visit uk business

Select language

What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

Explore different

VisitBritain/Kieran Duncan

Glen Coe, Scotland

Spilling the tea on GB

We’re spilling the tea on the hottest experiences – and it’s not just a good old brew that we’re mad about.

Cardiff, Wales

Key sporting moments in 2024

Grab your tickets, or a spot by a screen, and join the atmosphere of brilliant British sport.

VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion//Nutkhut and Dr Blighty

Day trips from London

Britain packs a punch when it comes to the eclectic range of destinations within close proximity to London.

VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

Parc national de Sowdonia (Eryri), Pays de Galles

How to see Britain differently

From gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, there’s always more to explore on Britain’s shores.

VisitBritain - The official tourism website of Great Britain

Providing you with inspirational activities and experiences, from those in the know.

Your guidance and information about travelling to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Helping the travel industry showcase the best of Britain.

Cultural hotspots

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

VisitBritain/i360

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

West Midlands Growth Company

Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene and a myriad of immersive experiences.

Tourism Northern Ireland

Discover annual events

James Bridle

Celebrate in Britain

Find out what’s happening across the nations with our round-up of annual events.

Planning a trip? We're here to help

Your trip to england is just around the corner.

Discover the land of Big Ben, Banksy and bangers and mash. From its bustling cities to its blooming beautiful gardens, it doesn’t disappoint.

Discover Great Britain’s northern reaches

Imagine a country where ancient castles guard mysterious lochs and emerald glens, and where the local spirit is as warm as the welcome.

Discover a land of adventure and mythical creatures

Delve into a world of dragons, renowned choirs, championship rugby, and some of the most spellbinding scenery Britain has to offer.

Your trip to Northern Ireland has never looked more magical

Get swept up in a world of ancient myths and modern-day legends, from the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.

Follow us on Instagram

UK: A Guide To The UK Business Visit Visa

The Business Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to visit the UK to undertake business activities on a short term basis. The Business Visit visa is a form of Standard Visitor visa. Before coming to the UK to carry out business activities as a visitor, you may wish to check what activities are permitted and what activities are prohibited. This post explains the requirements for a UK Business Visa visa, the application process for a Business Visit Visa and the activities that are permitted when travelling to the UK as a Business Visitor.

When Do Business Travellers Need a UK Business Visit Visa?

If you are a national from one of the countries listed here , you will need to apply for a Business Visit visa before travelling to the UK, although there are exceptions to this list.

For non-visa nationals, the Government has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme as a form of digital permission. An ETA costs £10.00 and permits multiple journeys and is valid for two years or until the passport holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. It is noted that nationals of Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates need an ETA to travel to the UK now.

What Are the Requirements for a Business Visitor Visa?

To be eligible for a UK Business Visit Visa, you must show that you intend to leave at the end of your visit and have no intention to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits. The Home Office may consider your previous immigration history, your family and economic ties. In our previous post, UK Visit Visa: How to Prove That You Are a 'Genuine Visitor' , we explored the type of documents that might assist in proving that you are a genuine visitor.

You must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that you will not undertake any prohibited activities. You must meet the suitability criteria as well as demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs, including accommodation costs, without accessing public funds.

UK Business Visit Visa Application Process

To apply for a Business Visit Visa, an individual must use the correct application form and pay the relevant fee (the application fee has now been increased to £115 for a 6 month standard visitor visa). Long term Visit Visas are also available and more information is available here . The earliest you can apply is three months before you travel.

You will need to submit your passport or travel document to prove your identity and nationality. The processing time is usually three weeks from the date of your biometric appointment.

UK Business Visit Visa Permitted Activities

There are different permissible business activities and you may wish to seek legal advice to ensure that you have the correct supporting documents and that you will not be carrying out prohibited activities.

General Business Activities

In accordance with the Immigration Rules, the general business activities permitted include:

(a) attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews; and

(b) give a one-off or short series of talks and speeches provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser; and

(c) negotiate and sign deals and contracts; and

(d) attend trade fairs, for promotional work only, provided the Visitor is not directly selling; and

(e) carry out site visits and inspections; and

(f) gather information for their employment overseas; and

(g) be briefed on the requirements of a UK based customer, provided any work for the customer is done outside of the UK; and

(h) undertake activities relating to their employment overseas remotely from within the UK, providing this is not the primary purpose of their visit.

Intra-corporate Activities

An employee from an overseas company may share knowledge or provide training when engaged on a specific internal project with UK employees of the same corporate group. The business visitors may work directly with clients but this must be incidental to their employment abroad and the activities are required for delivery of a project delivered by the UK branch.

Manufacture and Supply of Goods to the UK

An employee of an overseas based company may come to the UK to install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on machinery, equipment, computer software or hardware (or train UK based workers to provide these services) where there is a contract of purchase, supply or ease with a UK company or organisation. The overseas company must either be the manufacturer or supplier or is part of a contractual agreement for after sales services agreed at the time of the sale or lease, including in a warranty or other service contract incidental to the sale or lease.

Clients of UK Export Companies

Where there is a contract between a UK company and an overseas company (they are not part of the same group), a client of a UK export company may be seconded to the UK to oversee the requirements for goods and services that are being provided under contract by the UK company or its subsidiary company.

Overseas Roles Requiring Specific Activities in the UK

There are some roles which allow the individuals to visit the UK to take part in activities which relate to employment overseas. Some of these activities include:

• Translators or interpreters who are employed overseas;
• Personal assistants and bodyguards supporting an overseas business person and they are attending the same event and are employed by them abroad;
• a journalist, correspondent, producer or cameraman gathering information for an overseas publication, programme or film;

Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa

If you are aged 18 or over and wish to come to the UK to undertake a paid engagement that is relevant to your expertise, qualifications and your main occupation is in your home country, you may wish to consider the Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa .

In addition to the above mentioned requirements, the additional requirements for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visit Visa are:

• You have a written invitation from a UK based organisation;
• The event or engagement has been pre-arranged;
• Engagement is declared as part of your entry clearance application or permission to enter the UK;
• The event or engagement is directly linked to your full-time profession overseas;
• You have evidence of your expertise and employment, for example, any awards received and media coverage for an artist or musician;
• You intend to complete the permitted paid engagement within 30 days of your entry to the UK;

You will be allowed to receive a payment for your engagement which is directly linked to your profession.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

  © Mondaq® Ltd 1994 - 2024. All Rights Reserved .

Login to Mondaq.com

Password Passwords are Case Sensitive

Forgot your password?

Why Register with Mondaq

Free, unlimited access to more than half a million articles (one-article limit removed) from the diverse perspectives of 5,000 leading law, accountancy and advisory firms

Articles tailored to your interests and optional alerts about important changes

Receive priority invitations to relevant webinars and events

You’ll only need to do it once, and readership information is just for authors and is never sold to third parties.

Your Organisation

We need this to enable us to match you with other users from the same organisation. It is also part of the information that we share to our content providers ("Contributors") who contribute Content for free for your use.

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Search ITA Search

• Market Overview
• Market Challenges
• Market Opportunities
• Market Entry Strategy
• Aerospace and Defense
• Defense Equipment - United Kingdom
• Agricultural Sectors
• Electric Vehicles/Autonomous Technologies
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Design and Construction
• Medical Technology
• Information and Communication Technology
• Safety and Security
• Travel & Tourism
• Trade Barriers
• Import Tariffs
• Import Requirements and Documentation
• Labeling/Marking Requirements
• U.S. Export Controls
• Temporary Entry
• Prohibited & Restricted Imports
• Customs Regulations
• Standards for Trade
• Trade Agreements
• Licensing Requirements for Professional Services
• Distribution and Sales Channels
• Selling Factors and Techniques
• Trade Financing
• Protecting Intellectual Property
• Selling to the Public Sector
• Business Travel
• Investment Climate Statement

Business Customs

UK business customs are similar to those in the United States. The UK is a diverse and multi-ethnic society.

Some fundamental cultural differences between the U.S. and the UK remain. Variations in pace and style may be most noticeable, and sustained personal contact with potential business partners is expected. Prompt acknowledgment of correspondence, longer lead time for appointments, adherence to appointment schedules and greater formality in the conduct of business is the norm.

British executives typically communicate by phone and e-mail. The British are less likely to seek legal advice and guidance than their U.S. counterparts, although a litigation culture is developing along the lines of the U.S. model – i.e., no win, no fee cases have recently been permitted.

Travel Advisory

The State Department’s Consular Information Sheet for the United Kingdom provides information for travel to the United Kingdom. The State Department’s Travel Alerts provides information on travel warnings .

The U.S. Embassy London website has information for both U.S. visitors to the UK and for UK citizens seeking to travel to the United States.

Visa Requirements

UK Visa Information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website, as well as the British Embassy in Washington website.

The UK uses electronic gates at the border for UK citizens, EEA nationals, and citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.

For nationalities not already using the e-gates upon entry, Registered Traveler is a fee-based service to expedite entry into the UK.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s): State Department Visa Website .

The local currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound Sterling (£, GBP). Visa and Mastercard are accepted widely throughout the UK, while American Express is only accepted in the major cities. Many businesses in the UK’s major cities are now cashless and accept contactless credit card payments. 

LINK is the primary ATM network in the UK and most ATMs offer free cash withdrawals, although foreign withdrawal fees may apply. In major cities, ATMs from US banks can be found.  Traveler’s checks may not be used in lieu of local currency and must be exchanged for cash at a bank before use.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Wireless internet connection is widely available across the UK in hotels, cafes/restaurants, and transportation hubs. Internet Service Providers also provide wireless connection in public areas for a small fee. 

Most U.S. cell phone carriers offer international plans that extend to the UK. Alternatively, SIM cards can be purchased at all major transportation hubs in the country. The UK power socket differs from that of the U.S. in both voltage and shape, with  the U.S. operating on a 120V supply voltage and the UK outlets provide a 240V. Depending on the U.S. appliance or electrical item voltage limit, either a plug adaptor will be required (for appliances capable of 110-240V) or a step-down Transformer (for items only capable of 110V).

Transportation

The UK is easily accessible from most major airports in the United States and Europe. The UK’s main access points are its airports in London (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Glasgow (GLA), and Belfast (BFS). The UK can also be entered from Europe via train using the Eurostar high-speed rail service, which stops in London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet, and Ashford. It is also possible to drive from France to the United Kingdom via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.

Within the UK, there are several viable public transportation options, including the National Rail system, buses, and city specific railways. Taxi and car services are also available in major cities. 

The UK does not have an official language. Welsh is however the official language of Wales. English is the de facto language of the UK and is its primary business language. Please note that British English does differ from American English in both spelling and vocabulary. 

The UK is home to the National Health Service, which is a publicly funded healthcare system. While the NHS remains free for ordinary residents, travelers may be charged for using NHS services. Please consult the Department of Health and Social Care’s guidance for overseas visitors . UK private healthcare is alternatively available for those who wish to take out a private plan with an international provider. Overall, both countries have similar world class health outcomes.

Consult the Center for Disease Control Notice for Travel in the United Kingdom for information on recommended vaccinations and the current public health status of the UK. 

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

From the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March, the UK follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During the other half of the year, the UK uses British Summer Time. Both time systems are 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Note that the UK typically uses a 24-hour clock instead of the 12-hour clock used in the U.S. 

Business hours in the UK generally run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The UK celebrates several Bank Holidays each year. The name and date of each holiday can be found on the government’s Bank Holiday website. In addition to these official holidays, some UK businesses close for extended periods during July and August as many UK workers take time off during this time. 

Temporary Entry and Personal Belongings

A government-issued passport is needed when entering the UK. You may also need to declare certain goods upon entry into the UK. Please see the governments advise on Entering the UK for more information.

• 02074940118
• [email protected]

Do You Need a Business Visitor Visa for the UK?

Anne morris.

• 16 August 2023

IN THIS SECTION

If you are coming to the UK for the purposes of business, you’ll need to ensure you have the relevant permission. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Business Visitor visa, or you may be able to travel visa-free.

The following guide for foreign nationals looking to come to the UK as business visitors looks at the various different aspects of the Business Visitor visa category, from when this type of visa is needed to how long a visa application will take to process.

Is there a Business Visitor visa for the UK?

Under the UK’s Immigration Rules for visitors, it is possible for overseas nationals to visit the UK for a temporary period, usually for up to 6 months, to carry out unpaid business activities. A visit visa for business purposes is a subcategory of the Standard Visitor visa, but is also commonly referred to as a Business Visitor visa.

