For ambitious entrepreneurs and international investors, the United Kingdom represents one of the most prestigious markets in the world. With its robust legal system, access to European and global markets, and a vibrant startup ecosystem, Britain is a prime destination for growth. However, for non-residents, the barrier to entry is often administrative. Navigating the rules surrounding a visa for business in the UK as an expat can be daunting.
Since Brexit, the UK immigration landscape has undergone significant changes. The old Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is gone, replaced by newer, more specific routes designed to attract genuine innovation and talent. This guide will walk you through every viable pathway to starting or moving your business to the UK, ensuring you choose the route that best fits your entrepreneurial profile.
Why the UK Remains a Top Choice for Global Entrepreneurs
Before diving into the technicalities of visa applications, it is essential to understand why the UK remains a magnet for expats. Despite economic fluctuations, London remains a global financial capital. The UK tech sector is third in the world, trailing only the US and China.
For an expat, the benefits are clear:
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Access to Capital: The UK has a dense network of angel investors and venture capitalists.
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Favorable Tax Regimes: With relatively low Corporation Tax rates and incentives like R&D tax credits, the fiscal environment is business-friendly.
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Talent Pool: The ability to hire skilled workers from world-class universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial) is a major draw.
However, accessing these benefits requires the right legal status. Let’s explore the specific visa categories available to you.
The Innovator Founder Visa: The Gold Standard for Startups
If you are an expat looking to set up a brand-new business in the UK, the Innovator Founder Visa is likely your primary option. Introduced to replace the Start-up and Innovator routes, this visa is designed for experienced business people with a unique idea.
The “Innovative, Viable, and Scalable” Requirement
To qualify for this visa, you cannot simply open a generic business (like a coffee shop or a consultancy firm). Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved body in the UK. They will judge your business plan on three strict criteria:
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Innovation: You must have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage.
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Viability: You must have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to successfully run the business.
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Scalability: There must be evidence of structured planning and potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.
Financial Requirements and Validity
Unlike previous visa iterations, there is no specific minimum investment fund requirement (previously £50,000). However, you must prove you have enough funding to set up the business as described in your plan and support yourself (maintenance funds of at least £1,270).
The visa is valid for three years and can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if your business hits specific targets regarding revenue or job creation.
The Role of Endorsing Bodies
You cannot apply for this visa directly to the Home Office without an endorsement letter. Endorsing bodies are typically UK universities or business incubators. Securing this endorsement is often the most challenging part of the process, requiring a pitch deck and a flawless business plan.
The Global Talent Visa: For Leaders in Tech and Science
While not strictly a “business setup” visa, the Global Talent Visa is arguably the most flexible route for high-value expats. It allows you to work for an employer, be self-employed, or run your own company without the restrictions of the Innovator Founder route.
Who is Eligible?
This route is for leaders or potential leaders in:
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Academia or Research: Science, medicine, engineering, and humanities.
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Arts and Culture: Fashion, architecture, and film.
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Digital Technology: This is the most popular stream for entrepreneurs (fintech, gaming, cybersecurity, AI).
The Application Process
Like the Innovator route, this requires endorsement (from bodies like Tech Nation or Arts Council England). You must prove you have made significant contributions to your field. This might include:
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Proof of setting up a successful product-led digital technology company.
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Evidence of speaking at high-profile conferences.
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Awards or media recognition.
Why Choose Global Talent Over Innovator Founder?
The major advantage is freedom. You do not need to prove your business is “scalable” to the Home Office, nor do you have strictly defined revenue targets to keep your visa. If your primary asset is your personal expertise rather than a specific business concept, this is the superior choice for a visa for business in the UK as an expat.
The UK Expansion Worker Visa: For Established Overseas Companies
If you already run a successful business outside the UK and wish to expand operations into Britain, the UK Expansion Worker Visa (part of the Global Business Mobility routes) is your designated path.
Key Features and Limitations
This visa allows you to send a senior manager or specialist employee to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary.
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Sponsorship: The overseas business must sponsor the applicant.
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Status: The applicant must have worked for the company outside the UK for at least 12 months (unless they are a high earner earning over £73,900).
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No Settlement: A critical drawback is that this visa does not leads directly to settlement. It is a temporary solution (up to two years) to get the UK branch operational. Once established, the worker usually switches to a Skilled Worker visa.
Self-Sponsorship: The “Hidden” Skilled Worker Route
In recent years, a strategy known as “self-sponsorship” has gained traction among expats. This is not an official visa category but a legal structuring of the Skilled Worker Visa.
How Self-Sponsorship Works
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Incorporate a UK Company: You incorporate a company in the UK (a UK resident director may be required initially).
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Apply for a Sponsor License: Your UK company applies to the Home Office for a license to sponsor foreign workers.
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Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once licensed, the company issues a CoS to you (the expat owner).
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Apply for the Visa: You apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work for your own company.
Risks and Compliance
This route is legitimate but complex. The role must be genuine, and the salary must meet the UK Skilled Worker threshold (generally £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher). The Home Office will scrutinize the application to ensure the company is not a “shell” created solely to facilitate a visa. You must have a robust business plan and legitimate trading activity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Your Business Visa
Regardless of the specific visa for business in the UK as an expat you choose, the application procedure generally follows this timeline.
1. Preparation and Documentation
Documentation is key. Depending on the visa, you will need:
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A valid passport.
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Tuberculosis test results (for residents of certain countries).
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Criminal record checks.
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Proof of English language proficiency (usually IELTS for UKVI).
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Bank statements showing maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days.
2. The English Language Requirement
Most business visas require you to prove you can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Exemptions exist for nationals of majority English-speaking countries or those with a degree taught in English.
3. Biometrics and Fees
You will need to pay the visa application fee (ranging from roughly £719 to £1,638 depending on the visa type and duration) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS allows you to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and currently costs £1,035 per year. You will also provide fingerprints and a photo at a visa application center.
Common Challenges and Pitfalls for Expat Entrepreneurs
Securing a UK visa is rarely straightforward. Here are the most common reasons for rejection.
Vague Business Plans
For the Innovator Founder visa, a generic business plan will result in immediate rejection by endorsing bodies. Your plan must include detailed financial projections, market analysis, and a clear path to profitability. “Hoping” to find clients is not enough; you need a strategy.
Insufficient Maintenance Funds
A surprisingly common error is failing the financial requirement. The money (£1,270) must have been in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. If the balance dipped below that amount even for one day, the application will be refused.
Credibility Interviews
The Home Office may interview you to test the genuineness of your intentions. If you cannot explain your business model clearly, or if your background doesn’t match the business (e.g., a chef trying to open an IT consultancy), credibility concerns will be raised.
Conclusion: Making Your UK Business Dream a Reality
Obtaining a visa for business in the UK as an expat is a rigorous process, but the rewards are substantial. Whether you choose the Innovator Founder route for a high-growth startup, the Global Talent route for your personal expertise, or the Self-Sponsorship method for control, the key is preparation.
The UK market values resilience and innovation. By ensuring your paperwork is flawless, your business plan is robust, and your understanding of the immigration rules is up to date, you can successfully launch your enterprise in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring my family with me? Yes, most business visas (Innovator Founder, Global Talent, Skilled Worker) allow you to bring your “dependants” (spouse/partner and children under 18).
How long does the process take? Endorsement can take 2-8 weeks. Once the visa application is submitted, a decision usually takes 3 weeks if you are outside the UK, though priority services can speed this up to 5 working days.
Can I switch visas if my business fails? This depends on your specific visa. You may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find employment with a licensed sponsor. However, you generally cannot switch to a visitor visa without leaving the country.
