The UK is an extremely popular destination for Qatari entrepreneurs and businesspeople who want to diversify their business interests and set up a commercial venture in Europe. The UK comprises England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, all of which have thriving business centres. For example, the technology hubs in Manchester and Birmingham are booming, offering superb prospects for IT software and hardware businesses. The UK’s green economy is also ramping up, offering boundless opportunities for business people and investors who want to become early adopters in this area. The UK’s educational excellence and strong commercial relationships with countries worldwide make it an unparalleled business location for Qatar nationals.
If you are contemplating moving from Qatar to the UK to start a new business venture in 2024 or beyond, you will need a business visa first. The good news is that the UK offers a wide range of business visas catering for different needs, as we will explore in this article.
Types of visas to open a new business in the UK
The most popular immigration routes for Qatari business people include the following:
- UK Innovator Founder visa
- UK Global Business Mobility Expansion Worker visa
- UK Visitor visa, and
- UK Self-Sponsorship route.
Understanding the differences between each visa and the eligibility requirements and benefits is essential. Choosing the best visa for your needs and those of your family will significantly enhance your chance of creating a successful business enterprise here.
UK Innovator Founder Visa
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is suitable for business people who want to move from Qatar to the UK to establish a new innovative business. The better option for those with an existing business may be the Global Business Mobility Expansion Worker visa (see below).
By choosing the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you can bring your partner and children and remain for up to 3 years. At this point, you can extend your visa or apply for accelerated Indefinite Leave to Remain (which generally takes 5 years on most visas), allowing you to settle permanently and later gain citizenship.
To consider this route, you must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea endorsed by an endorsing body in the UK. In addition, you must meet the English language requirements and have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.
Types of UK business visas to expand my current business in the UK market
Global Business Mobility (GBM) – Expansion Worker Visa
For those with an existing business in Qatar (or their representatives), the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Expansion Worker Visa enables holders to come to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary. If this option appeals to you, you must have:
- A certificate of sponsorship
- Worked for the Qatari business for at least 12 months in an eligible job.
- A yearly salary of at least £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your job – whichever is higher.
If granted, your GBM Expansion Worker visa will allow you to stay for up to 12 months. You can then apply for an extension for another 12 months (up to a maximum of 2 years). If you wish to stay beyond the initial 2 years, you can switch to another visa type, allowing you to stay longer and eventually settle indefinitely.
Types of UK business visas to visit the UK for a business meeting
UK Visitor Visa
The UK Visitor visa is not just for tourists and those visiting family; it can also be used by business people. The UK Visitor Visa is ideal for business people who wish to travel from Qatar to the UK at short notice for no more than 6 months to attend business meetings or conferences or sign contracts. Applicants need to submit an invitation letter from the UK business (or businesses) they will be visiting during their time here.
You can use a UK Visitor visa as a Qatar citizen for business purposes if you intend to come to the UK for up to 6 months to:
- Attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars
- Negotiate and sign deals and contracts
- Attend trade fairs to promote your business
- Receive work-related training if you’re employed overseas, and the training is not available in your home country
- Provide a one-off or short series of talks as long as they’re not for profit or a commercial event
- Perform site visits and inspections
- Oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to your overseas company or organisation
- Provide training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company you work for overseas, or
- Install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if your overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation.
Self-Sponsorship route
The Self-sponsorship route is ideal for Qatari business people who want to establish their own business in the UK and sponsor themselves. You might consider this route if you usually need a work visa but prefer to work for yourself. In other words, it puts you in control rather than an employer. To apply under the Self-Sponsorship route as a citizen of Qatar, you will need to:
- Set up your new business in the UK – An immigration solicitor at AY&J can explain the steps and guide you through the process. Setting up a business involves finding suitable premises, registering your business, and opening a UK bank account.
- Apply for a sponsor licence – Next, you will need to secure a sponsor licence for your UK business. This will then enable your business to issue you with a certificate of sponsorship. To apply for a sponsor licence, you will need to demonstrate that your business is fully compliant with the requirements of a sponsor.
- Apply for a Skilled Worker visa – Once you have your certificate of sponsorship, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
The immigration Solicitors at AY&J have helped many overseas business people make successful self-sponsorship applications and can do the same for you. We will explain the process and the requirements, help you secure a sponsor licence, and then prepare and submit your Skilled Worker visa application for you and your family.
