UK Business Visa Requirements and Types
A UK business visa allows individuals to travel to the UK for activities related to their business or profession. Under the current UK immigration rules, there are several business visa options available, tailored to meet different professional and commercial needs. These include:
Business Visitor Visa
For short-term visits to attend meetings, conferences, or negotiate deals.
Short-term Business Visa
For temporary business-related activities in the UK.
Innovator Visa
For entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative businesses in the UK.
Start-up Visa
For individuals with fresh and scalable business ideas looking to launch in the UK.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
For individuals planning to visit the UK to carry out business-related activities for a short period, there are two primary visa options under the visitor category:
Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa allows individuals to visit the UK for business purposes for up to 6 months. Permitted activities include:
- Attending job interviews, work-related meetings, and events.
- Meeting with clients to negotiate and sign commercial contracts.
- Attending trade fairs to promote a business.
- Receiving work-related training unavailable in your home country.
- Giving unpaid talks or lectures.
- Conducting site visits and inspections.
- Overseeing delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company.
- Providing training or sharing knowledge.
- Working under a contract with a UK-based organization to install or provide technical expertise.
While the Standard Visitor Visa permits a range of business activities, it does not allow you to:
- Carry out paid or unpaid work for a UK-based business.
- Work as a self-employed individual.
Designed for individuals invited by a UK business to carry out paid engagements as a specialist or expert. This visa allows a stay of up to 1 month.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
Stay updated with the latest UK visa regulations.
Customized advice for your specific situation.
From initial consultation to visa approval, we’ve got you covered.
To apply for a UK short-term business visa, applicants must meet the following essential requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to leave the UK before their visa expires.
Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependants during their stay in the UK. Alternatively, support can be provided by a third party with a signed letter and documentation.
Applicants must show they have the means to pay for their return or onward journey at the end of their stay.
The visa must not be used as a way to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
To qualify for a Start-Up Visa, applicants must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that they:
- Are 18 years or older.
- Have a unique, innovative, viable, and scalable business plan.
- Have their business plan endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.
- Possess (or are developing) the necessary business skills to establish a business in the UK.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements.
- Have sufficient savings to support themselves during their stay in the UK.
Start-Up Visas are issued for a period of 2 years. This visa cannot be extended and does not directly provide a route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR).
Start-Up visa holders wishing to stay in the UK beyond the initial 2-year period and aim for settlement must apply for another visa, such as the Innovator Visa, which qualifies for settlement.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.
Global Business Mobility Visa
The Global Business Mobility scheme was introduced by UKVI in April 2022 and includes 5 new visas designed to help overseas businesses to expand into the UK market. The visa types are:
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
Replaces Intra-Company Transfer. For specialists with a job in UK branch. Must have CoS & salary of at least £42,400.
Graduate Trainee Visa
For employees on graduate training. Requires training plan, 3 months of employment, CoS, and salary of £23,100+.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
For senior employees of overseas businesses expanding to UK. Must have CoS, salary £42,400+, and eligible job.
Secondment Worker Visa
For workers being transferred to the UK on high-value contracts. Must have 12-month employment and CoS.
Service Supplier Visa
For self-employed or employed workers delivering services under international contracts. Must have experience & CoS.
How to Apply for a UK Business Visa
The application process for a UK business visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Below are the typical steps involved:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Carefully review the requirements for your chosen visa to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare Supporting Documents
For Business Visas: You may need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship or an endorsement letter.
For Visitor Visas: A letter from the UK-based business may be required.
3. Submit Your Visa Application
Complete your application online via the UKVI website. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays or refusals.
4. Pay Fees
Pay the applicable visa application fee.
For long-term visas, you may also need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS).
5. Schedule and Attend a Biometrics Appointment
In the UK: Book with a UKVCAS service point.
Outside the UK: Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
6. Upload Supporting Documents
Upload evidence such as investment funds, business plans, sponsorship letters, or endorsements.
7. Wait for a Decision
After biometrics, UKVI will process your application.
You may be invited to an interview to discuss your case further.
Key to Success
Providing clear, thorough, and accurate evidence to justify your eligibility is crucial. This is particularly important for long-term visas such as the Start-Up Visa and Innovator Visa.
How 1 Stop Advisory Can Help
Navigating the family visa application process can be complex, but 1 Stop Advisory is here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Eligibility Assessment
Ensuring you and your family member meet all requirements
Application Preparation
Helping you gather and submit the required documents
Tailored Advice
Guiding you on the most suitable family visa route
Long-Term Planning
Advising on options for settlement and citizenship
Contact us today to discuss your UK family visa needs.
At 1 Stop Advisory, we are dedicated to helping families reunite and build a future together in the UK.