Establishing yourself in business

If you want to establish a business in the UK you must first apply for entry clearance (a visa) at which stage you will have to convince the Entry Clearance Officer at the embassy that you have enough money (£200,000 or more) to invest in the business,

you do not intend to do work for anybody else in the UK other than the business, you can support yourself out of your own pocket or out of the business, and you will not be claiming state benefits.

You can either take over or join a business as a partner or director or set up a new business.

Taking over or joining a business as a partner or director

In addition to the requirements for establishing yourself in business (above), you must also produce a written statement of the terms on which you are taking over or joining, audited accounts for the business for previous years, and evidence that your taking over or joining will create full-time jobs for at least two people already settled in the UK Setting up a new business

In addition to the requirements for establishing yourself in business (above), you must also show you have enough money to start a new business and that you will provide full-time jobs for at least two people already settled in the UK.

For further information see the Immigration and Nationality Directorate web site.

Authorised to provide immigration advice and services by the Immigration Services Commissioner Registered Number F200200097.