Do you need a UK Business Visitor visa?

The question of whether you will need a Business Visitor visa will depend on your nationality, and whether you are deemed a ‘ visa national ‘ or ‘non-visa national’.

Under the rules, most visa nationals will need to apply for a Business Visitor visa to be able to undertake business activities in the UK. A visa national is any citizen from the list of countries under the Immigration Rules who need a visa to visit the UK — from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe — although nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can apply for an electronic visa waiver (EVW).

In contrast, non-visa nationals — namely, citizens whose nationality does not appear on the visa national list — will not need a visa in advance of travelling to the UK, although they must still request entry clearance at a UK port of entry. Additionally, over the course of the next few months, UK travel requirements will be changing, where non-visa nationals will soon be required to obtain electronic travel authorisation (ETA) prior to travel.

Visitor visa or ETA?

ETA is a new security system to screen foreign travellers coming to the UK and will be electronically linked to the recipient’s passport. Under the existing rules, thousands of visitors are permitted to travel to the UK without a visa. Once the ETA system is fully in force, with the exception of British or Irish citizens, everyone who enters the UK for the purposes of business, or otherwise, will either require a visa or electronic authorisation.

The ETA requirement is due to be rolled out in stages, depending on the nationality of a visitor to the UK. For Qatar nationals, the ETA system will come into force from 15 November 2023, where they will need to apply for an ETA rather than an EVW. Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are due to be included in the scheme from 22 February 2024. The current proposal from the UK Government is that all non-visa nationalities will be required to apply for an ETA by the end of 2024.

Once in force, a mobile app will be made available to apply for an ETA at a cost of £10, with most decisions expected to be processed within 3 working days.

Where applicable, once you have been granted an ETA, this will last for up to 2 years. However, if your passport expires in less than 2 years, you will need to re-apply, as your ETA is electronically linked to the passport that you applied with. During the ETA’s validity period, you will be able to use this to make multiple visits to the UK, provided you use the same passport to travel with and that passport remains valid for the duration of your stay.

Business visitor vis permissible activities

If you are travelling to the UK under a Business Visitor visa, or visa-free but for business purposes, or with an EVW or ETA, you must be coming to the UK to engage in activities permitted under the visitor rules. The different business activities permissible include:

• attending meetings, conferences, seminars and interviews
• giving a one-off or short series of talks and speeches
• negotiating and signing deals or contracts
• attending trade fairs in the UK to promote your business
• carrying out site visits and inspections in the UK
• gathering information for your employment overseas
• being briefed on the requirements of a UK-based customer
• receiving or delivering work-related training
• advising and consulting on internal projects
• overseeing the delivery of goods and services
• installing, dismantling, repairing, servicing or advising on machinery, equipment, software and hardware.

Under the visitor rules, while a business visitor is permitted to give a one-off or short series of talks and speeches, these must not be organised as commercial events and must not be arranged to make a profit for the organiser. Equally, if a visitor is planning to attend trade fairs in the UK, this can only be for promotional work, where the visitor will be prohibited from directly selling. Additionally, when being briefed on the requirements of a UK-based customer, any work for the customer can only be undertaken outside of the UK.

UK Business Visitor visa requirements

To be eligible for a Business Visitor visa, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• be genuinely seeking to come to the UK for business purposes permitted under the rules
• be able to financially support yourself for the duration of your stay in the UK
• be able to pay the reasonable costs relating to your UK visit, without undertaking paid work or accessing public funds, including the cost of either your return or onward journey
• not be intending to undertake any prohibited activities during your stay in the UK
• be intending to leave the UK at the end of your authorised stay
• not be intending to live in the UK for extended periods of time through either frequent or successive visits on this visa-type, nor be trying to make the UK your main home.

You must meet the eligibility requirements for a Business Visitor visa, even if you do not need a visa. This includes travelling visa-free under the current rules and travelling under an ETA once the new electronic travel authorisation system comes fully into force.

How to apply for a Business Visitor visa for the UK

To apply for a UK Business Visitor visa, you must complete an online application with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), pay the relevant fee and submit a valid passport or other travel document to prove your identity. This passport or document must be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK and there must be a blank page for UKVI to include your visa.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need additional documents, including evidence of your ability to fund your trip or from any third party who has agreed to help finance this. You may also need evidence of your business itinerary and where you will be staying.

How much does a UK Business Visitor visa cost?

The cost to apply for a Business Visitor visa is £115 from 4 October 2023. However, if you are looking for a visit visa with a longer period of validity , one which will allow you to visit the UK a number of times for business purposes, the fee is much higher. For a 2-year visa the fee is £400 from 4 October 2023) or £771 for a 5-year visa from 4 October 2023.

A 10-year visa is also available, although demonstrating a need to visit the UK regularly for business purposes over such a long period of time will require specific evidence to be provided. For any initial application, it is therefore often best to apply for either a visa over 2 or 5 years, until you have been able to establish a regular pattern of business trips over an extended period.

For long-term Business Visitor visas, while these will allow multiple entries over the validity period of the visa, you will only be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months on each visit.

How long does a Business Visitor visa take to process?

When applying for a Business Visitor visa from overseas, having paid the relevant fee and proved your identity, it will usually take up to 3 weeks for a decision to be made.

In some cases, depending on which country you are applying from, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. Where available, the cost to apply for a decision within 5 working days using the priority service will be £250, while the cost to apply for a super priority decision by the end of the next working day will be £956. The cost to pay for a faster decision will be in addition to your visa application fee and is non-refundable if your application is refused or, in exceptional cases, it takes longer to process. An application for a Business Visitor visa may be delayed for a number of different reasons, including if you:

• have been refused a visa for the UK
• have been refused leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK
• have been deported, removed or otherwise required to leave the UK
• have overstayed a period of leave in the UK
• have had leave to remain in the UK curtailed by the Home Office
• have been refused a visa for either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States or any one of the Schengen countries, including most EU member states
• have been interviewed, detained or prosecuted for any offence in the UK or elsewhere
• have an unspent criminal conviction or committed an offence in any country.

If you fall into one or more of these categories, it can be better to avoid using a priority service. It may not possible for your application to be processed within such short timescales and paying for a faster decision does not guarantee that your application will be successful. A decision on your Business Visitor visa application may also be delayed where there is a need to check or gather further information in order for UKVI to make a decision.

Given the risk of delay, it can often be best to ensure that your application for a Business Visitor visa has been approved by UKVI before booking any travel and accommodation.

Alternative visa options for business visitors

With the exception of the permitted activities listed under the rules, a business visitor must not engage in any other employment-related activities in the UK. This means that doing paid work would be classed as a prohibited activity and in breach of the visitor rules.

If you wish to engage in paid work as a business visitor, you could look at the Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must be an expert in your profession, where you will be paid by a UK-based organisation or client to attend an engagement or event in the UK. You must also only intend to do permitted paid engagements relating to your area of expertise overseas, and any engagement must be arranged prior to travelling to the UK and evidenced by a formal invitation.

When it comes to what constitutes a permitted paid engagement, the scenarios are relatively limited. These only include examining or assessing students as a highly-qualified academic; giving a lecture or series of lectures in your specialised subject area; assessing pilots as a pilot examiner; providing advocacy for a client as a qualified lawyer in the context of legal proceedings; carrying out an activity directly relating to your profession as an artist, entertainer or musician; or carrying out an activity as a professional sportsperson.

As a PPE visitor, you cannot do work that is unrelated to your main overseas job role or area of expertise, or that otherwise falls outside the activities permitted under the rules. To do so, you would instead need to apply for a suitable work visa . This could include, for example, the Skilled Worker visa, the UK Expansion Worker visa or the Innovator Founder visa, although securing expert advice from an immigration specialist is strongly advised.

Need assistance?

Without appropriate permission or documentation, you could be detained and refused entry at the border. To avoid issues, take specialist advice on your circumstances.

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration and visa specialists . Our experienced legal advisers provide expert guidance on UK entry and travel requirements to visitors coming to the UK for business. Contact us for advice.

Business visitor visa FAQs

How long is a business visitor visa uk.

Business visitors will be able to come to the UK on a Business Visitor visa for up to 6 months. However, if a visitor is looking to stay longer, or to undertake paid employment, they will need another visa-type.

Is visitor visa same as business visa?

A business visa is a type of visitor visa, where it is possible for overseas nationals to come to the UK under the UK’s visitor rules, either for the purposes of business or pleasure, for a maximum 6-month stay.

How to apply for UK Business Visitor visa?

To apply for a UK Business Visitor visa, you must complete an online application and pay the relevant fee. You must also prove your identity by way of a passport or other travel document, valid for the entire UK stay.

Can I start a business on a visitors visa?

It is not permissible to start a business in the UK on a visitor visa, although the Business Visitor visa will allow overseas nationals to come to the UK for unpaid business activities, such as attending meetings and conferences.

Last updated: 16 August 2023

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Immigration & Societal Contributions
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ A Guide to the Study Visa UK System
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ The Principles of Immigration Sponsorship
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ The UK Points Based System: A Guide

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Contact DavidsonMorris

Sign up to our award winning newsletters, we're trusted, trending services.

DavidsonMorris Ltd t/a DavidsonMorris Solicitors is a company Registered in England & Wales No. 6183275

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 542691

Registered Office: Level 30, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4AB

© Copyright 2024

Website design by Prof Services Limited . 

BUSINESS VISIT VISA

The Business Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for the purpose of carrying out a permitted short-term unpaid business activity.

The Business Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, which is a route for persons who wish to visit the UK for a temporary period of up to 6 months.  

The route does not lead to settlement in the UK and all visitors must make a separate application, even when travelling as part of a group.

Requirements for a Business Visit Visa

In order to qualify for a Business Visit Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• You are a visa national (a non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival at the UK border);
• You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes;
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities;
• You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds;
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal;
• You have obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances.  You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

To discuss your Business Visit Visa application with one of our immigration barristers, contact our UK Visit Visa lawyers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

Visa National Requirement

A visa national is someone who, by reason of their nationality, requires a Visit Visa in order to enter the UK as a Visitor.  Visa nationals must generally apply for a Visit Visa before travelling to the UK.

The Home Office has published a list of nationalities that are required to apply for a Visit Visa prior to travelling to the UK as a Visitor.  The list includes a number of exceptions, which allow certain visa nationals to seek entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK.

A non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK.  A non-visa national must still satisfy the requirements for entry as a Visitor and so, on arrival, should be prepared to explain, for example, the purpose of their visit and how they will be maintained and accommodated in the UK, as well as their return travel arrangements. 

EU citizens are non-visa nationals and can seek entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK without needing to apply for a Visit Visa.

As well as preparing Visit Visa applications for visa nationals, our barristers regularly assist non-visa nationals to satisfy the requirements for entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK.

Business Visit Visa Permitted Activities 

In order to qualify for a Business Visit Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes and will not undertake any prohibited activities.

The Home Office will normally expect your business activities to be linked to your employment outside the UK in some way. In all cases the duration of your business activities must be less than 6 months and prearranged where possible.

Business Visit Visa holders may undertake a wide range of permitted activities in the UK:

General Business Activities 

Business Visit Visa holders may undertake the following general business activities:

• Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews; 
• Give a one-off or short series of talks and speeches provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser; 
• Negotiate and sign deals and contracts;
• Attend trade fairs, for promotional work only, provided the Visitor is not directly selling;
• Carry out site visits and inspections; 
• Gather information for their employment overseas;
• Be briefed on the requirements of a UK based customer, provided any work for the customer is done outside of the UK.

The Home Office will assess whether the period of leave requested is credible in view of the activities that you are seeking to take part in during your visit.

Intra-corporate Activities

Employees of overseas based companies engaged on a specific internal project with UK employees of the same corporate group may apply for a Business Visit Visa in order to:

• Advise and consult;
• Trouble-shoot;
• Provide training; 
• Share skills and knowledge;

Internal auditors may carry out regulatory or financial audits at a UK branch of the same group of companies as the Business Visitor’s employer overseas.

Intra-corporate activities should be of a short duration and linked to a specific project. The Home Office will expect you to be mainly based at your company’s offices in the UK and not at client sites.

Business visitors undertaking intra-corporate activities may work directly with clients.  However, any client-facing activity must be incidental to the visitor’s employment abroad and should not amount to the offshoring of a project or service to their overseas employer.

