Business People

Anyone who wants to set up in business in the UK and who is not a citizen of an EEA country or the EU has to meet strict requirements. You will need to show at least £200,000 of your own money, available here to start up a new business or to invest in an existing business. You will also have to show you will be engaged full-time in running the business, and that the business is likely to generate enough profit to live on without needing to take other work or claim welfare benefits.

If you are setting up a new business you will need to show that it can create employment for at least two people already living in the UK or EEA. If you are joining or taking over an existing business you will need to show audited accounts, and demonstrate that you will either control the business or have an equal interest as a partner.

Applications usually have to be made from abroad, but you may be to apply to stay in this category after arriving here, depending on the category of your stay. Permission should be given if you are here as a highly skilled migrant, or as a graduate employee [link to Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme]. Once the application is approved, you should be given a visa to enter for 12 months, and can apply to extend your stay before the end of that time. Your spouse and any children under 18 can accompany you here. After five years you may all qualify to stay permanently, if you have supported yourselves from the business for that time.

There is a separate scheme for overseas companies for whom you will be the Sole Representative in the UK.

If you are from the EU or one of the countries covered by E.C.Association Agreements there are no restrictions on setting up a business in the UK.

At Lawrence Lupin Solicitors we can advise you on the information the British Consulate will want to see, and can help with applications for family members, to switch categories of stay, or to stay on longer after you have been here for some time.

If you would like to take advantage of our expert immigration, asylum, or nationality law advice, then contact us now. Lawrence Lupin Solicitors 020 8733 7200