What is a UK Business Visa?
There isn’t a single “business visa” in the UK. Instead, the immigration system offers several visa routes designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals who wish to establish, expand, or work in UK businesses. Depending on the route, applicants may need to present a solid business plan, secure endorsement from an authorised body, or show evidence of investment funds and sponsorship.
Who Needs a Business Visa for the UK?
A business visa is required for non-UK nationals intending to carry out business activities that go beyond what’s allowed under standard visitor rules. The appropriate route depends on your purpose, nationality, and intended duration of stay.
Short-Term Business Visitors:
Visitors staying up to six months for activities like attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or negotiating contracts should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Paid engagements are allowed only if pre-arranged and completed within 30 days under the Permitted Paid Engagement rules.
Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups:
Those looking to start a new business should consider the Innovator Founder Visa. It’s suitable for experienced entrepreneurs with innovative ideas endorsed by an approved UK body.
Employees Expanding to a UK Branch:
The UK Expansion Worker Visa under the Global Business Mobility framework allows overseas companies to send senior employees to establish their first UK presence.
Contract-Based Professionals:
Service providers working under international trade agreements may qualify for the Service Supplier Visa, allowing them to deliver services in the UK under specific conditions.
Main Types of UK Business Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (Business) | Short visits for business activities | Visit the UK for up to 6 months for meetings or conferences. No long-term work allowed. |
| Innovator Founder Visa | Launch an innovative business | Requires endorsement from an approved body. Can lead to settlement. |
| UK Expansion Worker Visa | Establish a UK branch | For senior managers of overseas firms setting up in the UK. Valid up to 2 years. |
| Self-Sponsorship via Skilled Worker | Start and sponsor your own company | Set up a UK company, obtain a sponsor licence, and sponsor your own role. |
| Global Talent Visa | Work or found ventures in tech, science, arts | For leaders and emerging leaders in eligible fields. No sponsorship required. |
| High Potential Individual Visa | Work or seek jobs in the UK | For top university graduates. Valid 2–3 years, no sponsorship required. |
| Service Supplier Visa | Deliver services under trade deals | For overseas professionals delivering covered contracts. Sponsorship required. |
Innovator Founder Visa
This route is for entrepreneurs establishing an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. There’s no fixed minimum investment, but endorsement from an approved body is essential. Applicants must demonstrate market potential, innovation, and their central role in the venture’s success.
Eligibility: 70 points are needed, including points for innovation, English language (B2), and financial maintenance.
Monitoring & Settlement: Endorsing bodies conduct regular progress reviews. Successful entrepreneurs can qualify for settlement based on growth and impact.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
This route allows overseas companies to send senior managers or specialists to establish their first UK branch.
Requirements:
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The overseas company must have been trading for at least 3 years.
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The applicant must usually have worked with the company abroad for 12 months.
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Sponsorship is required, and the role must meet the RQF 6 skill level and salary threshold.
The visa can be granted for up to 12 months initially and extended to a maximum of 2 years. Once the UK entity is trading, future staff should be sponsored under the Skilled Worker Visa.
Self-Sponsorship via Skilled Worker Visa
This route lets entrepreneurs establish a UK company, obtain a sponsor licence, and sponsor themselves for employment.
Key Steps:
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Register your company with Companies House and open a UK business account.
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Apply for a sponsor licence with evidence of genuine trading and HR compliance.
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Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for your own role.
Eligibility:
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Roles generally at RQF Level 6.
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Salary must meet the general threshold (£41,700) or the occupation’s going rate.
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English at level B1.
The route can lead to permanent residency after five years.
Global Talent Visa
Ideal for recognised or emerging leaders in science, engineering, arts, digital technology, or humanities.
Key Benefits:
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No sponsorship required.
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Freedom to work, consult, or establish a business.
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Up to 5 years of permission, with settlement possible.
Applicants qualify through endorsement or by holding a recognised prestigious prize. Dependants can work or study in the UK.
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
This route targets graduates from leading global universities who want to gain UK experience.
Eligibility:
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Degree within the last 5 years from an eligible institution.
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English at B1 and proof of maintenance funds.
Duration:
Two years (three for PhD holders), allowing full work or self-employment flexibility. It doesn’t lead directly to settlement but can transition into other visa routes.
Service Supplier Visa
This visa supports overseas professionals or self-employed individuals delivering services in the UK under international trade agreements.
Requirements:
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The applicant must work for an overseas business or be self-employed abroad.
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The UK organisation must hold a sponsor licence and have a valid service contract.
The visa is typically valid for up to 12 months and allows dependants to accompany the main applicant.
Summary
Choosing the right UK business visa depends on your goals — whether to launch an innovative venture, expand an overseas company, or explore short-term business opportunities. Each route has unique requirements, and careful preparation of documentation, business plans, and sponsorship evidence is crucial for success.
Applications are now fully digital, and compliance is key. Getting professional advice early ensures your visa strategy aligns with your business growth plans and UK immigration rules.
How LawSentis Can Help
At LawSentis, we specialise in helping entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals secure the right UK business visa. Our experts guide you through every step – from choosing the correct route and preparing documents to ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements.
Whether you’re expanding your global business or launching your first UK venture, our team ensures a seamless and stress-free process.
Book a consultation today to discuss your business immigration options and start your UK journey with confidence.
Top 10 FAQs about UK Business Visas
1. What is a UK Business Visa?
A UK Business Visa allows non-UK nationals to visit, start, expand, or operate a business in the UK, depending on the specific visa route. There isn’t one single “business visa” — options include the Innovator Founder, Skilled Worker (Self-Sponsorship), Expansion Worker, Global Talent, and other business-related routes.
2. What visa do I need to start a business in the UK?
Entrepreneurs should consider the Innovator Founder Visa if they have a unique, scalable business idea and endorsement from an approved body. Alternatively, the Self-Sponsorship via Skilled Worker Visa allows you to set up a UK company, obtain a sponsor licence, and sponsor your own role.
3. Can I get a UK visa if I already own a business overseas?
Yes. The UK Expansion Worker Visa lets owners or senior employees of established overseas companies set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK. The overseas business must have been trading for at least three years.
4. How much investment is required for a UK business visa?
There’s no fixed minimum investment for the Innovator Founder Visa, but you must prove that your business idea is financially viable and adequately funded. The endorsing body will assess whether your resources are realistic for your business plan.
5. Do I need a business plan for a UK business visa?
Yes, especially for the Innovator Founder Visa. Your business plan should clearly demonstrate innovation, scalability, market demand, and your key role in managing and developing the venture.
6. Can I bring my family with me on a UK business visa?
Yes. Most routes — including Innovator Founder, Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Expansion Worker, and High Potential Individual — allow eligible dependants (partner and children under 18). They can live, study, and work in the UK.
7. How long does it take to get a UK business visa?
Processing times are usually around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK. Priority and Super Priority services are available in some countries for faster decisions, depending on visa centre capacity.
8. Can I switch to a business visa from within the UK?
In some cases, yes. Switching is allowed from certain visa categories such as Skilled Worker or Student (if eligible). However, switching from a visitor visa or temporary route is generally not permitted. Always check your current visa type before applying.
9. Does a UK business visa lead to permanent residency?
Some business visas lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a qualifying period. The Innovator Founder, Skilled Worker, and Global Talent visas can all lead to settlement, while others like HPI or Service Supplier do not directly offer settlement.
10. Can I apply without a sponsor or employer?
Yes. Routes like the Innovator Founder, Global Talent, and High Potential Individual Visa do not require sponsorship. However, routes like Skilled Worker and Service Supplier require a UK-licensed sponsor.