Manufacture and Supply of Goods to the UK

If you are an employee of an overseas company you may install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on machinery, equipment, computer software or hardware (or train UK based workers to provide these services) where there is a contract of purchase, supply or lease with a UK company or organisation.   The overseas company must either be the manufacturer or supplier or be part of a contractual arrangement for after sales services agreed at the time of the sale or lease, including in a warranty or other service contract incidental to the sale or lease.

The Home Office may wish to see evidence of the contract between the overseas and UK based company, which should specify the arrangements in place for the after sales service.

The Home Office will usually expect such visitors to stay in the UK for less than one month to carry out their activity because they will be in employment overseas.

Clients of UK Export Companies

If you are a client of a UK export company you may be seconded to the UK company in order to oversee the requirements for goods and services that are being provided under contract by the UK company or its subsidiary company, provided the two companies are not part of the same group.

The Home Office will expect to see a contract of service between the 2 companies for the UK company to provide goods or services to the overseas company.

Overseas Roles Requiring Specific Activities in the UK

If you are employed outside the UK you may visit the UK to take part in the following activities in relation to your employment overseas:

• If you are a translator and/or interpreter you may translate and/or interpret in the UK as an employee of an enterprise located overseas;
• If you are a personal assistant or bodyguard you may support an overseas business person in carrying out permitted activities, provided you will attend the same event(s) as the business person and are employed by them outside the UK. You must not be providing personal care or domestic work for the business person;
• If you are a tour group courier, contracted to a company with its headquarters outside the UK, you may enter and depart the UK with a tour group organised by your company;
• If you are a journalist, correspondent, producer or cameraman you may visit the UK to gather information for an overseas publication, programme or film;
• If you are an archaeologist you may visit the UK to take part in a one-off archaeological excavation;
• If you are a professor from an overseas academic institution accompanying students to the UK as part of a study abroad programme, you may provide a small amount of teaching to the students at the host organisation providing this does not amount to filling a permanent teaching role for that institution;
• If you are a market researcher or analyst you may conduct market research or analysis for an enterprise located outside the UK.

If you are driver on a genuine international route between the UK and a country outside the UK and you are either employed or contracted to an operator registered in a country outside the UK or are a self-employed operator and driver based outside the UK then you may deliver or collect goods or passengers from a country outside the UK to the UK and undertake cabotage operations.  The operator must hold an International Operators Licence or be operating on an own account basis.

Because the Business Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, Business Visitors may also undertake other activities that are permitted under other sub-categories of the Standard Visitor route. This includes permitted paid engagements, provided the paid engagement is arranged before travelling to the UK and is completed within 30 days of arrival in the UK.

Intention to Leave the UK Requirement for a Business Visit Visa

In addition to satisfying the Home Office that you are genuinely seeking to enter the UK for a permitted purpose, as part of your application for a Business Visit Visa you will also need to satisfy the Home Office that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit and will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.

In assessing your application, the Home Office will consider a range of factors including:

• Your previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries;
• Your financial circumstances as well as your family, social and economic background;
• Your personal and economic ties to your country of residence.

Factors which may cause the Home Office to doubt that you are a genuine visitor include having few or no family and economic ties to your country of residence, whilst having several family members in the UK, previous attempts to deceive the Home Office in an immigration application and discrepancies between statements made by yourself and your sponsor.

Business Visit Visa Financial Requirement

You will need to have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including travel, maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds.

Your funds will need to be held in a permitted financial institution.

Your travel, maintenance and accommodation costs may be met by a third party if the third party has a genuine professional or personal relationship with you, they are not, and will not be, in breach of immigration laws and they can support you throughout the duration of your stay as a Visitor.

Business Visit Visa English Language Requirement

Business Visit Visa applicants do not need to satisfy an English language requirement.

Business Visit Visa Validity Period

If you wish to enter the UK for the purpose of a Business Visit you may apply for a Visit Visa that is valid for either 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years.  

You may enter and leave the UK multiple times during the validity period of your Visit Visa, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed for a single or dual entry.

Each visit to the UK must not exceed 6 months.

Business Visit Visa Right to Work

Business Visitors are not permitted to work in the UK or, with few exceptions, receive payment from a UK source for any activities undertaken in the UK.

This means that Business Visitors cannot take employment, establish or run a business as a self-employed person, work for an organisation or business in the UK, undertake a work placement or internship in the UK or otherwise provide or sell goods or services in the UK.

Business Visitors are permitted to work remotely while in the UK, but remote working must not be the primary purpose of the visit. The main purpose of the visit to the UK should be to undertake a permitted activity, rather than specifically to work remotely from the UK.

Business Visitors are also permitted to come to the UK to seek employment and attend job interviews. However, if successful in obtaining employment, you will be expected to leave the UK and seek the appropriate entry clearance prior to commencing work.

Business Visit Visa Application Fees

The Home Office application fee for a Business Visit Visa for a short stay of up to 6 months is currently £115.

If you wish to apply for a Business Visit Visa that is valid for either 2 years, 5 years or 10 years then the Home Office application fee will be £400, £771 or £963 respectively.

How Our Immigration Barristers Can Help

Our immigration barristers are experienced in assisting businesspeople from across the globe to secure visas to visit the UK for the purpose of carrying out permitted short-term business activities. 

Whether you are seeking advice on the merits of applying for a Business Visit Visa, assistance with preparing a Business Visit Visa application or legal representation to challenge a decision to refuse an application for a Business Visit Visa, our immigration barristers can assist.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our client’s needs. We are a highly driven team, dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to our clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

We can also assist with

The UK offers a range of long term work visas and short term work visas .

The main long term work visa routes include:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Scale-up Visa
• International Sportsperson Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• Media Representative Visa

The main short term work visa routes include:

• Graduate Visa
• High Potential Individual Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa
• UK Ancestry Visa

Our team of business immigration barristers has experience in assisting employers and workers across a variety of industries in companies of all sizes.

Whether you require expert advice on the requirements of the Immigration Rules, an independent assessment of your prospects of qualifying for a visa or professional assistance with preparing an immigration application, our immigration barristers can help.

The UK offers a range of business visas (for those who wish to start a business in the UK) and global business mobility visas (for employees of overseas businesses who wish to be transferred to the UK temporarily).

The main business visa routes include:

• Start-up Visa
• Innovator Visa

The main global business mobility routes include:

• Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee Visa
• Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier Visa

Our team of business immigration barristers has experience in assisting employers, skilled workers and entrepreneurs across a variety of industries in companies of all sizes.

If your application for a Visit Visa has been refused, our immigration barristers can advise on the merits of making a fresh application or challenging the refusal decision.

In many cases, a professionally prepared fresh application will be the quickest and most economical way of securing a Visit Visa following a refusal decision.  Our immigration barristers have an excellent track record of securing Visit Visas for clients who have previously been refused a Visit Visa following a self-prepared application.

If the decision to refuse your Visit Visa application was unlawful, unreasonable or procedurally improper, our immigration barristers can advise on merits of applying for Judicial Review of the decision, draft grounds for Judicial Review and provide representation at Judicial Review hearings.

WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU WITH?

To discuss your Business Visit Visa application with one of our immigration barristers, contact our Short Stay Visit Visa team on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

Want to keep up to date with the latest immigration news, events and legal developments?

Sign up and receive our latest expert briefings, case-law alerts and immigration guides. We’ve got our finger on the pulse, making sure you’re up-to-date.

LATEST ARTICLES EXPERT COMMENT AND INSIGHT FROM OUR IMMIGRATION TEAM

Accessing the nhs in england as an overseas visitor.

In this post we will explore the extent to which an overseas visitor can access the National Health Service (NHS) in England. We will assess the relevant limits and risks to accessing the NHS in England as...

How to Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for non-visa national passengers visiting or transiting through the UK.  You will need Electronic Travel Authorisation in order to transit through...

The Implications of NHS Debt for Overseas Visitors

Navigating the intricacies of healthcare regulations for overseas visitors within the United Kingdom can be a complex endeavour. Since the overhaul of the NHS charges system in April 2015, overseas visitors...

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

Expert advice & representation from immigration barristers that you can rely on..

Read the 600+ five out of five star Google reviews of our immigration barristers.

• Unlocking Opportunities, Empowering Lives

Sign up for Newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Add any text here or remove it.

• Book An Appointment
• Our Service Fees
• Visa Refusal
• Assess Your UK Eligibility
• Adult Dependant Visa (ADR)
• Parent of a British Child (5&10-Year Routes)
• Civil Partner Visa
• Child Route Visa (7-Year Route)
• Fiancé Visa
• Proposed Civil Partner
• Spouse Visa 5 year Route
• Spouse 10 year Route
• Spouse Entry Clearance
• Same-Sex Partner Visa
• Unmarried Partner Visa (5&10Year Routes)
• British Citizenship by Descent
• British Citizenship Fee Waiver
• British Citizenship by Naturalisation
• Register a Child Born in the UK as a British National
• Child British Citizenship After 10 Years of Residency
• Register a Child Born Abroad as a British Citizen
• Replace or Correct a British Citizenship Certificate
• Apply for ILR as a Spouse (5-Year Route)
• Apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker
• Apply for ILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence
• Apply for ILR as an Unmarried Partner (5-Year Route)
• ILR for Child on the basis of Private Life ( 7 years of continuous residency)
• Apply for ILR after 10 Years of Residency
• Business Visitor Visa
• Medical Visitor Visa
• UK Marriage Visitor Visa
• UK Standard Visitor Visa
• UK Visitor Visa from India
• EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
• EU Settlement Scheme (Pre-Settled Status)
• EU Settlement Scheme (Settled Status)
• Appeal a decision
• Challenging UK Visa Refusals
• Global Talent Visa
• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Hong Kong National Overseas (HBO) Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• Religious Worker Visa
• Turkish Worker Visa Extension
• Innovator Visa
• Tier 1 Investor Visa
• Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• UK Expansion Worker Visa
• UK Start-Up Visa
• Charity Worker Sponsor Licence
• Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
• Graduate Route Visa
• Student Visa
• Child Arrangement Order
• Financial Settlement
• Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders
• Manual Handling Claims
• Defective Equipment Claims
• Industrial Deafness Claims
• Construction Accident Claims
• Scaffolding Accident Claims
• Factory & Warehouse Accidents
• Forklift Truck Accident Claims
• Struck by a Moving Object
• Assaulted at Work Claims
• Needlestick Injury Claims
• Skin Injury Claims
• Military Injury Claims
• Farm Accident Claims
• A&E Medical Negligence
• Amputation Negligence
• Birth Injury Accidents
• Brain Injury Compensation
• Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim
• Cardiac and Heart Surgery Negligence
• Cosmetic Surgery Accident Claim
• Dental Negligence Claim
• Gastroenterology Claims
• GP Negligence Claims
• Gynaecology Negligence Claim
• Medical Misdiagnosis Claim
• Medical Negligence – Cerebral Palsy
• Nursing Negligence Compensation Claims
• Orthopaedic Negligence Claims
• Pressure Sores Negligence Claims
• Radiology Negligence Claims
• Surgical Negligence Claims
• Cycling Accident Compensation
• E-scooter Accident Compensation
• Lorry Accident Compensation
• Motorcycle Accident Compensation
• Pedestrian Accident Compensation
• Public Transport Accident Compensation
• Road Car Accident Compensation
• Whiplash Injury Compensation
• Slips, Trips & Falls
• Supermarket Accidents Claims
• Pavement Accident Claims
• Holiday Accidents Claims
• Sports Injury Claims
• Claims against the Council
• Corporate/Commercial Litigation
• Insurance Dispute
• Disputes over a Contract
• Contract Disputes
• Breach of Contract
• Car Ownership Disputes
• Dilapidations
• Land Ownership Dispute
• Dispute Between Landlord & Tenant
• Debt Reclaiming
• Housing Disrepair Claims
• Criminal Injuries
• Immigration Judicial Review
• Pre-action Protocol (PAP)
• Immigration Bail
• Deportation

Business immigration

Uk business visas | a 2023/24 application guide.

  Table of Contents Toggle Understanding Different Business Visa Types UK Business visa Fees Structure What Is The National Success Rate For Business Visas? Starting The the Application Journey Gathering the Necessary Documentation Conclusion Focus Area Key Takeaway Visa Types Choose the right UK business visa type based on your professional needs Fees Be aware of the fee structure and the upcoming fee increase Application Process Seek professional guidance to ensure a successful application Documentation Gather all necessary documentation in advance  

The United Kingdom has long been a hub for international business, making it a desirable destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from around the globe. Obtaining a UK business visa is a crucial step towards launching or expanding your business ventures in the UK. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the UK business visa process, including the different types of business visas available, fee structures, challenges in visa acquisition, and much more.

