Business Visas
For entrepreneurs, investors, and senior professionals looking to start, expand, or represent a business in the UK. We help you select the right route and build a compelling application.
3yr
Typical Initial Stay
2+
Route Options
8wk
Avg Processing
QUICK OVERVIEW
Overview
What is the Business Visas?
The UK offers several routes for people doing business in the country, including the Innovator Founder visa for entrepreneurs launching an innovative, viable, and scalable business, and the Global Business Mobility — Senior or Specialist Worker / UK Expansion Worker routes for overseas businesses establishing a UK presence.
Each route has very different requirements: the Innovator Founder route requires an endorsement from an approved body confirming your business idea is innovative, viable and scalable, while Expansion Worker routes are sponsor-led and tied to an overseas parent company.
Choosing the wrong route is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes we see. We start every business visa case with an honest assessment of which route actually fits your plans, before any application work begins.
From there, we help structure your business plan and endorsement application, or coordinate with your sponsoring entity, and manage the full submission process with the Home Office.
Eligibility
Do You Qualify?
To apply for the Business Visas, you must meet the following criteria. Our team will assess your situation in a free consultation before any fees are charged.
Genuine, Innovative Business Plan
For the Innovator Founder route, your business idea must be assessed as new, innovative, viable, and scalable by an approved endorsing body.
Endorsement or Sponsorship
You need either an endorsement letter (Innovator Founder) or a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor (Expansion Worker routes).
English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate English to at least B2 level for the Innovator Founder route.
Maintenance Funds
Sufficient personal funds held for 28 days, unless certified by your endorsing body or sponsor.
Relevant Business or Sector Experience
A credible track record or skill set relevant to the business activity proposed.
Genuine Intention to Establish/Operate
You must show genuine intent to run the business actively from the UK, not simply hold an investment passively.
Application Process
How It Works
Our step-by-step process ensures your application is prepared accurately and submitted on time. We keep you informed at every stage.
Free Consultation & Route Selection
We assess your business idea, structure, and goals to identify the correct visa route before any work begins.
Business Plan / Endorsement Support
We help structure and evidence your business plan to meet the endorsing body’s criteria, or coordinate sponsor documentation.
Application Submission
We prepare and submit your full visa application with supporting evidence and fee payment.
Biometric Appointment
Attendance at a visa application centre or UKVCAS centre to provide biometrics.
Home Office Decision
Standard processing is typically 3–8 weeks; priority services are available for many routes.
Visa Approval & Business Set-Up
Once approved, we advise on next steps including company registration, banking, and future settlement options.
Documents Required
What You'll Need
Below is the standard list of documents required. Your personal checklist may vary — we will confirm the exact requirements during your consultation.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on whether you are launching your own new venture (Innovator Founder) or being sent by an overseas employer to establish or work in a UK branch (Expansion Worker / Senior Specialist Worker). We assess this in your free consultation.
The Innovator Founder route no longer has a fixed minimum investment figure, but you must demonstrate sufficient funds to deliver your business plan. We will advise on what is realistic for your venture.
Yes, your partner and children under 18 can normally apply as dependants alongside most business visa routes.
The Innovator Founder route can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years if your business meets specified milestones; Expansion Worker routes generally do not. We will clarify this for your specific case.
Free Consultation
Speak with our immigration lawyer today
🔒 Your information is 100% confidential
VISA DETAILS
IAA Registered Firm
Registration Ref No. F202200016
Ready to Apply for Your
Business Visas?
Book a free consultation today — no obligation.
