Are you an entrepreneur eyeing up the vibrant markets of the United Kingdom for your next business venture? The UK offers various opportunities for aspiring business owners, but navigating the immigration landscape can be daunting.
Understanding the various business visa routes available is crucial for establishing and running a successful company in the UK. In this blog, we will explore the primary business visa routes and what each one of them entails.
1. Innovator Visa:
The Innovator Visa is tailored to experienced entrepreneurs who have a track record of running successful businesses and wish to establish a presence in the UK. Similar to the Start-up Visa, the Innovator Visa requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body. However, it targets more established entrepreneurs with scalable and innovative business concepts.
One of the key benefits of the Innovator Visa is its focus on scalability and innovation. Successful applicants are granted permission to work in the UK and can bring their families with them. Moreover, the visa offers a pathway to settlement, allowing entrepreneurs to build their businesses in the UK over the long term.
2. Expansion Worker Visa:
A UK Expansion Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to set up a branch of an overseas business that has not started trading in the UK yet. You must already work for the overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee. If your partner and dependent children meet the necessary criteria, they may join you in the UK as well.
To qualify for the Expansion Worker Visa, you need to have worked for your employer outside of the UK for a set period of time. Additionally, your job has to be on the list of eligible occupations, and whilst in the UK, you have to be paid no less than the minimum eligible salary required for your role.
Navigating the business visa routes to run a company in the UK requires careful consideration of your entrepreneurial goals, business model, and eligibility criteria. Whether you are a new entrepreneur with a ground-breaking idea or an experienced business owner looking to expand your operations, you are likely to find a UK visa route that aligns with your aspirations. By understanding the requirements and opportunities associated with each visa category, you can embark on your journey to establish and grow your business in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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