Understanding Different Business Visa Types

The uk offers a variety of business visas to cater to different professional needs., here are some of the prominent business visa types:.

• Business Visitor Visa : Ideal for individuals looking to attend meetings, conferences or short-term business engagements in the UK.
• UK Start-Up Visa : Perfect for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK.
• UK Expansion Worker Visa : Designed for individuals tasked with expanding a foreign business into the UK market.

Each of these visas has its set of requirements, eligibility criteria, and benefits, which are crucial to understand before embarking on the application journey.

UK Business visa Fees Structure

Understanding the cost associated with applying for a business visa is crucial as it aids in financial planning for your UK venture. The fees for UK business visas vary based on the type of visa you are applying for. As of 2023, the visa fees for work visas in the UK are £259 for Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa, £259 for Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Charity Worker) visa, and £626 for the Tier 2 (General) visa. It’s noteworthy to mention that there will be a fee increase effective from 4 October 2023.

This includes a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and at least a 20% increase in the cost of priority visas, study visas, and Certificates of Sponsorship.

For a more detailed breakdown of the fee structure, you can visit our Fees page .

What Is The National Success Rate For Business Visas?

The success rate for UK business visa applications has shown promising trends. In the year ending March 2023, the number of work visas granted to main applicants significantly increased, totalling 299,891 grants. This was a 61% rise from the previous year, mainly due to the increasing demand for skilled worker visas. Additionally, from 2019 to 2022, the average success rate for the UK Start-up visa was 89.58%, and for the UK Innovator visa, it was 87.8%.

  Visa Type National Success Rate Start-Up 89.58% Innovator 87.8%

Starting The the Application Journey

Initiating the application process for a UK business visa requires thorough preparation. Meeting the specific requirements, proving your identity, and awaiting the application decision are crucial steps in this journey. It’s advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure all your documentation is in order and to improve the likelihood of a successful application.

Gathering the Necessary Documentation

Before applying, gather all the necessary documentation. This typically includes a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, and for an Innovator Visa, having at least £50,000 in investment funds.

Venturing into the UK business landscape can be a rewarding experience, opening doors to numerous opportunities. However, navigating the visa application process can be challenging. Being well-informed about the different business visa types, fee structure, and application process, along with having all the necessary documentation ready, can significantly smooth your path to obtaining a UK business visa.

Final Recap Table : Focus Area Key Points Visa Types Business Visitor, Short-term Business, Innovator, Start-up, Global Business Mobility visas Fees £259 for Tier 5 visas, £626 for Tier 2 (General) visa; Fee increase from 4 October 2023 Challenges Restrictive new visa schemes; success rate varies Success Rate Significant increase in work visas granted; Average success rates: 89.58% for Start-up visa, 87.8% for Innovator visa Application Process Meeting specific requirements, proving identity, awaiting application decision Documentation Valid passport, recent photographs, personal savings, investment funds for Innovator visa

Your journey towards securing a UK business visa is a meticulous process, but with the right guidance and preparation, you are one step closer to realising your business aspirations in the UK.

Primus Sollicitors

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance

• UK Sponsor Licence Application
• Sponsor Licence Renewal
• Sponsor Licence Suspended
• Sponsor Licence Compliance
• Sponsor Licence Rejected
• Sponsor licence UK guide
• UK Self Sponsorship Visa
• Immigration Visa Refusal
• Standard Visitor Visa UK
• Spouse Visa UK Rejected
• Skilled Worker Visa Application
• Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Apply for British Citizenship
• Global Talent Visa UK
• [email protected]
• +44 20 7404 7933
• Apply for Sponsor Licence
• Sponsor Licence Suspension / Revocation
• Sponsor Licence Compliance Visits Support
• Sponsor Licence Compliance Training
• Sponsor Licence UK Guide
• Self Sponsorship Route
• Self-Sponsorship Guide
• On Demand Webinar
• Immigration Appeals Procedure
• Spouse Visa Appeal
• ILR /Settlement Visa Refusal Appeal
• EEA Visa Refusal Appeal
• Human Rights Appeal
• Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Refusal
• Administrative Review & Appeal
• UK Visitor Visa Refusal
• Global Business Mobility Visa
• UK Expansion worker Visa
• Sole Representative Visa Extension
• Skilled Worker Visa
• Skilled Worker Visa Refusal
• British Citizenship Application
• British Citizenship for EU or EEA Nationals
• Naturalise As A British Citizen – Form AN
• Spouse Visa UK
• Spouse/Civil Partnership Visa Extension
• Same Sex partner Visa
• Civil Partnership
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• ILR Refusals Due to Tax Amendments
• Judicial Review for ILR Refusal
• Indefinite Leave to Remain UK 10 Years
• Standard Visitor Visa
• Visit Visa Refusal
• What’s Next if Your UK Visitor Visa Was Refused?
• Global Talent Visa
• Permanent visa for exceptionally talented
• Self Sponsorship

Our Guide to the UK Business Visit Visa

• URL copied!

Table of Content

Uk business visit visa requirements, what are the uk business visit visa “permitted activities”, general permitted business activities, intra-corporate permitted activities, clients of uk export companies, overseas roles requiring specific activities in the uk, do you have a way to calculate the visitor visa uk cost, permitted activities on a standard visitor visa, applying for a business visitor visa.

If you are planning a business trip to the UK for anything up to 6 months, the Business Visit Visa may be ideal for your needs. The Business Visit Visa, part of the Standard Visitor Visa scheme, is for those who wish to travel to the UK to carry out a permitted short-term unpaid business activity. If you think you may spend longer than 6 months in the UK on business or you may ultimately wish to settle here, it is advisable to look at alternative visa options such as the long-term Skilled Worker visa. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the UK Business Visit Visa, including the permitted business activities, eligibility requirements, period of validity, and how to apply.

Before applying for a Business Visit Visa, it is important to check whether you need a visa to visit the UK. Depending on your nationality, you may already be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa. If you need a Business Visitor Visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you:

• are genuinely coming to the UK for a permitted purpose
• will leave at the end of your visit
• will not undertake any prohibited activities;
• have sufficient funds to cover your stay
• you have the means to pay for your return or onward journey
• you will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home, and
• do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal (e.g. on the grounds of serious criminality or past immigration breaches)

UK Business Visit Visa holders are able to carry out any “permitted activity” while in the UK, as defined in the Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities . These permitted activities are broken down into several categories, as summarised below:

UK Business Visit Visa holder can carry out any of the following general permitted business activities:

• attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews
• give a one-off or short series of talks and speeches provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser; and
• negotiate and sign deals and contracts
• attend trade fairs for promotional work only, provided the Visitor is not directly selling
• carry out site visits and inspections
• gather information for their employment overseas, and
• be briefed on the requirements of a UK-based customer, provided any work for the customer is done outside of the UK.

It is important to bear in mind that when assessing your application, the Home Office will check that the amount of time you have requested matches the stated purpose of coming to the UK for business.

UK Business Visit Visa holders who work for an overseas-based company can carry out any of the following permitted activities in relation to an internal project with UK employees of the same corporate group:

• advise and consult
• trouble-shoot
• provide training, and
• share skills and knowledge

The Home Office will want to be assured that you will not carry out any work directly with clients during your time in the UK on a Business Visitor Visa. The rules also allow internal auditors to perform regulatory or financial audits at UK branches of the same group of companies as their overseas employer, e.g. inspecting the quality of production at a manufacturing plant.

Manufacturing and supply of goodsUK Business Visit Visa holders can carry out certain business activities on behalf of overseas companies with a contract with a UK company or organisation. The immigration rules state that employees of overseas companies can use this type of visa to install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on machinery, equipment, computer software or hardware. It is also possible to provide training to UK-based workers to provide these services.

There must be a valid and eligible contract of purchase, supply or lease with a UK company or organisation. In addition, the overseas company must be the manufacturer or supplier or part of a contractual arrangement for after-sales services. This must have been agreed at the time of the sale or lease, including in a warranty or other service contract incidental to the sale or lease.

The UK Business Visit Visa enables clients of a UK export company to be seconded to the UK company to oversee the requirements for goods and services being provided under contract by the UK company or its subsidiary company. The two companies must not be part of the same corporate group.

To make a successful Business Visitor Visa application, a contract showing the supply of goods or services by the UK company to the overseas company must be provided.

The UK Business Visit Visa enables individuals employed outside the UK to visit the UK to take part in the following activities for their overseas employer:

• translate and/or interpret in the UK as an employee of an enterprise located overseas
• personal assistants and bodyguards supporting an overseas business person in carrying out permitted activities
• tour group couriers contracted to a company with its headquarters outside the UK, entering and departing the UK with a tour group organised by their company
• journalists, correspondents, producers or cameramen gathering information for an overseas publication, programme or film
• archaeologists taking part in a one-off archaeological excavation; or
• professors from an overseas academic institution accompanying students to the UK as part of a study abroad programme, providing a small amount of teaching to the students at the host organisation, and
• market researchers and analysts may conduct market research or analysis for an enterprise located outside the UK.

In addition, drivers on a genuine international route between the UK and a country outside the UK can use a Business Visitor visa to deliver or collect goods or passengers from a country outside the UK to the UK and undertake cabotage operations. In this scenario, drivers must be employed or contracted to an operator registered in a country outside the UK or be a self-employed operator and driver based outside the UK. The operator must hold an International Operators Licence or be operating on an own account basis.

Yes! Use our calculator below to calculate your Visitor Visa Visa cost.

Please answer the questions and you will be able to calculate the approx. cost for The Visitor Visa –

The immigration rules allow for certain activities to be undertaken on a Standard Visitor visa without the need for a Business Visitor visa. This applies to those who are employed overseas in any of the following job types:

• archaeologist
• artist, entertainer or musician
• camera operator
• internal auditor
• journalist or correspondent
• lawyer or expert witness
• market researcher or analyst
• personal assistant
• professor from an overseas academic institution
• religious worker
• scientist or researcher
• sports person or sports official
• tour group courier
• translator or interpreter
• member of a film crew, including actors, producers, directors or technicians
• member of the production team supporting an artist, entertainer or musician
• member of technical staff supporting an artist, entertainer, musician or sportsperson

Business Visitor Visa applications can be completed online on the UK Home Office website. Applicants have the option of applying for a visa duration of 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years. The long-term Business Visitor Visas are intended for those who come to the UK regularly on business for up to 6 months at a time. To apply, you will need to:

• Complete and submit the online application form
• Pay the application fee (6 months: £100, 2 years: £376, 5 years: £670, 10 years: £837)
• Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre
• Provide your identity documents and any documents required to support your application.

In most cases, Business Visitor Visa applications take around 3 weeks to process.

A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us  today. We’re here to help!

A Y & J Solicitors

A Y & J Solicitors is a multi-award winning, 14+ years experienced, recommended by Legal 500, boutique UK immigration law firm based in Central London. Having assisted 5000+ clients, we are well equipped to help you with our ‘In It To Win It’ approach. For your assurance and confidence, we are pleased to share our trust rating of 4.9/5 based on 1000+ reviews on Trustpilot & Google.

Get the best possible solution on your UK Immigration matter.

• British Citizenship
• Sponsor Licence
• Tier 2 Sponsor Licence Renewal
• Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
• Spouse / Partner Visa
• Sponsor Licence Compliance & Audit
• Sponsor Licence Revocation / Suspension
• ILR / Settlement Application
• Human Rights Application
• Administrative Review & Appeal
• Civil Penalty Notice
• Deception ILR
• Dependent Visa
• EEA Family Permit / Residence Card
• Judicial Review
• Premium / Super Premium Visa Service
• Sole Representative Visa
• Tier 1 Investor Visa
• Tier 2 General & ICT Visa
• Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
• Tier 5 Visa
• UK Ancestry Visa
• Visitor Visa
• Points based immigration system

Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest in UK visa guidance

Learn about our clear and fair UK visa fees at A Y & J Solicitors

Uk immigration made simple.

Expert Immigration Lawyers To Ensure Smooth Transition For Individuals and Businesses

More from A Y & J Solicitors

As a licenced sponsor, in some circumstances, it may be necessary for a UKVI compliance officer to visit you at your home. In addition, UKVI

• Aug 03, 2023
• by A Y & J Solicitors

All employers are legally required to check that each employee has the legal right to work in the UK, whether an overseas national or not.

