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Starting a business in the UK is not a simple process, especially if you are coming from abroad. You will need to know what type of UK Entrepreneur Visa to apply for, what requirements you have to meet, how to apply for the visa, and what you need to do to be able to open a business.Â
We have spent years helping clients with their visa needs, and so are well suited to helping you figure out what visa may be best for you to apply for.Â
In this guide, we will take you through what visas you can choose from, setting up a company with Companies House, and what we can do to assist you with your visa application.
Your main visa options for starting a business in the UK
Before anything else, you need to know what Entrepreneur Visa UK is best for you. There are a few options, including:
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa (replaced the Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa)
- Skilled Worker Visa Self-Sponsorship
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is the most direct visa for starting a business in the UK, as the other visas are more complex to get. The Innovator Founder Visa’s specific purpose is to encourage experienced business people with new, innovative ideas to come to the UK and run an independent business.
Global Talent Visa
Meanwhile, the Global Talent Visa is for individuals who show talent in specific fields such as engineering, science, medicine, the arts, and other areas. Prospective applicants will first need to be endorsed by an approved body in their field to then be able to apply for a visa. They can employ you alongside the endorsement, or you can be self-employed.
Skilled Worker Visa Self-Sponsorship
Finally, there is self-sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa. This is the most expensive and long-winded option, with you needing to set up and register your company with Companies House and apply for a Sponsor Licence before even coming to the UK. Then, you will need to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa and sponsor yourself to go to the UK. You may also be able to do these steps if you are already in the UK on an existing visa.Â
Not sure which Entrepreneur Visa is right for you? Here’s a quick guide:
| Visa Type | Best For | Key Requirements |
| Innovator Founder Visa | Innovative business ideas | Endorsed business plan; at least £50,000 funding |
| Global Talent Visa | Exceptional talent in fields | Endorsement from an approved UK body |
| Skilled Worker Self-Sponsorship | Long-term business plans | Sponsor Licence, company registration |
Other visas
There are some visas that are not directly related to being able to start a business in the UK, but they will allow you to set one up if you meet the application requirements.
Some examples of other visas for starting a business in the UK are:
This is for citizens of Commonwealth countries who have a grandparent that they can prove was British. You are free to work or start your own business in the UK on the Ancestry Visa.
Dependant VisaÂ
If you are in the UK on a dependant visa, you may be able to start your own business.
This visa can only be applied for by those in the UK on a Student Visa who are about to complete their studies. There are no restrictions on starting a business in the UK for people on this visa.
Registering a company
You will need to register with Companies House to be officially recognised as a company in the UK. By doing so, you will be able to get documents that prove the existence of your company. You can include your registration information on your website.Â
The UK Government has more information on registering a company with Companies House that you may find helpful, such as how to run your company.
What to consider before starting a business in the UK
Before you begin the process of starting a business in the UK, there are some things that you should consider first.Â
For example, you will need to think about:
- Filing your taxes: Ensure that you comply with UK tax laws through HMRC
- Funding your business: Do you have funds or investments, or do you need a startup loan?
- Business type: Decide what type of business to register (for example, a sole trader, a limited liability company or private limited company)
- Location: Where will you operate from?Â
- Who you will need to employ
As an immigration law firm, we cannot provide much guidance on these topics. All we can do is bring them to your attention so that you can consider what you may need to do.
However, we can help you with applying for your visa, and we can also help you with getting a Sponsor Licence and preparing for Sponsor Licence audits if you want to hire workers from overseas.Â
How we can help
Our experienced team of immigration experts have helped countless clients with applying for both visas and Sponsor Licences to carry out business in the UK; they can help you as well.Â
We offer a free 10-minute assessment which allows us to see how we might best be able to help you, which you can arrange on our website, by calling us, or by emailing us. After this, you can book a paid consultation with us and plan your next steps. You can choose to have your consultation with either an immigration specialist or our Principal Solicitor, Nathan Woodcock.Â
If you want to see how we have helped past clients before you decide to contact us, then read about our client success stories.Â
Get in touch with us today to see how we can assist you with getting a visa, so you can focus on starting a business in the UK.
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
