UNITED KINGDOM

Being the fifth largest economy in the world, UK is a hotbed for new international business talent, who wish to come to UK to establish or flourish their business, thereby benefitting the economic growth and development of the UK. The market of United Kingdom is highly developed and market oriented, making it a favorite among immigrants, who are seeking investment opportunities in one of the leading financial hubs of Europe.

If you wish to apply for UK business visa from India here are the pathways you can take:

UK Innovator Visa

As per a statement issued UK Immigration rules issued on 7th March, 2019 the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa program has been swapped by the UK Innovator visa. This visa has been launched for qualified business professionals to set up an innovative business in their own area of expertise. The visa applications required for the UK Innovator Visa Program will be evaluated upon the factors of Innovation, Viability and Scalability of the business idea of the prospective candidate.

UK Startup Visa

This is a new category of UK Business Visa which has been substituted by Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa program. This type of business visa is designed for early-stage but high potential entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK for the first time.

UK Tier 1 Investor Visa

This UK Business Visa is created for high net worth business people who are ready to make an investment, and immigrate to UK to live, study and work, along with their family. This pathway is the most secure and swiftest route for UK citizenship.

How long can you stay on a business visa in the UK?

UK Innovator Visa – You can stay in UK for 3 years if you come here via the UK Innovator Visa or have switched to this visa from another visa. You can even apply for an extension for another 3 years when your visa is about to expire as there is no limitations on the number of times you can extend your UK Innovator Visa.

UK Startup Visa – With this Visa you can stay in the UK for up till 2 years, but will not be able to apply to extend this visa.

UK (Tier 1) Investor Visa – You can come to the UK with the Tier 1 Investor Visa for a maximum period of 3 years and 4 months. You can apply for an extension of this Visa for 2 years.

UK Business Visa Requirements

UK Innovator Visa

• Looking to set up run a business in UK
• Applicant must be outside European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
• Proficiency in English
• Minimum of 18 years age
• Sufficient savings to support yourself in UK
• business or business idea should be endorsed by an approved body.
• Investment requirement lesser than £50,000, along with an endorsement from the endorsing body. If your business is already established there will be no need of any investment funds from your end.
• Your business idea must be innovative and unique in itself.

UK Startup Visa

• At this stage there is no need to invest any funds
• sufficient funds to support themselves and their family
• Minimum of £945 in your bank account for 90 consecutive days before applying for this visa.
• Competent in English
• Minimum of 18 years age
• Have your business or business idea reviewed by an approved body. They will give you an endorsement letter if your business is viable.
• Must be endorsed by an authorized body which is either an UK higher education institution or a business organization with a history of backing up UK entrepreneurs.

UK Investor Visa

• Minimum investment of £2,000,000 or more in the UK
• outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
• at least 18 years of age
• Open an account at a UK regulated bank for the use of your funds
• Sufficient funds to support and maintain themselves and family members in UK.
• English language proficiency
• Display how the source of funds if £2 million, has been held for less than 2 years (previously 90 days).
• Meet a minimum point score of 75 points

How long can the application process take?

UK Innovator Visa, UK Startup Visa and UK Investor Visa

For all the above UK Business Visa application forms you must apply three months prior to travel and you should receive your visa within 3 weeks