• Jul 13, 2023

If you are planning to apply for registration for British Citizenship for your child under the age of 18, you will need to use Form

• Jul 12, 2023

Experience Fast and Reliable Results

• Northern Ireland
• Southern England
• Northern England
• Other Regions
• Shopping Guides
• Restaurant Guides
• Historic Attractions
• Theme Parks/Adventure
• World Heritage Sites
• Top UK Attractions
• UK National Parks
• England Airports
• Scotland Airports
• Wales Airports
• Northern Ireland Airports
• UK Airport Hotels
• North America
• Travellers Tips
• UK Travel Tips & Advice
• Articles & Inspirations
• Holiday Packages
• Hotel Reservations

Travel Tools

• UK Holidays

Business Guides

• Bus Travel Articles
• Airport Travel Tips
• Air Travel Tips
• Airline Seat Plans
• Flight Tracking
• Foreign Currency

Travel Bookings

• Air Flights
• Travel Insurance

UK Business Travel Guide

Related articles, ireland business travel guide, nigeria business travel guide, estonia business travel guide.

• Website Terms
• Site Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy

Need-to-know: Post-Brexit business travel for UK and EU travellers 

These days, there’s more hoops to jump through when you’re a Brit travelling to Europe, and an EU national visiting the UK.

You’ve asked us lots of questions. This blog aims to answer key questions we’ve had about what business travel looks like after Brexit.

Definitions in this blog

• Schengen Area: Countries in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
• 90/180: Refers to the rule that British travellers can travel to and within the Schengen without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

A note on visas before we get into the detail. Only certified professionals can hand out advice on those. Thank you to our partners CIBT visas/Newland Chase for helping us put this together (some of this information was originally published here).

UK nationals travelling to the Schengen Area

• In early 2023, UK travellers will need to fill in a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) form to travel to Europe - it's like the USA's ESTA. We'll share more information when available. 
• UK nationals no longer have the freedom to work, study, start a business or live in the EU.
• There’s new immigration rules for UK nationals travelling to the EU.
• Some trips will require visas.
• UK nationals can travel without needing a visa if they stay within 90/180 (for business or leisure) and only participate in ‘permitted activities’.

Passport validity

It's recommended that on the day you travel, you have at least six months left on your passport. This allows for: 

• Travelling in Europe for up to three months 
• The requirement from most European countries to have at least three months left on your passport on the day after you leave

Your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day after you leave. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed.

These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland. You can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.

Check a passport for travel to Europe on  the government's passport checker tool .

Use the government's passport checker tool to check.

UK travellers may be able stay in the EU for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without needing a visa, aka 90/180. If they exceed those days in that period they might be refused entry.

If you’re travelling to the Schengen for a short-term business trip, that is 90/180, you must prove your eligibility for admission, including evidence that you won’t be staying for longer than 90 in 180 days.

Under the new EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (EU-UK TCA), you can participate in certain permitted business-related activities without requiring a visa, including:

• Attending meetings, events, conferences, exhibitions
• Technical, scientific, statistical and marketing research
• Receiving training
• Prospecting sales or purchases

However, not every country has confirmed whether all these activities are allowed in their territory. The above is a provision until validated by the European Parliament.

Any short-term activity not listed above is subject to each country’s immigration regulations. Travellers will have to assess what work they’re planning to do in each country, and seek authorisation where required.

To stay longer than 90/180

Whether for work, study or for business travel, travellers may need a visa or work permit including these scenarios.

• Transferring from the UK branch of a company to a branch in a different country (‘intra-corporate transfer’), even for a short period of time.
• Carrying out contracts to provide services to a client in a country where the employer has no presence.
• Providing services in another country as a self-employed person.

For more information about country specific requirements  view this page on the government website.

Alternatively, get an instant answer from  CIBT’s Post-Brexit Travel Assessment.

Multiple or multi-centre trips

May not require a visa if plans do not exceed 90/180. If they’re spending longer than 90/180, they will likely need a visa or working permit. Again, check the regulations for the country where you’re visiting.

Where to get a visa and more information

Visa and entry requirements differ for each country. For more information about country specific requirements visit this page .

UK travellers driving in the EU

More paperwork than before. Travellers planning to drive in Europe need to contact their insurer six weeks before they travel to get a green card which proves they have insurance.

When driving in Europe travellers will need to have with them:

• Drivers licence
• Log book (V5C) if the traveller owns the car or VE103 form if the car is hired or leased
• Valid insurance documents
• Green card from insurer – more information here
• GB sticker – more information here
• International driving permit (IDP) if you have a paper driving licence and those with a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man – more information here

The UK government advises checking driving regulations with embassies.

A1 certificates

Check which country's social security contributions UK workers must pay if working in the Schengen  here.

CIBT visas/Newland Chase can provide advice on A1 certificates.

Taxation, social security and VAT

• Guidelines on whether you still have to pay UK Income Tax and to which country social security contributions should be paid to –  visit this page .
• Guidelines on paying National Insurance - visit this page .
• Guidelines on paying social security contributions - visit this page .

UK customers will continue to receive UK compliant VAT invoices from Corporate Traveller.

Businesses based in the UK and Isle of Man can no longer claim on EU VAT incurred on or before 31 December 2020. They also no longer have access to the EU electronic portal to submit claims.

Businesses can continue to claim refunds on EU VAT incurred on or after 1 January 2021. They will have to use processes for non-EU businesses, which vary across each country. UK businesses may need to provide a certificate of status  in order to get a refund.

Find country specific information on the EU Commission’s website .

Flight compensation

There are some changes to air passenger rights for flights operated by a UK carrier. The European Union’s website has a tool to check what a passenger is entitled to in different scenarios. Take a look .

EU nationals travelling to the UK

• Free movement rights have ended.
• From 1 October 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens cannot use an ID card to enter the UK. 
• New immigration rules, and visas for certain types of trips.
• Short-term travellers can travel without needing a visa for ‘permitted activities’.
• Those arriving in the UK for work purposes, including EU nationals and families, now require sponsorship.

ID cards are out

From 1st October 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will no longer be able to travel to the UK using an ID card. They can only travel to the UK using a valid passport, unless they have:

• applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, or have an application pending
• or otherwise have protected rights under the Citizens’ Rights Agreements

In most cases, short business trips to the UK won’t require a visa. The condition? The stay is less than six months and only for certain business related activities, including:

• Attending meetings, events, or conferences
• Negotiating and signing deals and contracts
• Site visits and inspections

Some intra-corporate activities, for example when employed by a group company overseas, can be done without a visa. These trips must:

• Be short. Trips lasting over a month would raise the alarm with the Home Office.
• Be linked to a specific project.
• Not involve directly working with, or for, clients.

Examples of permitted intra-corporate activities include:

• Advising and consulting on internal matters with UK colleagues.
• Troubleshooting internal issues.
• Providing internal training for colleagues. Training clients is not permitted.
• Sharing skills and knowledge on a specific internal project with UK colleagues. Colleagues must be of the same corporate group and work is not permitted directly with clients.

If an EU national working for a UK company carries out work not on the permitted activities list, they can be removed from the UK and face a travel ban.

Points-based immigration system

Any EU and non-EU citizens wanting to work in the UK for a longer period must score enough points to be granted a visa. Points are awarded for meeting set criteria such as being able to speak English, having a recognised qualification and having a job offer. There are different routes but we believe the most popular for our customers will be:

Skilled worker:

• No advertising or cap
• Minimum salary threshold of £25,600
• Skill level at A Level or above
• No maximum limit on stay
• Applicants must hold an English language qualification to apply

Intra-company routes:

• Minimum salary threshold of £41,500
• Skill level at Graduate level
• No English language qualification required

If you want to hire employees from outside the UK (excluding Irish citizens), you’ll need a sponsor licence.

If an EU national working for a UK company carries out work not on the permitted activities list, they can be removed from the UK and face a travel ban. There is also a direct impact on sponsor status, including loss of licence and sponsored skilled workers. Penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker are in place.

8 steps to prepare

• Ensure you know what’s classed as a business-related ‘permitted activity’.
• Keep track of and assess the activities of all employees regularly travelling in the UK and EU. For example, you’ll need to ensure UK travellers in the EU have a way to calculate and keep track of 90/180.
• Check you have the appropriate business travel insurance that includes healthcare cover.
• When travellers request an EU trip, develop a process that includes an assessment of the proposed business activities to make sure they’re sticking by the rules.
• Allocate budget for work authorisation applications.
• Apply for a sponsor license if you’re planning on recruiting new employees from outside the UK.
• Ask travellers to check their passport has at least six months left and is less than 10 years old.
• Educate your teams about what a business visitor can legally do in the UK or EU member states, and where visas or documentation may be required.

Want to talk to us about post-Brexit travel?

If you’re a client, contact your travel manager. If you’re new to Corporate Traveller, fill out the form and we’ll get back to you.

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›

Business Travel

Business travel in the UK - statistics & facts

Inbound business travel, british business travelers and their opinions, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Global corporate travel market size 2020-2028

Share of tourism spending in leading global travel markets 2022, by type

G20 nations: business travel spending 2021

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Inbound business trips in the UK 2010-2021

Share of inbound business trips to the UK 2021, by destination

Most visited countries by UK business travelers 2021

Related topics

Recommended.

• Impact of inflation on travel and tourism worldwide
• Space tourism
• Sustainable tourism worldwide
• COVID-19: impact on the tourism industry worldwide
• Domestic tourism in European countries

Recommended statistics

Global overview.

• Premium Statistic Global corporate travel market size 2020-2028
• Basic Statistic Share of tourism spending in leading global travel markets 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic World's best-rated destination countries for non-leisure tourists 2021
• Premium Statistic Countries with highest business travel spending 2023
• Basic Statistic G20 nations: business travel spending 2021
• Premium Statistic World's highest-priced business travel destinations Q4 2022
• Premium Statistic Countries planning the largest number of business events and trade fairs 2023

Market value of the business travel industry worldwide in 2020, with a forecast for 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of leisure and business travel spending in the leading travel markets worldwide in 2022

World's best-rated destination countries for non-leisure tourists 2021

Leading countries for non-leisure travel worldwide in 2021, based on the Travel and Tourism Development Index

Countries with highest business travel spending 2023

Leading business tourism markets worldwide in 2023, based on total travel spending (in billion U.S. dollars)

Expenditure of business tourists in G20 countries in 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

World's highest-priced business travel destinations Q4 2022

Most expensive cities for business tourism worldwide in 4th quarter 2022, by average daily costs (in U.S. dollars)

Countries planning the largest number of business events and trade fairs 2023

Leading host countries for conferences and trade shows planned worldwide as of August 2023, by number of events

Inbound business tourism

• Premium Statistic Inbound business trips in the UK 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Most popular origin of inbound business travelers in the UK 2021
• Premium Statistic Share of inbound business trips to the UK 2021, by destination
• Premium Statistic Average length of stay of inbound business travelers in the UK 2019-2021, by origin
• Premium Statistic Daily inbound business travel spend from the UK 2019-2021, by main origin
• Premium Statistic Inbound business travel spending in the UK 1980-2021

Number of international business visits in the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Most popular origin of inbound business travelers in the UK 2021

Leading countries of origin for international business tourism in the United Kingdom in 2021, based on number of visits (in 1,000s)

Percentage of international business visits in the United Kingdom in 2021, by destination

Average length of stay of inbound business travelers in the UK 2019-2021, by origin

Average number of nights spent by international business tourists in the United Kingdom in 2019 and 2021, by region of origin

Daily inbound business travel spend from the UK 2019-2021, by main origin

Average expenditure per day by international business tourists in the United Kingdom in 2019 and 2021, by main origin (in GBP)

Inbound business travel spending in the UK 1980-2021

Expenditure of international business tourists in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 2021 (in million GBP)

Outbound business tourism

• Premium Statistic UK outbound business trips 2011-2021
• Premium Statistic Most visited countries by UK business travelers 2021
• Premium Statistic UK outbound business trips 2019-2021, by destination
• Premium Statistic Average length of stay of UK outbound business travelers 2011-2021
• Premium Statistic Daily outbound business travel spend from the UK 2019-2021, by main destination
• Premium Statistic UK outbound business travel spending 1980-2021

UK outbound business trips 2011-2021

Number of international business visits by residents of the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Leading countries of destination for business tourists from the United Kingdom in 2021, based on number of visits (in 1,000s)

UK outbound business trips 2019-2021, by destination

Number of international business visits by residents of the United Kingdom in 2019 and 2021, by main destination (in 1,000s)

