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?
<p class="" data-start="166" data-end="233">The best UK Business Visa depends entirely on your circumstances:</p>
<ul data-start="234" data-end="565">
<li class="" data-start="234" data-end="345">
<p class="" data-start="236" data-end="345">If you <strong data-start="243" data-end="283">already own a company outside the UK</strong>, the <strong data-start="289" data-end="317">UK Expansion Worker Visa</strong> could be the best option.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="346" data-end="469">
<p class="" data-start="348" data-end="469">If you wish to <strong data-start="363" data-end="397">start a completely new venture</strong> in the UK, the <strong data-start="413" data-end="445">Self-Sponsored Business Visa</strong> may be more suitable.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="470" data-end="565">
<p class="" data-start="472" data-end="565">If you have an <strong data-start="487" data-end="515">innovative business idea</strong>, the <strong data-start="521" data-end="547">Innovator Founder Visa</strong> might be ideal.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="567" data-end="721">At <strong data-start="570" data-end="593">HM & Co. Solicitors</strong>, we offer a <strong data-start="606" data-end="633">free initial assessment</strong> to help you identify the visa route that fits your goals and circumstances perfectly.</p>
Investment and Visa Eligibility - I have invested in a UK business. Can I obtain a visa?
<p class="" data-start="835" data-end="1192">Currently, there is <strong data-start="855" data-end="884">no specific business visa</strong> based solely on investment in the UK.<br data-start="922" data-end="925" />However, depending on your situation, you may qualify for:<br data-start="983" data-end="986" />✔ The <strong data-start="992" data-end="1024">Self-Sponsored Business Visa</strong>, where you take on a senior role in the business.<br data-start="1074" data-end="1077" />✔ The <strong data-start="1083" data-end="1109">Innovator Founder Visa</strong>, if you adapt the business idea to meet innovation and scalability requirements.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1194" data-end="1283">We can assess your case and guide you through the most practical visa routes available.</p>
English Language Requirements - Do I need to pass an English test to apply for a Business Visa?
<p class="" data-start="1404" data-end="1470">The requirement for an English test depends on the type of visa:</p>
<ul data-start="1471" data-end="1753">
<li class="" data-start="1471" data-end="1532">
<p class="" data-start="1473" data-end="1532"><strong data-start="1473" data-end="1501">UK Expansion Worker Visa</strong>: ❌ No English test required.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1533" data-end="1591">
<p class="" data-start="1535" data-end="1591"><strong data-start="1535" data-end="1560">Business Visitor Visa</strong>: ❌ No English test required.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1592" data-end="1675">
<p class="" data-start="1594" data-end="1675"><strong data-start="1594" data-end="1626">Self-Sponsored Business Visa</strong>: ✔ English at <strong data-start="1641" data-end="1653">B1 level</strong> or higher required.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1676" data-end="1753">
<p class="" data-start="1678" data-end="1753"><strong data-start="1678" data-end="1704">Innovator Founder Visa</strong>: ✔ English at <strong data-start="1719" data-end="1731">B2 level</strong> or higher required.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1755" data-end="1887">We can help you determine whether you meet the English language requirements and assist with guidance on approved tests if needed.</p>
Bringing Staff and Family Members - Can I bring others with me under my Business Visa?
<p class="" data-start="1999" data-end="2393">Yes, in most cases you can:<br data-start="2026" data-end="2029" />✔ All business visas (except the <strong data-start="2062" data-end="2087">Business Visitor Visa</strong>) allow you to apply for a <strong data-start="2114" data-end="2152">Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence</strong> for your company.<br data-start="2170" data-end="2173" />✔ With this licence, you can <strong data-start="2202" data-end="2229">sponsor other employees</strong>, directors, or skilled workers to join your business.<br data-start="2283" data-end="2286" />✔ You can also bring <strong data-start="2307" data-end="2321">dependants</strong> (your spouse/partner and children under 18) with you under your visa.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2395" data-end="2556">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.</p>
Investment Requirements - Is there a minimum investment required for any of the business visas?
<p class="" data-start="2677" data-end="3050">No, none of the current UK business visa routes require a <strong data-start="2735" data-end="2767">mandatory minimum investment</strong>.<br data-start="2768" data-end="2771" />✔ However, for the <strong data-start="2790" data-end="2822">Self-Sponsored Business Visa</strong>, you will need to show that you can pay yourself a <strong data-start="2874" data-end="2904">salary starting at £38,700</strong> per annum.<br data-start="2915" data-end="2918" />✔ For the <strong data-start="2928" data-end="2954">Innovator Founder Visa</strong>, although there is no set investment amount, your business must still be viable and scalable.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3052" data-end="3154">We can guide you through the financial requirements needed to support a successful visa application.</p>
Get Personalised Business Visa Advice
<p class="" data-start="3209" data-end="3369">At <strong data-start="3212" data-end="3235">HM & Co. Solicitors</strong>, we specialise in providing bespoke advice for individuals and companies seeking to establish or expand their businesses in the UK.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3371" data-end="3511">📍 <strong data-start="3374" data-end="3387">Visit us:</strong> 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN<br data-start="3433" data-end="3436" />📞 <strong data-start="3439" data-end="3451">Call us:</strong> 0207 112 8180<br data-start="3465" data-end="3468" />📧 <strong data-start="3471" data-end="3484">Email us:</strong> <a class="cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="3485" data-end="3509">info@hmsolicitorsltd.com</a></p>
<p class="" data-start="3513" data-end="3606"><strong data-start="3513" data-end="3547">Speak to our expert team today</strong> and start your business journey to the UK with confidence!</p>
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