Business Visas UK – Your Route to Business Success
If you are considering setting up a business in the UK or already have a business presence here, there are a number of Business Visa routes available to help you grow and succeed. At HM & Co. Solicitors, our expert immigration team can assess your situation and advise on the best visa option for you, your investors, and your employees.
Overview of UK Business Visa Options
Choosing the right visa depends on the stage of your business and your future plans for expansion in the UK. The most popular options include:
UK Expansion Worker Visa
Self-Sponsored Business Visa
Innovator Founder Visa
Business Visitor Visa
Below, we explore each option in more detail.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is ideal if you wish to establish a branch or subsidiary of your existing overseas business in the UK.
✔ Eligibility:
Available to senior managers, directors, and business owners.
The overseas company must have been trading for at least three years.
The UK branch must not have started trading yet.
✔ Key Benefits:
No English language requirement.
No need to set up a UK business before applying.
Quick and cost-effective application process.
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in 5–6 years.
Ability to sponsor more staff for the new UK entity.
Self-Sponsored Business Visa
The Self-Sponsored Business Visa allows entrepreneurs to:
✔ Set up a new company in the UK or take over an existing one.
✔ Sponsor themselves as a senior employee (e.g., CEO or Director).
✔ Key Advantages:
No connection needed to an overseas company.
No minimum investment required.
Start-ups welcome – companies of any age can apply.
Operate any type of business in any location across the UK.
Salaries from £38,700 per year.
Opportunity to work a second job (up to 20 hours per week).
Settlement pathway after 5 years.
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we manage the entire process from company setup to visa application, ensuring a seamless experience.
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is for individuals who have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that benefits the UK economy.
✔ Eligibility:
Business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body (we can assist with this endorsement).
Applicants must demonstrate substantial business experience and a unique proposition.
✔ Key Benefits:
No need to set up a business prior to entering the UK.
No minimum investment required.
Freedom to establish other businesses if desired.
No minimum salary obligations.
Work up to 20 hours per week outside of your business activities.
Faster route to ILR – eligible after just 3 years.
This visa suits ambitious entrepreneurs ready to bring genuine innovation to the UK market.
Business Visitor Visa
The Business Visitor Visa allows individuals to visit the UK for short-term business activities. It is perfect for attending:
✔ Meetings
✔ Conferences
✔ Training sessions
✔ Key Points:
Issued for 6 months up to 10 years.
Stay must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period.
Visa holders are not permitted to work or run a business in the UK.
This visa is a subcategory of the Standard Visitor Visa, ideal for those with temporary business needs in the UK.
Why Choose HM & Co. Solicitors for Your UK Business Visa?
✔ Expert Legal Advice – Tailored to your business goals and immigration needs.
✔ No Win No Fee Options – Available after an initial assessment for select clients.
✔ End-to-End Service – From visa selection, application preparation, to final approval.
✔ Proven Track Record – Supporting entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors achieve success in the UK.
Contact HM & Co. Solicitors for Expert Business Visa Support
Ready to launch or grow your business in the UK? Let our specialist team guide you through the process with confidence.
📍 Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Take the first step towards your UK business success with HM & Co. Solicitors today!
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
UK Business Visas – FAQs
Choosing the Right Business Visa - What is the best UK Business Visa option for me?
The best UK Business Visa depends entirely on your circumstances:
-
If you already own a company outside the UK, the UK Expansion Worker Visa could be the best option.
-
If you wish to start a completely new venture in the UK, the Self-Sponsored Business Visa may be more suitable.
-
If you have an innovative business idea, the Innovator Founder Visa might be ideal.
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we offer a free initial assessment to help you identify the visa route that fits your goals and circumstances perfectly.
Investment and Visa Eligibility - I have invested in a UK business. Can I obtain a visa?
Currently, there is no specific business visa based solely on investment in the UK.
However, depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
✔ The Self-Sponsored Business Visa, where you take on a senior role in the business.
✔ The Innovator Founder Visa, if you adapt the business idea to meet innovation and scalability requirements.
We can assess your case and guide you through the most practical visa routes available.
English Language Requirements - Do I need to pass an English test to apply for a Business Visa?
The requirement for an English test depends on the type of visa:
-
UK Expansion Worker Visa: ❌ No English test required.
-
Business Visitor Visa: ❌ No English test required.
-
Self-Sponsored Business Visa: ✔ English at B1 level or higher required.
-
Innovator Founder Visa: ✔ English at B2 level or higher required.
We can help you determine whether you meet the English language requirements and assist with guidance on approved tests if needed.
Bringing Staff and Family Members - Can I bring others with me under my Business Visa?
Yes, in most cases you can:
✔ All business visas (except the Business Visitor Visa) allow you to apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence for your company.
✔ With this licence, you can sponsor other employees, directors, or skilled workers to join your business.
✔ You can also bring dependants (your spouse/partner and children under 18) with you under your visa.
Our team at HM & Co. Solicitors will assist in setting up the sponsorship licence and handling the necessary paperwork to bring your team and family to the UK.
Investment Requirements - Is there a minimum investment required for any of the business visas?
No, none of the current UK business visa routes require a mandatory minimum investment.
✔ However, for the Self-Sponsored Business Visa, you will need to show that you can pay yourself a salary starting at £38,700 per annum.
✔ For the Innovator Founder Visa, although there is no set investment amount, your business must still be viable and scalable.
We can guide you through the financial requirements needed to support a successful visa application.
Get Personalised Business Visa Advice
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we specialise in providing bespoke advice for individuals and companies seeking to establish or expand their businesses in the UK.
📍 Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Speak to our expert team today and start your business journey to the UK with confidence!
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What Our Clients Are Saying
I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
Shocked and surprised!
I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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