Here are the UK business visas explained

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa (retired)

As of 2019, the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) is no longer available and has been replaced with the Innovator and Start-up visa categories.

If you are currently in the UK on a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, you can still apply for the following:

• ILR
• Extension of your visa
• Family members to join you

Both the Innovator and Start-up visas require that you be endorsed by an authorised entity. You will have to prove that your business idea is new, innovative and viable. You cannot join or invest in an establishment that is currently trading. Your business idea should not be present in the current marketplace and must show potential for growth.

The UK Innovator visa

The Innovator visa allows you to set up or run one business or multiple businesses in the UK. You are allowed to bring family members with you and you will need to meet the following criteria to qualify for this visa:

• You come from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
• Your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved organisation
• You meet the English language requirement
• You are over the age of 18
• You can prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while living in the UK
• You have at least £50,000 to invest if you wish to set up a new establishment

You do not need the abovementioned funds if your business currently exists and has been endorsed for a previous visa, or you’ve altered your company in agreement with your endorsing entity.

You will need to research which entities serve as endorsing bodies. It is best to approach those that are in line with your business idea.

Visa duration and permanent UK residency

This visa grants you permission to live in the UK for three years. You may apply to extend your visa for another three years. There is no limit as to how many times you can extend it. Once you have been a UK resident on this visa for three years, you qualify to apply for ILR.

If your endorsement is withdrawn, your visa may be confiscated. If you wish to remain in the UK, you will have to re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.

Visa restrictions

There are certain things the Innovator visa will not allow you to do:

• You may not be employed by another business or do any other work external to your enterprise
• You will not be allowed to work as a trainee doctor or dentist
• You may not earn an income as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
• You will not be permitted to access to public funds

The UK Start-up visa

This is the perfect route if you wish to set up a new business in the UK. The Start-up visa allows you to be employed by another company while working for your own business. This visa also permits you to take certain family members over with you. You will have to meet the following requirements to qualify for this visa:

• You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
• You are over the age of 18
• You can prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while living in the UK
• Your business idea has been endorsed by an authorised entity

Please note: Your endorsing body must be either a UK higher education institution or a business organisation that has a history of endorsing UK entrepreneurs.

Visa duration and permanent UK residency

The Start-up visa allows you to live in the UK for two years. While you can’t apply to extend this visa, you might be able to switch to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa. In order to do so, you will have to comply with one of the following:

• You have completed your second year on a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa.
• You have changed from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa to a Start-up visa for your second year.

Visa restrictions

The Start-up visa does not permit you to do the following:

• You may not settle in the UK
• You will not be allowed to work as a trainee doctor or dentist
• You may not earn an income as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
• You will not be able to access public funds

Sole Representative or Representative of an overseas business visa

You can apply for this visa if you fall under the following categories:

• You are the sole representative of an overseas business planning to set up either a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary
• You are an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK

If you are coming to the UK as a sole representative you must be employed outside the UK by an active and trading business whose headquarters and principal place of business are, and will remain, outside the UK.

You must hold a senior position within the business and have authority to make decisions on the business’s behalf, but not control the majority of it.

You may also qualify if the business has a legal entity in the UK that does not employ staff or do any business, or if your employer has been working to establish a UK branch or subsidiary, but it is not yet set up. You may replace a previous sole representative.

Visa duration and permanent UK residency

The initial visa is granted for 3 years, and should you wish to stay longer you are able to apply for an extension of 2 years.

Once you have lived in the UK for 5 years, you are eligible to apply for ILR.

We’ve been helping people emigrate and start life in the UK for over 20 years. Our service ensures that your application has the greatest chance of success, letting you focus on the important aspects of starting in the UK. Get in touch with our expert advisors via email on immigration@sableinternational.com or give us a call on +44 (0) 20 7759 5330.