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For Singaporean business people and entrepreneurs, the UK offers the perfect place to launch a new company due to its excellent commercial and lifestyle opportunities. The UK is much more than the dynamic financial hub of London. For example, we have thriving innovative tech scenes in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham, where the prospects for commercial growth and success are enormous. Our robust economy, wide-ranging business sectors, educational excellence, and strong relationships with countries around the world make the UK a superb business location for Singaporean nationals.
The first step in your entrepreneurial journey to the UK is to secure a visa. Thankfully, the UK has a wide range of visa types catering to different business needs, as we will explore in this article. The most popular visas for Singaporean business people include the UK Innovator Founder visa, the Global Mobility visa, the Visitor visa, and the Self-Sponsorship route. Each visa has different criteria and benefits, and choosing the right one can significantly enhance your chance of creating a truly flourishing enterprise here.
Table of Contents
Types of visas to open a new business in the UK
UK Innovator Founder Visa
If you have plans to move from Singapore to the UK to set up a new and innovative business, the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa may meet your visa requirements. With an Innovator Founder visa, you will be able to bring your partner and children with you. This visa is normally granted for up to 3 years, after which it is then possible to secure permanent residence, allowing you and your family to remain in the UK indefinitely and later secure citizenship. As such, this route provides accelerated residency compared to the normal 5 years of continuous residence required.
To apply for an Innovator Founder Visa, you must have a new, innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. This must have been formally endorsed by an approved endorsing body based in the UK. You will also need to meet the English language requirements and have enough money to support yourself and your family.
Self-Sponsorship route
The Self-sponsorship route allows Singapore entrepreneurs to establish their own business in the UK and then sponsor themselves. This is an excellent alternative for those who would normally need a work visa but would prefer to work for themselves. To apply under the Self-Sponsorship route as a citizen of Singapore, you will need to:
- Establish a business in the UK – we can explain how this can be achieved. You will need to find suitable premises, register your business, and open a UK bank account.
- Apply for a sponsor licence – you will need a sponsor licence for your newly established UK business in order to sponsor yourself. The core requirement to meet this requirement is that you must be able to show that your business has the systems and processes needed to sponsor overseas staff.
- Apply for a Skilled Worker visa – Once you have your sponsor licence, you can then issue a certificate of sponsorship. This is required to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Explore more insights into the Self-Sponsorship Route by watching the detailed video.
The expert business immigration solicitors at A Y & J Solicitors will guide you through this process. We will explain the process and the requirements, help you secure a sponsor licence, and then prepare and submit your Skilled Worker visa application on behalf of you and your family.
Types of UK business visas to expand my current business in the UK market
Know the requirements of this route by watching the detailed video.
Global Business Mobility (GBM) – Expansion Worker Visa
Nationals of Singapore with an existing business or those representing an existing business with plans to expand into the UK market should consider the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Expansion Worker Visa. This visa will enable you to establish a branch or subsidiary of the overseas business in the UK. Applicants require a certificate of sponsorship and have worked within the Singapore-based business for at least 12 months in an eligible job. In addition, applicants must have an annual salary of at least £48,500 per year or the ‘going rate’ for their job – whichever is higher.
GBM Expansion Worker visa holders can stay in the UK for up to 12 months initially. They can then apply for an extension for another 12 months. After 2 years, it is then possible to switch to another visa type, allowing them to stay longer and settle indefinitely.
Types of UK business visas to visit the UK for a business meeting
UK Visitor Visa
For Singapore citizens who need to come to the UK for no more than 6 months to attend business meetings or conferences or sign contracts, the UK Visitor Visa may be the best immigration option. Visitor visas are an excellent option for short-term visitors because the application process is quick and easy, allowing Singapore business people to travel here at short notice.
You can use a UK Visitor visa if you are coming 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, and
- 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.
To make a successful Visitor visa application, you will need to provide an invitation letter from the UK business you are visiting.
