Note: You can no longer apply to this visa category.

However, continue reading if you still wish to start your business or expand your business in the UK.

As a global destination for business, entrepreneurs have always sought to start their business in the UK, taking advantage of the unique cultural diversity and economic structures in place.

In a post Brexit world, policies are being enabled in a bid to make the UK an even more competitive destination for innovative people with the entrepreneurial streak, you might be eligible to apply for the following visa categories:

• • Innovator Visa
  • Start-Up Visa

Please select these options from our menu drop down to learn more.

If you already hold this visa, you may still be eligible for certain options and privileges, provided you meet the conditions and financial requirements:

Extending your Visa:

Extension of this visa is possible if a strict criteria standard is met in the areas of your business or you as an entrepreneur, such as:

• You are registered as a director or as self-employed (time duration criteria are applicable)
• You can prove you’ve been self-employed, a member of a partnership or working as a director (time duration criteria are applicable)
• Creation of at least 2 full time jobs for at least 12 months
• You can support yourself
• You must have invested into at least 1 UK business an amount of at least £200,000 or £50,000 in cash (depended on the requirements of your initial visa)

Switching to this Visa:

It may be possible to switch to this visa if: you are on a Graduate Entrepreneur (Tier 1) Visa or you switched to a Start-Up Visa from a Graduate Entrepreneur (Tier 1) Visa for your second year

Depending on when the above visas expire/d it may still be possible to switch

You would still have to meet additional criteria. You would need to meet the requirements of having £50,000 in funds and a visible business plan

If your switch is successful, you would be able to stay in the UK for 3 years

Regarding Family Members:

Provided they meet the eligibility requirements your family are eligible to join you in the UK on this visa. This is subject to checks such as: medical reports, availability of maintenance funds, payment of visa fees and other fees; providing supporting documentation and proof of identity

As is the case with most visa’s, some of the application criteria is dependent on where you are applying from, when you are applying and your country of origin.

Financial Information:

It costs £1,277 to extend this visa
If you must provide biometric information, a further fee of £19.20 is applicable
In case of a family member the fee is £1878. Additionally, there is a requirement for a minimum provision of living expenses. In some cases, the application can be fast tracked for a fee

Note: usually a decision on your application is made within 8 weeks. In certain cases, it may be possible to fast track the process for a fee.

We always advise our clients and our potential clients to consult a legal expert, if they are making any significant plans which require legal channels such as applying for a visa or complex tasks such as switching to a visa.

This is because Government vision and policies can change and a legal expert such as BIAAP would be required to help clients navigate their individual circumstances, particularly if those circumstances are complex.