Average length of stay of UK outbound business travelers 2011-2021

Average number of nights spent by international business tourists from the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2021

Daily outbound business travel spend from the UK 2019-2021, by main destination

Average expenditure per day by international business tourists from the United Kingdom in 2019 and 2021, by main destination (in GBP)

UK outbound business travel spending 1980-2021

Expenditure of international business tourists from the United Kingdom from 1980 to 2021 (in million GBP)

Domestic business tourism

• Premium Statistic Domestic business trips in Great Britain 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic business trips in Great Britain 2019, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic business trips in Great Britain 2019, by accommodation type
• Premium Statistic Average domestic business trip length in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic business travel spending per night in Great Britain 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Domestic business travel spending in Great Britain 2010-2021

Domestic business trips in Great Britain 2010-2021

Number of domestic business trips in Great Britain from 2010 to 2021 (in millions)

Number of domestic business trips in Great Britain 2019, by purpose

Number of domestic overnight business trips in Great Britain in 2019, by purpose (in millions)

Number of domestic business trips in Great Britain 2019, by accommodation type

Number of domestic business overnight trips in Great Britain in 2019, by accommodation type (in millions)

Average domestic business trip length in Great Britain 2010-2022

Average length of trips taken by domestic business tourists in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022 (in nights)

Domestic business travel spending per night in Great Britain 2010-2021

Average domestic business trip spending per night in Great Britain from 2010 to 2021 (in GBP)

Domestic business travel spending in Great Britain 2010-2021

Expenditure on domestic business tourism in Great Britain from 2010 to 2021 (in million GBP)

Opinions of UK business travelers

• Premium Statistic Influence of travel restrictions on UK business travelers 2020-2022
• Premium Statistic Readiness to take a business trip among UK travelers 2022
• Premium Statistic Share of UK respondents who think that corporate travel is key for own firm 2021
• Premium Statistic Share of UK respondents satisfied with corporate travel tool/platform 2021
• Premium Statistic Biggest concerns for post-pandemic business travel in the UK 2021
• Premium Statistic Corporate travel policy changes in UK companies 2021

Influence of travel restrictions on UK business travelers 2020-2022

Share of respondents in the United Kingdom who said that not being able to travel for business put them at a competitive disadvantage in 2020 and 2022

Readiness to take a business trip among UK travelers 2022

Willingness to travel for business purposes in the United Kingdom as of February 2022, by time of departure

Share of UK respondents who think that corporate travel is key for own firm 2021

Perceived importance of business travel for company's growth in the United Kingdom in 2021

Share of UK respondents satisfied with corporate travel tool/platform 2021

Satisfaction with business travel tool/platform in the United Kingdom in 2021

Biggest concerns for post-pandemic business travel in the UK 2021

Main concerns about returning to business trips after COVID-19 in the United Kingdom as of 2021

Corporate travel policy changes in UK companies 2021

Duration of changes to business travel policies due to COVID-19 by companies in the United Kingdom as of 2021

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

• Global business travel
• Travel and tourism in the United Kingdom (UK)
• Business travel in Europe

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

• Skip to main content

Additional menu

The Visa Project

A place for your visa experiences and more

UK Business Visitor Visa: UK Business Visa Requirements and How to Get it Easily

MY EXPERIENCE WITH UK BUSINESS VISA APPLICATION

By Nisha Singla last updated on January 15, 2021

Sharing is caring!

• Schengen Visa from India
• Student Visa for Spain
• Schengen Visa Requirements
• US Tourist Visa from India

I traveled twice to the United Kingdom on a UK business visitor visa from India and went through all the paperwork to get this UK visa for business. It was super easy to get and both times, my immigration experience was pretty smooth as well.

UK business visitor visa is the same as a UK tourist visa or UK visitor visa. It’s also known as a UK business visa. The only difference here is the purpose of travel. If you are going sightseeing or meet up with friends and family, you mention that in the purpose and your interview. In my case, I got a business visitor visa for UK since the purpose of my travel was to give training in London.

Even though I applied a UK visa from India, the process for applying a business visa for UK is the same for all the nationalities that need a visa to visit the UK on business.

Things to Do in the UK

There are so many things to do in the United Kingdom that it will be an altogether new article. England is full of beautiful castles, historical landmarks, wonderful zoos, and a lot more. There are so many beautiful cities Cambridge, Durham, Chester, etc.

Well, I also got to see a lot of London and surrounding areas during my visit- so it worked out fine. I took my time to visit many places in England. And if you love the train, then here are some ideas for day trips from London .

Are you a Harry Potter fan (who isn’t!)? Then here are some of the best Harry Potter Experiences in the UK .

Don’t have a lot of time? Here is how to do London in a day .

And although the reason for my visit to UK was training, there are a lot other situations where you can apply for UK business visa.

Here are they.

Table of Contents

When to Get a UK Business Visitor Visa?

There are many business-related activities for which you can apply for UK visa for business.

You can apply UK visa for business if you’re coming to the UK for any of the following:

• For a training, business meeting or conference ( this was mine)
• For taking a clinical attachment or observer post as a doctor or dentist
• As an academic accompanying students on a study abroad program or coming to do research
• To perform as an artist or musician
• Carry out site visits and inspections.
• Gather information for employment overseas
• To take part in a sports event as a sportsman
• Seeking funding to start, join or buy a business in the UK

Different Types of UK Business Visa

A UK visa for business can either be short-term or long-term.

Short-term Business Visa

A short-term business visa for UK is valid for 6 months only.

Long-term Business Visa

The long term Business Visitor visa can be issuedfor 2,5 or 10 years,and it allows holders to stay in the UK for 6 months at a time.

UK Business Visa Requirements

The requirements for business visa in UK can vary a bit depending on your employment status and purpose of travel, but otherwise it will be same.

Here is the list of all the documents for UK business visa.

1. Passport

Your valid passport with at least one blank page, with a validity of three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the UK after your trip.

2. Proof of Accommodations in the UK

You will need to provide a the proof of hotel or hostel reservations for the duration of your stay. There is no need to pay for it, and you can make a refundable reservation.

If you would be staying with a relative or friend, then you can provide the ID information and passport number of any relatives living in the UK.

3. Proof of Financial Means for UK Visa

You must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds available to cover your living costs in the UK. You can provide

• bank statements from bank account
• salary slips or proof of earnings letter from employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details)
• credit card statements

If your visit is sponsored by a friend or relative, then

• documents showing their financial stability and your relationship with them

4. Employment Proof

For the UK business visitor visa, you need to show proof of employment. As I was employed, I showed the offer letter from my employer and salary slips for the last 6 months.

If you are employed in your home country,

• a letter from your employer on company headed paper, detailing your role, salary and length of employment

If you are a student ,

• a letter from your school or university on the official letterhead, confirming your enrolment and leave of absence
• a copy of the ID card

If you are self-employed,

• business registration documents confirming the business owner’s name.

In case, you are apply for UK visa from India, you can show a CIN Certificate/ LLP certificate/ GST certificate/ Udhyog Aadhar Memorandum/ Import Export Certificate etc.

5. UK Visa Photo Requirements

You need two recent passport size color photos in white background.

Here are the entire guidelines for photo requirements for UK visa.

6. Proof of Previous Travel History

If you hold an old passport and have travelled outside of your home country or not, you need to provide copies of old passport, visas, entry/exit stamp. This has to cover the period of the last 10 years.

7. Travel Itinerary for UK Visa

Your travel itinerary for UK visa is the document that would contain a detailed travel plan with information on where you will be in the UK, what activities you will be part of, and your plans.

It must contain the travel dates, places you will visit, agenda for conferences or training, tours booked etc.

8. Confirmation of Legal Residence

If you are not a national of the country in which you are applying the Uk visa or your right to reside there is not reflected in your passport, then you need to provide a confirmation of legal residence.

Since I applied the UK business visa from India and I am an Indian citizen, I didn’t have to provide this.

9. UK Visitor Visa Application Form

You need to fill in the standard visitor visa application form for a UK visa.

UK Visa Application Process

The UK business visa application process is a five-step one.

• Get ready with all the documents for the UK business visa.
• Fill in the UK visa application form.
• Schedule a UK visa appointment with the UK embassy in the country where you are applying.
• Attend the UK visa interview.
• Receive the visa.

How to Apply for UK Business Visa from India?

If you are applying for UK business visa from India, you can’t directly apply for it through the UK embassy or consulate. You can only apply through a third party service provide : VFS Global.

But even then, you must fill in the application on UK government’s website.

Step 1 : Fill in UK Visa Online Application From on Gov.uk

The first thing you need to do is to apply online on UK government’s website. The process is the same irrespective of the country you are applying from. Please note that while you can read the questions in any language, your answers must be in English.

While you are filling in the form, you can edit any part of it any time by clicking on show and edit answers. And in case the application is not complete, you can always go back and make changes as long as you haven’t paid the fees for UK visa.

The application is saved in the gov.uk portal for 10 weeks, after which it will be deleted and you would need to start over.

You will be asked to fill in details including

• nationality, country of residence etc.
• your name & surname.
• personal phone number, address, marital status.
• passport number.
• details of the employer, job description and salary if you are employed.
• details of whether you have any savings and any other source of income.
• the reason for your visit and its details. Note that some paid assignments are allowed for the UK business visa. So you need to clarify whether you will be paid or not.
• name and date of birth, and nationality of your parents.
• your address in the UK: you can provide the address of the hotel or any other place you will be staying at.
• travel history of 10 years: you need to mention whether you have traveled to the UK or Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, and the European Economic zone in the last 10 years. If you have, then you need to provide the details of your travel.

You will also be asked to provide the details of money you usually spend during a month and the amount of money you will be spending in the Uk during your visit.

If your employer or someone is paying for your visit, you need to provide information about that as well. Since, my employer was sponsoring my trip, I filled in the details of my employer while applying for the UK visa from India.

In case your parents or spouse or a friend is sponsoring your visit, you need to mention it here.

If a company has invited you, you need to provide the details of that company as well. In case, there are multiple companies you will be visiting, you have to provide the details on that. Note that you would need to upload an invitation letter for this.

Once you are done with the application, you will be asked to make the payment for the UK visa. You can pay using a Visa/ Master Card/ Amex/ Discover/ Diners Club International card. If you personally don’t have a card, you can ask someone to make the payment on your behalf.

Step 2: Getting a UK Visa Appointment at VFS India

Since VFS India is the commercial partner for UK visa for Indian citizens, you need to book an appointment with them. You can choose the center that’s closest to you and fill in the details.

Note that VFS India charges extra service fees for processing your UK visa application. They also have a plethora of services like premium lounge and whatever, that you can use if you are too busy.

You can pay for it directly when you go for your appointment or while booking it.

Step 3 : Attend UK Visa Appointment at VFS India and Biometrics

Take a printout of your VFS appointment letter and original passport with you for your UK visa appointment at VFS India.

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early at the VFS center. If you have not already uploaded your supporting documents yourself bring the originals, or high quality photocopies with you. I would say take the originals in case you need to make a copy there.

After you submit the documents, you will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph) at the VFS center.

Step 4: Attend UK Visa Interview

Depending on your purpose of travel, employment/marital status, and visa type, you might need to attend a UK visa interview at a UK embassy. If all your documents are in order and they have no questions, they wouldn’t even call you for an interview.

I wasn’t called for an interview.

Step 5 : Receive the Visa

Once a decision on your UK visa has been made, you will receive an email from VFS India and then you can collect your passport from them. In case of UK visa refusal, you can appeal for it as well.

What are the Fees for UK Business Visa?

The UK business visa cost will vary depending on the duration of the visa, but it’s same for every nationality.

How Long Does it Take to Get a UK Visa?

In my case, it took only two weeks to get the visa approved.

UK visitor visa processing time is usually three weeks from the time you submit your application. However, you might need to wait longer for a decision if your application is not straightforward and more information is required before a decision is made.

However, UK government also has priority and super-priority services using which you can get a decision on the visa within 24 hours to 5 days.

How Many Days Can You Stay in UK on Business Visa?

On a business visa, you can stay for up to 6 months at a time, whether you are on short-term ot long-term visa.

How to Extend UK Business Visitor Visa?

You can apply to for UK business visa extension only when you are inside the UK and only before your current visa expires. And to be eligible to extend it, your visa must have been issued for less than 6 months.

And you may be able to extend your business visa up to the 6-month maximum. So for example, if you’ve applied for a 4-month business visa, then you can apply to extend UK visa for business for another 2 months.

