Business Immigration to UK 2021 is the best solution for entrepreneurs from all over the world. The huge metropolis and transparent legal norms have made it possible to occupy a leading position among the largest manufacturers and traders of goods. Moreover, according to the Doing Jones ranking, it is ranked in the top 10 for ease of doing business and GDP per capita.
In 2021 the UK abolished the Tier 1 entrepreneur visa. However, the government added two new categories of visas (Start-up and Innovator visas).
If you are planning to expand your business into the UK and you are not a citizen of the European Union and Switzerland, then this information will be useful for you.
Visa for the sole representative
A Visa for the sole representative of an overseas business is suitable for an experienced employee of a parent company that does not have a branch or sales office in the UK. The purpose of finding a single representative in the country will be to open and register a branch or subsidiary wholly owned by the parent.
At the same time, the parent company must continue to conduct its main trading activities abroad. While in the UK on this visa, the only representative is allowed to work only for his/her employer. The family of the main applicant (spouse and children) can obtain a residence permit (ILR) in the UK 5 years after entering the country.
Tier 1 Investor Visa
This immigration category requires access to £ 2 million, which must be invested within three months of the date of entry into the United Kingdom in the equity or debt capital of UK registered trading companies.
The investor is not required to speak English. Besides, he/she can stay out of the country for up to 180 days a year.
The investor, spouse, and children can obtain a residence permit in the UK 5 years after entering the country. The £ 5 million investment will cut that period to three years, and £ 10 million will secure a residence permit within two years. Please note that according to the program, an investor cannot invest in real estate or business related to real estate management.
Startup visa
The Startup visa is for beginner, high-potential entrepreneurs starting a business in the UK for the first time.
Applicants do not need any funds to invest in their business. One of the main requirements for a startup visa is to obtain approval from an authorized body, which is either a UK higher education institution or a business organization with a history of supporting British entrepreneurs (there is a list of these organizations).
Successful applicants receive a 2-year visa which does not lead to permanent residence in the UK. After 2 years, start-up visa holders can upgrade to the innovator category to extend their stay and develop their business in the UK.
Innovator visa
The visa is for more experienced businessmen looking to set up their own business in the UK. Applicants will need a minimum of £ 50,000 to invest in their business. Successful applicants receive a visa valid for 3 years and can also bring their family members (spouses/partners and children under 18) to the UK.
Successful candidates must be fully committed to the development of their business ventures and cannot take on other work outside of their business. After 3 years, innovators can apply for an extension of their stay for another 3 years or settle permanently in the UK. Each of these three stages (initial application, renewal, residence permit) requires approval from the authorized body (endorsing body).
Business Immigration to UK 2021: Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)
This visa is suitable for talented people in science, engineering, medicine, digital technology, or the arts. Candidates may already be internationally recognized talents or just show great promise. Before applying for a visa, the candidate must obtain a document confirming their talent from the competent authority. English proficiency is not tested. After 3 or 5 years of being on this visa, you can get a residence permit in the UK.
