UK Business Visas
The UK offers a range of business visa options designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and employees looking to establish or grow operations in the UK.
The right visa for you will depend on your business goals and current stage of development.Below are some of the most commonly used routes:
Our legal team will manage the entire process, including:
- UK Expansion Worker Visa: for overseas businesses expanding into the UK
- Self-Sponsored Business Visa: for those looking to start or sponsor themselves through their own UK company
- Innovator Founder Visa: for entrepreneurs launching innovative businesses
- Business Visitor Visa: for short-term visits related to business activity
Detailed Information on UK Business Visa Options
UK Expansion Worker Visa
This visa allows you—or a key member of your team—to enter the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary of an overseas company.
Key requirements:
- The UK entity must not have begun trading
- The overseas business must have operated for at least 3 years
Key benefits:
- Suitable for senior managers, directors, and business owners
- No English language requirement
- No need to set up a UK business beforehand
- Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in 5–6 years
- Allows the UK entity to sponsor additional employees
- Fast and low-cost entry process
Self-Sponsored Business Visa
This route allows entrepreneurs to start or take over a UK business and sponsor themselves for a work visa as a senior leader (e.g., CEO or Director).>
Key advantages:
- No connection to an existing overseas company required
- Open to any type of business or industry
- No minimum investment required
- Companies of any age can apply, including startups
- No staff or revenue thresholds
- Salary starts from £38,700/year
- ILR pathway after 5 years
- Option to take a second job (up to 20 hours/week)
Innovator Founder Visa
This visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs launching innovative, scalable, and viable businesses in the UK.
Applicants must obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body—our legal team can assist with this process.
Highlights:
- No need to establish the business before entering the UK
- No minimum investment required
- Freedom to run additional businesses if desired
- No minimum salary requirement
- Eligible for other part-time work (up to 20 hours/week)
- Fast-track to Indefinite Leave to Remain in just 3 years
Business Visitor Visa
The Business Visitor Visa enables individuals to travel to the UK for short-term business-related activities, such as:
- Attending meetings or conferences
- Receiving training
- Exploring partnerships
Visa duration:
Granted for 6 months to 10 years, with a maximum stay of 180 days in any 12-month period.
faq
Frequently asked questions
The right visa depends on your personal circumstances and business goals. For example, if you already run a company outside the UK, the UK Expansion Worker visa may be most suitable. If you’re starting a new business unrelated to your current company, the Self-Sponsored Business visa could be the better option.We offer personalised assessments to help you choose the right route.
There is no business visa currently available based on investment alone. However, with the right structure and documentation, you may qualify for the Self-Sponsored Business visa or the Innovator Founder visa.
Yes, depending on the visa route:
- No English test required:
- UK Expansion Worker visa
- Business Visitor visa
- English test required:
- Self-Sponsored Business visa – Level B1
- Innovator Founder visa – Level B2
In most cases, yes. All business visa routes—except the Business Visitor visa—allow your UK company to obtain a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. This lets you sponsor additional employees, including directors, managers, or technical staff.
No. None of the current UK business visa routes require a minimum investment amount.