Entrepreneur visa
Introduction - Entrepreneur Visa
If you are going to start a business in the UK you may be eligible to apply for a business visa. Any legal type of business is acceptable, but you should remember that you will have to work yourself full-time managing the company. Please follow the link Investor visa if you are going to come to the UK as a investor.
You must intend to invest at least £200,000 in the business.
Do I qualify to come to the UK to run my own business?
You will need to show that you will:
• Invest £200,000 in a new or already-existing UK business
• Create full-time employment for at least two British or EEA nationals
• Work yourself full-time in the management of the business
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants until the business is profitable
• Have a controlling or equal interest in the business
• Take a share of the business's responsibilities
• Provide a detailed business plan
Please note that the funds which you are going to invest in the UK should be your own funds, not borrowed funds. The funds may be invested in the business either as a direct cash investment or as share capital.
What about my family?
You may apply for your spouse and children to accompany you to the UK. Your spouse will be allowed to work in the UK without restriction and your children will be allowed to study free of charge at state schools in the UK. You and your dependants will be entitled to free healthcare provided by the National Health Service. You will also be entitled to take out private health insurance if you wish.
What about extending my visa?
Your initial visa will normally be granted for one year. At the end of this period you can apply for the visa extension, but you must be able to show that your business is doing well and that you have made the required investment and created two full-time positions. If these conditions are fulfilled, the Home Office may grant an extension to your visa of not more than three years, after which you may apply to extend your visa again. After a total of five years in the UK on a business visa you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK for yourself and your dependants. A year after being granted indefinite leave to remain you may apply for naturalisation as a British citizen for yourself and your family.
Call us on +44(0)20 7292 2980 or email: info@ukvisaservices.co.uk