At A Y & J Solicitors in London, we've helped thousands of new and experienced business owners move to the UK from around the world. We understand the typical challenges that come along with your visa application for self-sponsorship UK and know how to mitigate them. We walk you through step by step, showing you how to self-sponsor a work visa in the UK. Instead of going it alone, let our lawyers take the weight off your shoulders, so you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to bring your business (and family) to the UK.
Kate Corey, Founder of 6 Degrees
We are specialists in immigration law and have supported more than 4,000 business owners and professionals around the globe to successfully navigate the British system. We work quickly, always responding to any queries within 24 working hours. And we work closely with the Home Office to pre-empt issues before they jeopardise sponsorship applications or breach compliance. We manage all United Kingdom immigration matters including visa applications under the new points-based immigration system, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Spouse Visas, nationality and more. We also handle complex cases of appeal, administrative reviews, judicial reviews and the many immigration challenges involving European Union law and human rights.
A Y & J Solicitors has more than 1,200 positive client reviews across Google and Trustpilot and is listed in The Legal top 500 best UK law firms, so you can rest assured your immigration challenges are in safe hands when you take these three simple steps:
If you are a non-UK resident willing to start your business in the UK, you must apply for a UK business visa. The eligibility and application procedure will depend on multiple factors, such as the type of business activities you wish to carry out, the kind of business you want to establish in the UK, the duration of your stay.
As an effect of Brexit, the UK visa requirements and rules for EEA (European Economic Area) and non-EEA nationals are the same. Also, the CTA (Central Travel Area) ensures that no restrictions are put on Irish citizens who want to set up a business or work in the UK.
A UK business visa allows interested individuals to stay in the UK and carry out overseas business-related activities. Under the present UK immigration business rules, there are several kinds of business visas, The following categories allow for business activities:
If you want to know how to get a business visa in the UK, keep reading.
You cannot apply more than 3 months in advance for your travel date as stated on the visit visa from UK. It will cost you £115, and you can stay for six months. You can also apply for a 2-year Standard Visitor visa for £400, a 5-year Standard Visitor visa for £771, and a 10-year Standard Visitor visa for £963. The maximum stay in the UK per visit will be capped at six months regardless of the type of Standard Visitor visa you apply for. You will need to book an appointment at a Visa application centre, where you need to provide your biometric information, identify proof, and other eligibility documentation.
You can stay as a Standard visitor in the UK for business purposes for up to six months at a stretch, often without a visa. However, you will have permitted business activities to only partake in permitted activities, such as
Non-UK residents who wish to stay in the UK on a long-term basis for business purposes can apply for the following types of visas:
You need to meet these UK business visa eligibility criteria and requirements. If “How do I start a business in the UK” commonly pops up, here is a detailed list of information:
The Global Talent Visa replaces the Tier 1 Visa. If you are a potential leader or a leader in any one of the following areas, you can apply for the Global Talent visa:
This visa will also allow you to live and work for up to 5 years in the UK as a self-employed person, the director of a company, or an employee. A relevant authority must endorse your application with expertise in your field, or you should have an eligible award stating your expertise. It would cost you £716 plus a healthcare surcharge.
If you want to know how to start a business in the UK, you must first apply for a genuine visa route.
You can apply online for a Global Talent visa. You need to provide the following details:
To get your Global Talent visa, you need to have one of the following:
It may take around three weeks to process your application, but it may take longer, depending on your circumstances.
The Innovator Founder Visa replaces the old Innovator and Start-Up visas. If you are considering getting an entrepreneur visa in the UK, apply for the Innovator Founder Visa. This visa will enable you to live in the UK for three years and extend it again three years after the visa expiration.
Applying for a visa outside of the UK will cost you £1,191 per person and £1,486 if you switch your key while living in the UK. You have to pay for the immigration health charge.
People with different business minds often ask this question:” How to start a company in the UK“? Applying for an Innovator Founder visa is the right answer to their question.
You can apply online for an Innovator Founder Visa by providing the following details:
It can take around three to eight weeks, depending on your type of application.
You can apply for an Innovator Founder Visa if you have a new, innovative, viable, and scalable business idea.
The UK government designs UK expansion worker visas for senior business professionals and employees with exceptional talent in their fields. This visa route allows overseas businesses to transfer their extraordinary employees to establish a subsidiary or branch in the United Kingdom.
If you are currently hired as a senior manager or specialist employee for an overseas company, then you can apply for Global Business Mobility.
Let’s understand the financial requirements you need to meet:
Global Business Mobility visa is the answer to your often-asked question “how to start up a Business in UK:
You may be asked to provide additional documentation or information.
You can opt for a high-potential visa if you have any doctoral qualifications. You must pay £210 for Ecctis to prove your stuff is valid and £822 as an application fee. Ecctis is a UK-based organisation that provides information, advice, and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. Formerly known as UK NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre). You would also be required to pay £1,248 for two years as a healthcare surcharge or £1,872 for three years. You must also have a minimum of £1,270 in your account. Though it’s not a long-term visa, this route considered as a UK work visa.
Here’s how you can apply for a High Potential Individual Visa:
You can apply for a High Potential Individual Visa online by providing the following documents:
You must have a doctorate qualification from an eligible university or institution equivalent to a UK postgraduate degree, bachelor’s degree, doctorate, which must have been obtained in the last five years.
With Self-Sponsorship, you will essentially establish a business in the UK and then sponsor your own visa to enable you to move to the UK and grow your business. This might sound like it is against the rules, but we assure you that it is a viable route towards starting a business in the UK.
You could have already established a business elsewhere and have your sights set on expanding into UK markets. Or you might have seen a business for sale in the UK that you would like to purchase. This is an incredibly flexible route that does not require an elusive endorsement.
You can see our complete guide to self-sponsorship here.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all visa for entrepreneurs and businesspeople. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help!
