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By miguel-ingles
- In Uncategorized
On the 1st of January 2021, the UK left the European Union and the European Economic Area. Therefore, since then, to work as a foreigner in this country, it is necessary to get a visa. The exception appears if you had established yourself here before Brexit. However, it can be somewhat complex to know which permits you do need for certain jobs. Thus, in this article, I will explain the different business visas in the UK. I will also mention their characteristics, the requisites to obtain them and their valid times.
Business Visas in the UK: Innovator Founding Visa
The Innovator Founding Visa tries to attract entrepreneurs with new business ideas to set up their companies in the UK. It replaces the old “entrepreneur (tier 1)”. To apply for it, you must comply with certain requirements. Firstly, the company must be brand-new, so it cannot be already operating. Also, you must have a new and different business idea from anything that has already been done. At the same time, it should have development potential, both in job creation and in its image on national and international markets. At last, authorities will demand, at least, a B2 English level.
It has a validity of 3 years (you can extend it). At the 12 and 24 month-mark of establishing the company, an approved body will analyse whether you have made the required progresses. They could even cancel the visa if they consider that you have not met them.
It has a cost of 1191 GBP if the applicant is a non-UK resident, or 1486 GBP if the requestor asks for an extension or a change of their type of visa. In addition, you must pay the healthcare insurance fees, with a total cost of 1035 GBP.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows a foreigner to reside in the UK to set up a branch of a multinational company that did not operate in the country. To get this type of visa, it is necessary to have a Certificate of Sponsorship, to have previously worked for them outside the UK and to earn the minimum wage salary.
It has a one-year valid time, which you could extend for another 12 months. If you wish to continue living here after 2 years, you will need to ask for another kind of visa.
You will need to pay a 298 GBP fee, in addition to, as in the previous case, the healthcare insurance.
Skilled Worker Visa via Self-Sponsorship
Skilled Worker Visa permits a person to work for an employer in the UK. However, it is also possible to be “self-sponsored” and ask for this type of visa.
The first step will be to form a company. You will need to register it into the Companies House and opening a British commercial bank account. In this article, you will find the most common business structures in the UK and how to open a business bank account. Once you have completed these processes, you must ask for a Certificate of Sponsorship. To get one, you will need to demonstrate that the company is solvent or its ability to comply with business laws, among other factors. When you have obtained it, you will be able to “self-sponsor” yourself, as the owner of the company. Then, you will apply for the visa.
To get it, authorities will demand you to fulfil some requisites. For example, that the candidate has a certain level of English or that they earn, at least, the minimum wage salary.
It has a 5-year validity, and, after this period, you can apply for the permanent residence. If you were to work for a different company, you must update this data to the competent authorities.
In addition to the healthcare insurance, the applications fee may vary between 719 GBP to 1639 GBP.
Business Visas in the UK: Do Business as a Visitor
With the visitor visa, a person will be able to take part in some business activities. Specifically, they will attend interviews, meetings or conferences, negotiate and sign contracts, promote their company (without selling anything) or training the employees of the corporation, among other things.
To apply for this visa, the candidate must have a valid passport. They will also need to show that they can afford their stay and their entrance and exit to the UK, and that they will not reside in the country during long periods of time through frequent visits. Furthermore, the citizens from some countries will need to ask for an Electronic Travel Authorization. This will be the case of EU inhabitants, from the 2nd of April 2025, unless they already reside in the UK.
It has a 6-month validity and a cost of 115 GBP.