If you’re an entrepreneur looking to open a retail store in the UK, understanding the available visa options is crucial. The UK offers a variety of immigration routes designed to attract global talent and investment, including business owners. In this blog, we’ll explore the best visa options for entrepreneurs planning to start a retail business in the UK, providing essential details on each route, requirements, and how to successfully navigate the application process.
Why choose the UK for your retail business?
The UK is a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and retail businesses, offering access to one of the largest consumer markets in the world. With a stable economy, diverse population, and business-friendly environment, it is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
Visa options for entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, the UK provides several visa routes to help you set up your retail business. Below, we detail the most relevant visa categories for opening a retail store in the UK.
Skilled Worker visa
The Skilled Worker visa route is a popular option for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to work in the UK. The route is a sponsored route, meaning the visa is tied to employment, which must meet skill and salary requirements.
To establish a business in the UK and relocate under this route, it is a two-step process. First, the new business must obtain a sponsor licence. Only after it obtains a licence will it be able to sponsor a visa.
To apply for a visa, you must then meet the following requirements:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
- The job offer must be in an eligible occupation and meet the required skill level.
- The employer must provide a certificate of sponsorship, and the role must meet the minimum salary threshold.
- You must meet the English language proficiency requirement.
The Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to 5 years, after which you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if you meet specific residency and salary requirements.
Senior and Specialist Worker visa
The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is designed for senior managers and specialist employees who have been working for an overseas employer to move to the UK on a temporary basis, the purpose of which must be linked to the overseas employment. This similarly requires the business to obtain a sponsor licence prior to the applicant making a visa application.
Eligibility requirements:
- Be a current employee of an organisation that has been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor
- Obtain a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer, detailing the work you will be doing in the UK
- Work in a role listed as an eligible occupation
- Earn a minimum salary of £48,500 per year
The Senior or Specialist Worker visa is granted for up to 5 years, and the maximum amount of time you can spend in the UK on the visa route is:
- 5 years in any 6-year period if you’re paid less than £73,900 a year
- 9 years in any 10-year period if you’re paid £73,900 a year or more
The above time may include time spent in the UK on certain other visa routes.
After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Expansion Worker visa
The Expansion Worker visa, another route requiring sponsorship, is an excellent option for individuals who want to come to the UK to set up a branch of their overseas business that has not started trading yet. Please note, however, that you must be working for your overseas business as either a senior manager or specialist employee. If your profession is either of these, this is the perfect route for you!
Eligibility requirements:
- You must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer
- You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK
- Your proposed job must be on the list of eligible occupations, and reach the minimum salary threshold.
You can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker visa for the shorter of the following periods:
- 12 months from the start date of the job listed on your certificate of sponsorship
- The duration specified on your certificate of sponsorship, plus an additional 14 days
If you wish to extend your stay in the UK, you can apply to extend your visa for another 12 months. The total maximum duration you can stay on a UK Expansion Worker visa is 2 years, however, you can then switch to a Skilled Worker visa.
Global Talent visa
Although not specifically designed for entrepreneurs, the Global Talent visa could be relevant for your retail business if you are a leader, or an up-and-coming leader, in design.
You must demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in your field and obtain an endorsement from an endorsing body or have been awarded certain eligible prizes.
The Global Talent visa is valid for up to 5 years, and you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after 3 or 5 years.
Conclusion
Opening a retail store in the UK is an exciting opportunity, but navigating the visa application process can be challenging. Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, understanding your visa options is essential. The UK offers a range of visas to suit different types of entrepreneurs.
To ensure a smooth application process and to make the right visa choice for your retail business, it’s advisable to consult with immigration experts who can guide you through the legal requirements and help you achieve your business goals in the UK.
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Updated: 18 March 2025
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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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