Can I Travel to Europe on a UK Visa?

The UK is not a part of the European union or the Schengen zone. You need to apply for a Schengen visa in UK or a Schengen visa from your home country if you want to travel to Europe.

• How to get a Schengen visa from India as a couple .

Is UK Business Visitor Visa same as UK Entrepreneur Visa?

No, the UK business visa is totally different from UK entrepreneur or innovator visa. The business visa is a standard visitor visa after all, that allows the holder to do some business-related stuff. It has a lot of limitations and unlike the UK innovator visa, it doesn’t allow you to make money.

Can You Work in UK on UK Business Visa?

No, you can’t work in the UK on UK business visitor visa. To work in the UK legally, you need to get the UK work visa.

• Take part in business-related activities like events, meetings or training
• Study for up to 30 days
• Transit through the UK
• Sight-see, meet family and friends
• Convert a civil partnership to marriage

Not allowed

• Paid or unpaid work, although there are exceptions to this
• marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership
• Get public funds
• Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits

Spread the word

Like this article how about these ones.

About Nisha Singla

An Indian traveler in love with life and everything that it offers. When I am not traveling, I am either training others on different web technologies or making Youtube videos about them.

Reader Interactions

December 18, 2020 at 9:50 am

Hi hope you are ok I am a uk resident for 14 years , Could you send us information about what kind of guarantee visas from iran to uk we can apply for a member of family and friends . Thanks alot and looking forward to hear from you

April 4, 2023 at 2:21 am

I want to come on england.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Be part of the visa smart tribe

Up-to-date information on visas, and visa experiences from travelers, expats and immigrants.

• Invest in the UK
• Come to the UK
• Start a Business in the UK
• Trade with the UK
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cookies Notice
• UK Immigration Rules and Visa Requirements
• Newsletter Sign Up

Travelling to the UK on Business

• 18 May 2022

IN THIS ARTICLE

If you’re planning to travel to the UK on business, or to send an employee for the purposes of carrying out a business activity, the following guidance will help you to establish whether or not a visa should be obtained in advance and, where applicable, the type of visa needed for business travel to the UK. We also look at what the relevant types of visit visa will allow the holder to do while in the UK.

Do you need a visa for business travel to the UK?

Depending on your nationality, you might be able to visit the UK without applying for a visa in advance, either to carry out certain unpaid business activities or, if you’ve been invited as an expert in your profession, for a permitted paid engagement.

You can check online if you need a visa to visit the UK for business purposes at GOV.UK. However, even as a non-visa national, you’ll still need to meet the eligibility requirements for a visit visa, where you may be asked a number of questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the business activities you plan to do during your stay.

If you have a criminal record or have previously been refused entry into the UK, you may want to apply for either a standard visitor visa or a permitted paid engagement visa prior to travelling, regardless of whether you’re eligible to apply for entry clearance at the UK border.

UK visas for business travel

Where an overseas national is not entitled to visa-free travel, and they’re visiting the UK for unpaid business activity, they’ll need to apply for a standard visitor visa. To be eligible for a visit visa for business purposes — or to be admitted at the UK border as a non-visa national under this route — you must be able to show that:

• you’re aged 18 or over
• you’re coming to the UK to do a permitted business activity, for example, attending a conference or meeting, or giving a one-off or short series of non-profit talks
• you’ll be visiting the UK for no more than 6 months
• you have enough money to support and accommodate yourself during your stay, or you have funding from someone else to support you
• you can pay for your return or onward journey, or you have funding from someone else to pay for the journey
• you’ll leave the UK at the end of your stay
• you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits, nor will you make the UK your main home.

It’s inherent within these requirements that you’re genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that’s permitted under the visitor route, namely unpaid business-related activities, and that you’ll not undertake any prohibited activities. If you’re an expert in your profession being paid by a UK-based organisation or client to attend an event or engagement in the UK, the rules are different. In these cases, you’ll need to apply for a permitted paid engagement visa.

To qualify for a permitted paid engagement visa — or to be admitted to the UK without a visa to undertake a paid engagement as a non-visa national — you must be able to show that:

• you’ve been formally invited to attend a pre-arranged event or other permitted engagement, for example, to deliver a guest lecture at a higher education institution, and you have a written invitation from a UK-based organisation or client
• you can show that you’re an expert in your profession, where the event or engagement directly relates to your expertise, qualifications and primary job in your home country
• you’ll be visiting the UK for no more than 1 month
• you can pay for your return or onward journey, or you have funding from a third party

How to apply for a visa for business travel

You should check if you need a visa before you apply as, depending on where you’re from, you may be able to visit the UK without needing to apply in advance. However, where a visa is required, you must obtain an appropriate visa before you travel to the UK.

An application for a standard visitor visa or permitted paid engagement visa must be made from outside the UK. You’ll need to submit an online application and pay a £100 fee. You’ll also need to provide a valid travel document, supporting documentation to show that you meet the relevant requirements and your biometric information (scan of your fingerprints and a photo of your face). You’ll need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to do this.

The earliest you can apply for a visit visa is 3 months before you travel, and you should get a decision within a period of approximately 3 weeks, although you should check the guide processing times for the country you’re applying from. You may be able to secure a faster decision, subject to paying an additional fee for premium processing.

If your visa application is successful, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months on a standard visitor visa and up to 1 month on a permitted paid engagement visa. If you regularly visit the UK, you can choose to apply for a long-term standard visitor visa.

What will a standard visitor visa allow and prohibit?

You can apply for a standard visitor visa if you want to visit the UK for unpaid business-related activities, including:

• attending meetings, conferences, seminars or interviews
• giving either a one-off or short series of talks, provided these are not commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser
• negotiating and signing deals and contracts
• attending trade fairs, for promotional work, provided you’re not directly selling anything
• conducting site visits and inspections
• gathering information for your business or employment overseas
• being briefed on the requirements of a UK-based customer, provided any work for that customer is done outside of the UK.

There are also various sector and role-specific activities that may be undertaken, where anyone applying for a visit visa for business purposes must ensure that their proposed activity is expressly permitted under the rules before travelling.

You can also use a business visitor visa for various other reasons, including to see family and friends, take a holiday, undertake a short course of study, volunteer with a registered charity or pass through the UK to another country. However, you cannot use this visa to do either paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person. Equally, you cannot claim UK benefits, live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits, or get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK.

What will a permitted paid engagement visa allow and prohibit?

Under a permitted paid engagement visa you can be invited and paid by a UK-based organisation or client:

• as a highly qualified academic, to be a student examiner or assessor, or to chair or take part in selection panels, where you’re invited by an education, arts or research organisation
• as a speaker to deliver either a guest lecture or series of lectures about your area of expertise at a higher education institution, or a research or arts organisation, although you cannot take a full or part-time teaching post for the host organisation
• as a qualified lawyer, to represent a client at a court or tribunal hearing, arbitration or other form of legal dispute resolution within the UK, or to visit the UK to prepare for the hearing
• as a professional artist, entertainer or musician, where you’ve been invited to perform in the UK by a creative organisation, or by an agent or broadcaster based in the UK
• as a professional sportsperson, where you’ve been invited by a UK-based sports organisation, or by an agent or broadcaster, to undertake an activity relating directly to your profession, for example, participating in a sporting event
• as a model taking part in fashion modelling assignments
• as an air pilot examiner, where you’ve been invited by an approved UK training organisation that’s regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to examine UK-based pilots so that they meet the national aviation regulatory requirements of your country.

You can also undertake all the activities allowed under a standard visitor visa, except for studying or transiting to another country. You cannot undertake specific paid work unrelated to your main job or area of expertise at home, or sell merchandise. Equally, you cannot claim benefits, live in the UK for extended periods, or get married or enter into a civil partnership.

Documents to bring when you travel

If you’re travelling to the UK without a visa, you must get a stamp in your passport from a border control officer. You cannot use the ePassport gates. In addition to a valid passport or other travel document, you may also need documentation to prove that:

• you’re eligible for the activities you want to do in the UK, and those activities are permitted under the rules
• you’ve arranged accommodation for your stay the UK
• you’re able to support yourself during your UK stay, or have funding from someone else
• you’ll leave the UK at the end of your stay.

If you’re seeking entry as an expert in your profession being paid to attend an event or engagement in the UK, you’ll also need an invitation from a relevant UK-based organisation or client for your permitted paid engagement — together with evidence that this relates to your expertise, qualifications and primary job in your home country.

Even if you’ve been granted a visa in advance, you should still ensure that you have a number of documents on your possession to be able to justify the nature of your trip and that you meet the eligibility criteria. This is because the grant of either a visitor visa or permitted paid engagement visa doesn’t guarantee entry to the UK, where you may be refused entry by border officials if they’re not satisfied that you meet the requirements under the rules.

What happens if I breach the conditions of my business visa?

Having been admitted to the UK under a visit visa, you must ensure that you comply with the conditions of that visa and do not undertake any prohibited activities. The consequences of breach can be very serious, including having your leave curtailed and being ordered to leave the country, and having an entry ban imposed, preventing you from returning.

If you’re found to be working illegally in the UK, this could also result in a fine and imprisonment, both for you and your employer.

Business travel to the UK FAQs

[wp-faq-schema accordion=1]

Legal disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law , Tax , Human Resources , Immigration & Employment Law .

Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ Medical Visa UK: Step-by-Step Guide
• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ UK ETA - Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme
• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ Chinese Tour Group Visa: A Guide to ADS
• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ UK Transit Visa - Requirements 2024 Guide

Subscribe to our newsletter

Filled with practical insights, news and trends, you can stay informed and be inspired to take your business forward with energy and confidence.

Xpats.io is a Rokman Media brand © 2024. All rights reserved.

Xpats.io is a registered trademark of Rokman Group Limited and may not be used by third parties without permission.

Website by Prof Services

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

How to Apply for the UK Business Visa From India

What is the uk business visa, types of uk business visas , eligibility of the uk business visa .

• Required documents for the UK Busine...

Application process

Visa fees and validity, processing time.

• Activities that are eligible for a UK Business Visa include business meetings, conferences and trade shows, developing partnerships, setting up a business and signing business contracts. 
• This will affect the type of visa you apply for such as standard visa, start-up visa, innovator visa, entrepreneur visa, investor visa and expansion worker visa. 
• The visa application process involves having to meet certain requirements and providing required documents and biometric information.

The United Kingdom is known for it's developed and diverse economy coupled with a thriving business environment. This makes it an appeal destination for not only professional travel and activities but also for Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand their operations. 

Obtaining a UK business visa can open doors to a variety of opportunities including networking, trade fair, conferences, and market research. 

This is a 6-month visa that allows Indian citizens to enter the UK for business purposes. There are several types of UK Business Visas available depending on the nature and duration of professional activity. To apply you'll need to go to the embassy, however there are also visa services that can assist you with the application process.

There're several types of UK business visas you can apply for, and each comes with different requirements, restrictions, and benefits. Below are the main types of UK Business Visas: 

• Standard visa for businessperson: The visa allows the visa holder to enter the country for business activities such as meetings and market research. It allows for a stay of up to 6 months or 12 months for certain activities, but no job or services are permitted. Visa holders will be required to present evidence of business activity, trip plans, and sufficient funds, as well as biometric data and an interview at a UK immigration centre.
• Start-up visa : This visa is intended for people with innovative business idea and want to set up a business for the first time. Applicants must have an original and scalable business idea certified by a UK government-approved endorsing authority such as The Bakery, Bethnal Green Ventures, and Blue Orchard Enterprise Solutions. 
• Innovator Visa : This visa is for entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must have at least £50,000 to invest and obtain endorsement from a body approved by the UK government. Unlike the Start-up visa, an Innovator visa lasts 3 years which can be extended. 
• UK Expansion Worker Visa: This allows visa holders to set up their overseas business' first branch or subsidiary in the UK. To be eligible for the UK Expansion Worker Visa, applicants must have a job offer in the UK and meet the required skills and salary thresholds.
• Investor Visa : The visa allows wealthy individuals to invest in the UK, which must benefit the UK economy. It is valid for three years, and if all requirements are met, it can lead to permanent residence and citizenship.
• Entrepreneur Visa  or Tier 1 Visa: This visa is intended for more experienced businesspeople who have already established a business outside of the UK and wish to grow their operations in the UK. Unfortunately, the UK government has discontinued visa applications for this type of visa. However, if you already have this visa, you can extend it, settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain) and bring your family members with you.

