa in the UK. Each type has its own rules and things you need to do. Keep reading to learn all the details about them. Whether you want to stay for a short time or a long time, there is a business visa for you. Getting the right visa will help you start your business journey in the UK.
Short-term Business Visa
If you only need to stay in the UK for a short time for business, you can get a short-term business visa.
Standard Visitor Visa
This type of Visa lets you stay in the UK for up to six months. You can attend seminars, meetings, and interviews. You can also sign contracts and attend trade fairs. However, you cannot sell things at trade fairs. If you are employed overseas, you can also take training in the UK. This visa costs £115 for six months.
Long-term Business Visas
If you want to stay in the UK for a longer time, you need a long-term business visa. Some of its main types are discussed below:
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is for people who are leaders or potential leaders in their fields. This visa replaces the Tier 1 Visa. It is for people in digital technology, arts and culture, and research or academia. You can live and work in the UK for up to five years with this visa. You need to be endorsed by a relevant authority or have an eligible award.
What to do to Apply for a Global Talent Visa
To apply for a Global Talent Visa, you need to give some important documents. You need a valid passport or another paper. They should show who you are. If your partner or kids are applying with you, you need to show proof of your relationship with them. If your papers are not in Welsh or English, you need a certified translation. You might also need a tuberculosis test. To be eligible, you need a job offer as a researcher or academic, an award, a research grant from UKRI, or an individual fellowship. It takes about three weeks to process your application, but it can take longer.
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is for people who want to start a new business in the UK. This visa replaces the old Innovator and Start-Up visas. You can live in the UK for three years and extend it for another three years. This visa costs £1,191 if you apply from outside the UK and £1,486 if you switch your visa while in the UK. You also need to pay for the immigration health charge.
Applying for an Innovator Founder Visa
To apply for an Innovator Founder Visa, you need to provide:
- An endorsement letter
- Proof that you meet the English language requirement
- A valid passport or other document that shows your nationality and identity
- Bank statements showing savings of at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days
- A certified translation of documents that are not in Welsh or English
- Tuberculosis test results if required
- It takes about three to eight weeks to process your application, depending on your type of application.
Global Mobility Visa
This kind of Visa is especially for senior business professionals and employees with exceptional talent. This visa allows overseas businesses to transfer their extraordinary employees to establish a subsidiary or branch in the UK.
Applying for a Global Mobility Visa
To apply for a Global Mobility Visa, you need to:
- Pay £298 as an application fee
- Pay £624 as a healthcare surcharge
- Have at least £1,270 in your bank account
You also need to provide:
- The reference number of your sponsorship certificate
- Your annual salary and job title
- The occupation code of your job
- The name of your overseas firm, along with the sponsor license number
- A valid passport or other document that shows your nationality and identity
High Potential Individual Visa
If you have doctoral qualifications, you can apply for a High Potential Individual Visa. This visa costs £210 for Ecctis to verify your qualifications and £822 as an application fee. You also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,248 for two years or £1,872 for three years. You need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account.
Applying for a High Potential Individual Visa
To apply for a High Potential Individual Visa, you need to provide:
- Proof of your English knowledge
- Proof that ECCTIS verified your qualifications
- Evidence of your immigration status or biometric residence permit
- A valid passport or other document that shows your nationality and identity
- A certified translation of documents that are not in Welsh or English
- Tuberculosis test results if required
- You need to have a doctorate qualification from an eligible university or institution equivalent to a UK postgraduate degree, bachelor’s degree, or doctorate, obtained in the last five years.
Self-Sponsorship Visa
The Self-Sponsorship Visa lets you establish a business in the UK and sponsor your visa. This is a flexible route that does not require an endorsement. You can start a new business or expand an existing one into the UK market.
Key Takeaways for You
There are different types of Business Visa in the UK. You can get anyone according to your preferences. Whether you need a short-term or long-term visa, there are choices for your business needs. The main thing is to collect all the needed papers, meet the money and eligibility rules, and apply the right way. With good preparation, you can get a business visa and begin your business in the UK. CLICK HERE for helpful consultation from the start to the end of the process.