Tips for making a successful UK business visa application from Qatar
Gain deeper insights into the Self-Sponsorship Route by watching the detailed video.
Here are some simple but essential tips to significantly boost our chances of getting a positive decision on your visa on the first attempt, saving you time and money:
Provide detailed information
It is always important to thoroughly outline your new business plan, including detailed market analysis and financial forecasts. This will show that you have really thought about your business idea and have put in the homework necessary to make it a success. Remember to highlight your venture’s innovative aspects and ensure full compliance with the endorsement criteria.
Support claims with documents
Gather all of the documents and evidence required to support your application, including identity documents, bank statements, and business endorsements. We recommend making sure that all documents are translated into English and organised methodically to make it easier for the case officer reviewing your case.
Consult an Immigration Solicitor
Find an experienced UK immigration solicitor who you can trust to prepare or review your application. Their expertise will ensure that your application proceeds smoothly and that any queries from UK Visas and Immigration are addressed.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Even the most minor visa application errors or mistakes can lead to immediate refusal, resulting in disappointment, inconvenience, wasted time, and financial loss. To make sure that your application is approved the first time with no delay, it is important to avoid the most common reasons for rejection, as follows:
- Not meeting eligibility criteria – It is surprising how many people submit visa applications without first checking whether they meet the eligibility criteria. If you are uncertain, do speak to an immigration solicitor to verify your eligibility.
- Submitting an incomplete application – Never rush your visa application. Even a small omission will lead to refusal and waste your application fee. Always complete your application thoroughly, honestly, and accurately.
- Not following the correct process – Always stick to the proper process for whichever visa route you choose. Cutting corners will generally lead to refusal.
- Non-genuine application – The Home Office will want to be satisfied that you are a genuine business applicant. If doubts arise, your application may be refused.
- Insufficient funds – Ensure you have adequate financial resources to support your stay and business activities in the UK, along with the necessary proof.
- Not meeting the English language requirements.
- Providing out-of-date or incorrect documents
- Lack of a clear business plan – A vague or non-existent business plan will lead to visa or endorsement refusal.
Never be tempted to rush your visa, endorsement, or sponsor licence application. If you are short on time, hand the process over to a UK-based immigration Solicitor who will greatly enhance your chances of securing a UK business visa and successfully starting your company in the UK.
Top 5 YouTube Videos for Qatar nationals setting up a business in the UK
YouTube offers an invaluable and completely free source of information for Qatar nationals who want to start a business in the UK. Here are the top 5 that we recommend you watch:
A Y & J Solicitors: How to Start Your Business in the UK – Offers detailed insights into visa requirements and business setup in the UK.
A Y & J Solicitors: UK Innovator Founder Visa – explains all you need to know about this visa route
A Y & J Solicitors: UK Innovator Founder Visa – Best Way To Self Sponsor UK Visa 2024 – UK Visa Application Process For Self Sponsorship Work Permit
Curiosity Insight: How to Start a Business in the UK as a Foreigner? Starting a Business in UK as a Foreigner – discussed opening a bank account and choosing your business structure
UK Knowledge Guru: How to Start a Company in the UK – UK Business Formation Online with Companies House.
Success story – Entrepreneur visa extension
Having previously secured a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Entry Clearance with the help of A Y & J Solicitors, Mr H asked for assistance with his visa extension application. We prepared a detailed checklist of required documents and handled the documentation, including a thorough legal representation letter and an online application. Mr H needed to demonstrate a minimum £200,000 investment in his business and the creation of two full-time jobs, leveraging a Covid-19 concession for the latter. Despite additional information requests from the UKVI, the application was meticulously managed and ultimately successful, resulting in the grant of Mr H’s Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Extension visa.
To find out more information about Mr. H’s story, please click here.
Final Words
Relocating from Qatar to the UK to start a new business can be an intimidating yet deeply rewarding endeavour. By choosing the right visa and preparing a strong application, you can transform your entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. This guide provides information for Qatar nationals looking to establish a business in the UK, detailing the various business visa types, strategies for a successful application, common causes of application rejections, and some useful resources. We hope you have found it useful!
Still confused about what visa route to take or unable to find a visa route? Get a free assessment with one of our experts at AY&J Solicitors.