Here're some of the eligibility requirements that you need to meet: 

• You're at least 18 years old.
• You're financially capable of supporting yourself during the visit.
• You must meet the health standards of the authorities.
• You must have a legal invitation from a reputable business partner in the UK. 
• You meet the English language requirement.

You must also be able to demonstrate that you: 

• Will depart the country after the end of your visit.
• Can support yourself and any dependents throughout your visit.
• Have sufficient funds to cover your return or onward travel expenses and any other related expenses.
• Have proof of any commercial or other activities you intend to do in the UK, as permitted by the Visitor Regulations.

Required documents for the UK Business Visa 

You'll need to provide several documents, including: 

• A valid passport with at least six months beyond the expiration date of your visa.
• UK online visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Invitation letter from a UK company (which must include the company's letterhead).
• Travel documents such as flight tickets and hotel booking.
• Bank statements for the past six months.
• Income tax returns for the past three years.
• Covering letter and financial documents of the Indian company.
• Confirmation and details for the purpose of your visit.
• Letter from your employer (if employed) approving your leave and details of your employment.
• Accounts and financial credibility (if self-employed).
• Evidence of your ties to your home country (E.g., property ownership, family ties or employment.
• Travel history in the past ten years (If required).

Once you've gathered the necessary documents, you'll need to go through the below application process:

• Choose the right type of visa –   For a business owner like you who wishes to expand your business globally, you need to make sure that you choose the right type of visa for your visit. 
• Complete the application form online – You need to create an account and complete the UK visa application form online in English on the official website here . You can save your application and continue at any time. If you're inactive for 25 minutes, you'll be logged out, but your answers will be saved.
• Submit required documents  for your UK visa application – After completing the online form, you must submit all required documents as listed previously. The UK Home Office will then evaluate these documents to determine your eligibility.
• Schedule an interview appointment for your UK visa – Arrange for the appointment online, then print the e-mail confirmation of your appointment and bring it along with the required documents to your chosen UK visa application centre.
• Attend the interview for your UK visa – All visa applicants, including children, must appear in person at the visa application centre and biometric information, including a photo and digital fingerprint scan, are required. An adult must accompany applicants under 18.

 The fees for a UK business visa vary based on the type of visa and the duration of the visit.

A short-term visa usually takes three to five working days for the authorities to process the visa and get in touch with you before the passport is delivered via courier. You can expect delivery in the next two working days.

But if you're applying for the Long-Term Visitor Business Visa, the standard processing time is three weeks, but it may take up to seven weeks at most. The waiting period begins after submitting the application and fingerprints. 

In some cases, the processing time may be extended to six weeks or more, depending on the workload of the visa application centres. As such, submitting your visa application well ahead of your intended travel date is best. The earliest you can apply is three months before your trip. 

How do I get a business visa for the UK?

Generally, the application involves filling out an online application form, paying a fee, and attending a biometric appointment.

How much money is required for a UK business visa?

The amount of money required varies depending on the specific visa type and the purpose of the trip. Generally, you will need to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

How long can I stay in the UK on a business visa?

You can stay for a maximum of 6 months in the UK on a business visa. You can apply for an extension of your visa if it is approved for less than six months. This will take the maximum stay period to 6 months.

How can I get a business visa from India to the UK?

You can apply by completing an online application form, providing personal and travel details, and paying the application fee.

Is it possible for my application to be rejected?

Yes, your business visa can be denied for various reasons, including false information on your application form, evidence of criminal activity against you, etc.

Will I receive a refund if my application is rejected?

You will not receive a refund since UK visa payments are strictly non-refundable.

Is it possible to convert a UK business visa into a work permit in the UK?

No, you cannot convert your UK business visa to another type of visa in the UK. If you want to work in the UK, you must apply for a UK work visa.

Most popular

Stay up to date with business go.

Subscribe to our newsletter to obtain latest articles, events and offers that are tailored to you

UK's easyJet sees strong summer momentum, lifting shares

• Medium Text
• Sees better than expected H1 loss of 340-360 mln
• Improves on last year by more than 50 mln stg
• CEO says confident about summer demand
• Shares up 4%

Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here.

Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Kate Holton and Elaine Hardcastle

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Sarah reports on UK breaking news, with a focus on British companies. She has been a part of the UK bureau for 12 years covering everything from airlines to energy to the royals, politics and sport. She is a keen open water swimmer.

Ukraine attacked eight Russian regions with dozens of long-range strike drones, setting ablaze a fuel depot and hitting three power substations in a major attack early on Saturday, an intelligence source in Kyiv told Reuters.

Business Chevron

Tesla cuts price of Full Self-Driving software by a third to $8,000

Tesla slashed the price of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver assistant software to $8,000 from $12,000 in the United States, as CEO Elon Musk doubles down on self-driving technology.

Tim Cook has arrived in Vietnam for a two-day trip, as Apple boosts ties with its key manufacturing hub

• The Apple CEO has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam to meet with Apple suppliers and content creators.
• The company has also announced plans to increase spending on suppliers in the country.
• Vietnamese manufacturing has been important for Apple as it moves away from dependence on China.

Tim Cook has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to start a two-day trip to one of Apple's top manufacturing hubs.

During his visit, he's set to meet with content creators, app developers, and students to learn about how they use Apple products, according to local media.

Apple also plans to boost its ties with local suppliers during the trip as well as help fund clean water projects and education opportunities, local newspaper VietnamNet wrote.

Related stories

In a post on X , the Apple CEO shared a photo of himself drinking egg coffee with two Vietnamese musicians. In another post, he shared his visit to a workshop where creators were using Apple products to create and share their artwork.

Apple also announced plans to increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam.

Since 2019, the company has spent nearly 400 trillion Vietnamese dong ($16 billion) through its supply chains in Vietnam and has more than doubled its annual spending in the country over the same period, the company said in a statement on its Vietnamese website.

The statement added that Apple supports the jobs of 200,000 people in Vietnam through direct employment, via suppliers, and as app developers.

In 2020, major Apple supplier Foxconn moved its iPad and MacBook assembly to Vietnam from China at the request of Apple as it attempted to minimize the impacts of US-China trade tensions.

A couple of years later, Foxconn faced issues with Chinese smartphone makers trying to poach their talent in Vietnam , attracting them with higher salaries.

Apple has faced a recent blow as iPhone shipments fell nearly 10% in the first quarter of 2024, as global smartphone shipments increased.

Watch: Apple's antitrust lawsuit is just one of its major battles

• Main content

UCL Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

• News and events
• Collaborate

Telecommunications with Business MSc Alumni Networking Event highlights Success Stories

19 April 2024

EEE held a Telecommunications with Business (TWB) Networking Evening recently on March 22nd to bring together the diverse members of our academic community, including lecturers, visiting speakers, current students and alumni. 

The Telecommunications with Business (TWB) MSc programme recently hosted an alumni networking event, bringing together MSc graduates, academics, and current students. The event served as a platform to showcase the programme's unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen, as well as its profound impact on the careers of its graduates.

The TWB MSc programme stands at the forefront of addressing the evolving demands of the telecommunications and ICT industries. Led by world-leading academics and seasoned industry practitioners, the curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with a comprehensive skill set essential for navigating the complexities of modern telecommunications.

Felipe del Rey, an alumnus of the program, shared his journey from a purely technical role at the Swedish Space Corporation to his current position as a Senior TTC/IOT Engineer at Viasat. He emphasised how the TWB MSc provided the perfect balance of technical knowledge and business acumen, propelling him into a role seamlessly integrating project management, technical expertise, and business strategy. “The MSc helped my career as it helped me land exactly the role I was looking for where I spend half my day looking after the satellite operations of the Viasat fleet of satellites as well as being in charge of projects, RFPs, Business cases, proposals working with teams from around the world.”

Felipe del Rey (left), Yuchen Zheng (centre), Ubay Muhammad Noor (right).

Yuchen Zheng, another alumna, reflected on the transformative experience of the TWB program. Coming from Beijing, Yuchen highlighted the programme's intimate class size and diverse social events that fostered meaningful new relationships. These connections, coupled with exposure to industry speakers and networking opportunities, paved the way for her career at PwC as a data analytics senior manager. “TWB also invited external speakers from different backgrounds and companies to give us talks. I built a relationship with someone from PwC who shared their knowledge and experience with me. Consequently, I successfully received an offer from the PwC graduate scheme.”

Ubay Muhammad Noor, a current student and Scholarship Awardee from PT. Telkom Indonesia shared his enthusiasm for the programme's industry-specific approach and the invaluable insights provided by the programme director Clive Poole and industry-experienced lecturers. He praised the TWB alumni network for its support, both in preparing for life in the UK and academic pursuits.

“Before moving to the UK, I connected with TWB alumni from my company and my LinkedIn network to gather general information about daily and academic life in the UK. Following the networking event, the alumni network has been incredibly helpful, generously sharing their experiences and expertise with current students on the programme.” The event underscored the programme's commitment to nurturing not only technical prowess but also fostering a global network of professionals poised to shape the future of telecommunications. As the industry continues to evolve, the TWB MSc remains a beacon of excellence, empowering its graduates to thrive in dynamic and competitive landscapes.

For more information about the TWB MSc programme, please visit the link below.

• Telecommunications with Business MSc
• Clive Poole

Related News

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

UK weather-related insurance claims reach record £573m

Flood and frozen pipe damage caused by series of storms, says Association of British Insurers

Storms and heavy rain pushed up weather-related home insurance claims in the UK by more than a third last year to a record £573m, according to industry data.

The repair bill for storm damage and other extreme weather during 2023 was £150m more than in 2022, the Association of British Insurers said, contributing to an overall 10% rise in residential property claims settled last year.

The increase was fuelled by a succession of storms including Babet, Ciaran and Debi, according to the ABI. The weather total includes flood damage as well as burst pipes in freezing temperatures, which accounted for £153m, mainly at the beginning of 2023 at the tail end of a cold winter.

The average weather-related payout was approaching £5,000 in 2023 compared with a little over £3,000 in 2022.

The ABI data only goes back to 2017, and in real terms, taking inflation into account, British weather damage claims in the past may have rivalled the 2023 record, especially during the winter floods of 2015-16 , and the summer floods of 2007

Nonetheless, the weather trend appears unlikely to have reversed in 2024, with continuing wet weather and a succession of winter storms. Storm Henk triggered almost £150m in claims in the first week of January alone, according to PwC estimates. This January was the wettest on record for 250 years, although a mild winter, including the warmest-ever February , may have reduced burst pipe claims.

Louise Clark, policy adviser at the ABI, said: “Extreme weather events may not feel so rare as they used to as we grapple with a changing climate.

“Insurers continue to be there for affected homeowners, with payouts hitting record levels after a particularly difficult autumn and winter, with seemingly countless storms, from Agnes onwards, leading to significant flooding. While insurance will continue to protect homeowners and businesses, we can’t afford to lose momentum on our flood defence programme.”

High temperatures have also prompted other insurance claims, with 2022’s summer heatwave reportedly contributing to a 45% rise in subsidence cases that year.

The ABI said total property payouts across homeowners and businesses reached £4.9bn in 2023, just over half for residential claims, or around £13m a day on average.

after newsletter promotion

While the total number of claims remained fairly level, the average claim paid to businesses and homeowners rose to £6,235, an 11% increase compared with 2022.

Despite rising premiums in 2023, the ABI said that, adjusted for inflation, the average cost of combined buildings and contents cover for a home has fallen by 13% since 2017.

• Insurance industry
• Extreme weather

More on this story

Temperatures of -3C forecast to follow UK’s hottest day of the year so far

Strong winds and lightning strikes batter much of UK

Storm Kathleen: 200 evacuated after River Arun overflows in West Sussex

Storm Kathleen: Scotland hit by high winds, heavy rain and travel disruption

Storm Kathleen sweeps across west of UK and Ireland – in pictures

Dozens of flights cancelled as Storm Kathleen hits west of UK

Storm Kathleen to bring unseasonably wet and windy weather to UK and Ireland

UK at risk of summer water shortages and hosepipe bans, scientists warn

UK weather: rain disrupts Easter weekend events amid flood warnings

Most viewed.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Business and industry

Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 18 April 2024

The impact of challenges facing the economy and other events on UK businesses. Based on responses from the voluntary fortnightly business survey (BICS) to deliver real-time information to help assess issues affecting UK businesses and economy, including financial performance, workforce, trade, and business resilience.

https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/businessinsightsandimpactontheukeconomy18april2024

Official statistics are produced impartially and free from political influence.

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.