Tips for making a successful UK business visa application from Singapore
Here are some tips to give you a much greater chance of securing a UK business visa from the Home Office on your initial application. Adopting these tips will save you considerable time and money.
Provide detailed information
Outline your new business plan in as much detail as possible. Incorporate your market analysis and financial forecasting to show that your business will grow successfully over time. Emphasise the innovative elements of your venture and ensure you fully comply with the endorsement criteria. If the endorsement criteria are unclear, consult an immigration solicitor or the relevant endorsing body directly.
Support claims with documents
Take the time needed to assemble all of the documentation necessary for your UK business visa application, including financial records, business endorsements, and proofs of your business engagements in both Singapore and the UK. If needed, translate all documents into English. Arrange these documents systematically to aid the case officer in easily accessing the necessary details.
Seek expert guidance from an immigration solicitor
Have your application either prepared or reviewed by a seasoned UK immigration solicitor. Their expertise will be invaluable in managing the application process and addressing any issues or questions posed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), thus improving your chances of a positive decision.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Having assisted many business people who have prepared their own applications and received a refusal decision, we know that even the smallest error or oversight can lead to disappointment, wasted time, and lost money. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid:
- Not meeting the eligibility criteria – Before you start the process of applying for a visa, check that you meet all of the applicable eligibility requirements. If you are unsure, speak to an immigration solicitor who can check this for you.
- Submitting an incomplete application – It is so easy to rush and miss a section or item of documentation. Take your time and fill out all sections of your application honestly, completely and accurately.
- Following the incorrect process – Not following the instructions is a surefire way to have your visa refused. Take your time and follow each step in the correct order.
- Concerns that you are not a genuine applicant – If the Home Office have concerns that you are not a genuine business applicant, they will refuse your application.
- Lack of support funds – Make sure that you have enough money to support your stay and business activities and the evidence required to prove this.
- Not satisfying the English language requirements.
- Providing old or expired documents.
- Unclear business purpose – If your business plan is not clear, your endorsement or visa is likely to be refused.
We cannot overemphasise how important it is to take your time when preparing your application. Rushing or not understanding the process is at the root of most refusals. By seeking professional advice from an immigration Solicitor based in the UK, you can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a UK business visa and embarking on your entrepreneurial journey in the UK.
Top 5 YouTube Videos for Singapore nationals setting up a business in the UK
YouTube offers an invaluable and completely free source of information for Singapore nationals who want to start a business in the UK. Here are the top 5 that we recommend you watch:
AY&J Solicitors: How to Start Your Business in the UK – Offers detailed insights into visa requirements and business setup in the UK.
AY&J Solicitors: UK Innovator Founder Visa – explains all you need to know about this visa route
AY&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 – securing a sponsor licence for a logistics and warehousing company
Since 2016, Mr. X has been the director of a UK-based logistics and warehousing company, earning a reputation for reliable shipping, storing, and staging solutions for individuals, businesses, and large corporations. The company has shown continuous growth and aims to expand nationally by maintaining high standards. However, Mr. X faced challenges with staff turnover and recognised the need to enhance the company’s online presence to support nationwide expansion.
To address staffing issues and enable global recruitment, Mr X sought A Y & J Solicitors’ help to obtain a Sponsor Licence, which would allow hiring skilled workers likely to have longer tenures. A Y & J Solicitors provided a clear strategy and support throughout the application process, addressing concerns related to Mr X’s non-British status and the nature of the job positions offered. Their effective guidance helped secure the Sponsor Licence, facilitating further steps in the hiring and visa application processes.
To find out more information about Mr. X’s story, please click here.
Final Words
Moving from Singapore to the UK to establish and run a business can be daunting but profoundly fulfilling. By selecting the appropriate visa and crafting a robust application, you can turn your entrepreneurial ambitions into reality. This guide outlines essential information for Singapore nationals planning to start a business in the UK, covering the available business visa options, strategies for a successful application, typical reasons for application denial, and some valuable resources.
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.
