Start Up, Entrepreneur and Global Talent Visa advice
Specialist lawyers for Business Visas
Whether you’re a seasoned business leader, a budding entrepreneur, or a global talent poised to disrupt an industry, we can guide you through the intricacies of applying for the most suitable visa category.
UK Business Visa Options
The UK offers a range of visas to cater to different entrepreneurial journeys :-
- Entrepreneur Visa – Ideal for those establishing a new business venture in the UK with genuine potential for growth.
- Start-up Visa – Designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas endorsed by a UK-registered endorsing body.
- Global Talent Visa – Attracts exceptional or promising individuals in various fields, including science, engineering, and digital technology.
Why Choose Us?
- Proven Track Record: We have a successful history of securing visas for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and global talents.
- Dedicated Team: Our team comprises experienced immigration lawyers with in-depth knowledge of UK visa regulations.
- Tailored Approach: We understand your unique goals and tailor our strategies to maximize your chances of success.
Understanding the Requirements & Tests
Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria. Our expert team provides a comprehensive breakdown of the requirements and helps you navigate any tests involved:
Entrepreneur Visa
Historically this was known as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. The essential requirements include :-
- Genuine Business Plan – A detailed plan demonstrating innovation, viability, and potential job creation.
- Minimum Investment – You’ll need to invest a minimum of £50,000 in your UK business venture (funds must be readily available and from legitimate sources).
- English Language Test – You may need to demonstrate English language proficiency at a basic communicative level (depending on your nationality).
Start-up Visa
- Endorsement – Your innovative business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body, such as a university incubator or a business accelerator.
- Maintenance Funds – Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.
- English Language Test – You may need to demonstrate English language proficiency at a higher level (depending on the endorsing body).
Global Talent Visa
- Endorsement: – from a relevant UK endorsing body in your field is essential.
- Exceptional Talent/Promise – evidence demonstrating your exceptional talent or promising potential in your chosen field.
- English Language Test – you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency at a higher level (depending on your circumstances).
Comparison – Start-up vs Entrepreneur vs Innovator vs Global Talent
The UK offers a variety of visas to attract entrepreneurs, innovators, and talented individuals. Choosing the right one depends on your specific circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences, pros, and cons of four popular options:
| Feature | Start-up Visa | Entrepreneur Visa | Innovator Visa | Global Talent Visa |
| Focus | Early-stage innovative business idea | Established business with growth potential | Experienced entrepreneur with innovative scalable business | Exceptional talent in specific fields |
| Endorsement Required | Yes, from an approved endorsing body | No | No | Yes, from a relevant endorsing body |
| Minimum Investment | No minimum investment required | Minimum £50,000 investment | No minimum investment required | No minimum investment required |
| English Language | May be required at a basic level (depends on nationality) | May be required at a basic level (depends on nationality) | May be required at a higher level (depends on endorsing body) | May be required at a higher level (depends on circumstances) |
| Financial Maintenance | Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself | No specific requirement | No specific requirement | No specific requirement |
| Length of Stay | 2 years, with possible extension to Innovator Visa | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years (extendable indefinitely) |
| Switching Visas | Can switch to Innovator Visa after 2 years (subject to meeting requirements) | N/A | N/A | Can switch to other work visas after meeting eligibility |
Pros & Cons
Start-up Visa
- Pros – Ideal for early-stage ideas, no minimum investment, good stepping stone to Innovator Visa.
- Cons – Requires endorsement, shorter initial stay, may be challenging to prove viability without established track record.
Entrepreneur Visa
- Pros – No endorsement required, suitable for established businesses with growth potential.
- Cons – requires a minimum investment, may be more competitive due to investment requirement.
Innovator Visa:
- Pros –Longer initial stay than Start-up Visa, no minimum investment required.
- Cons – Requires a strong business plan with high innovation and scalability potential.
Global Talent Visa:
- Pros – Fastest route to indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK, suitable for highly skilled individuals.
- Cons – Requires endorsement from a relevant body, may be competitive depending on your field.
Choosing the Right Visa
- Consider your business stage (idea vs. established) and innovation level.
- Evaluate your available funds for investment.
- Assess your English language proficiency.
- Determine your long-term goals in the UK (settlement vs. temporary stay).
Beyond the Requirements: Streamlining Your Application
We offer a comprehensive range of services to streamline your visa application process:
- Eligibility Assessment –We assess your individual circumstances to recommend the most suitable visa category.
- Application Preparation – Our team helps you gather and compile all necessary documentation to present a strong application.
- Liaison with Endorsing Bodies –If required, we can liaise with endorsing bodies to facilitate the endorsement process.
- Expert Guidance – We provide ongoing support and address any questions you may have throughout the application process.
Contact Us
Are you ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey in the UK? Contact us for a free initial consultation. Let’s discuss your visa options and develop a plan to bring your vision to life in the UK.
