How Much Does A Business Visa in the UK Cost?
Everything you need to know about the price of a UK business visa – and how to apply for the right one
Applying for a UK business visa can be a complicated and time-consuming process.
However, they’re essential for professionals and entrepreneurs wishing to engage in business activities in the United Kingdom.
This guide will help you understand the application process and provide you with a cost breakdown.
Business Visitor Visa
The UK Business Visitor Visa is for individuals looking to make short-term visits to the UK for activities like attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. It is a form of Standard Visitor visa. To be eligible for a UK Business Visitor Visa, you must prove your intentions of leaving the UK once you have carried out your stated business activities.
Individuals on a UK Business Visitor Visa can participate in general business activities but must stay within some strict guidelines. They are prohibited from doing work placements or internships or running a business as a self-employed person. They cannot carry out work for an organisation which was not initially stated in their original visa agreement.
UK Business Visa Visitor Requirements
You must meet the UK Business Visa requirements to succeed in your application. This means being able to provide the following:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of financial stability to support your stay.
- Evidence of your planned business activities, such as meeting invitations or contracts.
- Meet the English language requirements (dependent on visa).
- For specific visas, endorsements from approved organisations (e.g., Innovator Visa or Start-up Visa).
Failing to meet any of these requirements may lead to application delays or rejection, which can disrupt your business plans and increase costs for re-application.
UK Business Visa Visitor Cost
- £115 for up to 6 months
- £432 for up to 2 years
- £771 for up to 5 years
- £963 for up to 10 years
- You must also have enough money to cover maintenance and accommodation costs during your visit without working or needing to access public funds.
Longer-Term Visa Options
The Business Visitor Visa allows people to visit the UK for up to six months. However, if you are considering longer-term business immigration options (such as setting up a business or transferring employees for extended projects), there are other options, including categories like the Global Business Mobility routes, Self-Sponsorship Visas, and High Potential Individual Visas, which have different criteria and fee structures.
Global Business Mobility Visa
The Global Business Mobility Visa is tailored for companies transferring employees to the UK for specific projects. This is an umbrella category for five specific UK work visas, including:
- UK Expansion Worker Visa: This visa is designed for senior employees or specialists setting up a UK branch of an overseas business.
- Graduate Trainee Visa: This is for workers in a specialised graduate training program.
- Secondment Worker Visa: This visa is for individuals temporarily transferring to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment by their employer.
- Service Supplier Visa: This is for service suppliers or independent professionals providing services under a contract.
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: This visa is for senior executives or specialists required to work at a UK branch for their current employer.
Each of these visas has their own specific set of requirements. For example, applicants for the UK Expansion Worker Visa must:
- Be employed by an overseas business planning to establish a presence in the UK.
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK Home sponsor.
- Meet the salary threshold, typically £45,800 or the typical rate for the role, whichever is higher.
If the visa application is approved, the applicant will be able to stay in the UK for 12 months after the start date of the job on their Certificate of Sponsorship or 14 days after the end date of this job, whichever is shortest.
UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
- £298 application fee
- ~£1,035 per year healthcare surcharge
- Have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account (if you’re not exempt)
- If family members are joining you, it will cost an additional £285 for your partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child.
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
- £719 – £1,636 application fee, which is dependent on your circumstances and the requested duration of the visa
- ~£1,035 per year healthcare surcharge
- Have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account (if you’re not exempt)
Self-Sponsorship Visa
The Self-Sponsorship Visa is an option for those who wish to establish and manage their own business in the UK without relying on an employer sponsor. Individuals looking to do this need to set up a business, create their sponsor licence, and employ themselves as a skilled worker within the company.
This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who do not meet the requirements of the Innovator or Start-up Visas but have capital to set up and run a UK-based business.
- £536 application fee for small businesses or charities
- £1,476 application fee for medium or large businesses
- ~£1,035 per year healthcare surcharge
- £776 per year healthcare surcharge for child dependents
High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual Visa was created to attract global talent by offering a pathway for graduates from top-ranked universities outside the UK to live and work in the country. It enables highly skilled individuals to contribute to the UK’s workforce without requiring a job offer or employer sponsorship.
Successful applicants must have a degree from a university listed as one of the top global institutions in the qualifying year of graduation, pass the English language standards, and have enough funds to support themselves while living in the UK.
- £822 application fee
- £210 fee for Ecctis to check your qualification is valid (£252 if you’re applying from the UK)
- ~£1,035 per year healthcare surcharge
- Have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account (if you’re not exempt)
Centuro Global’s UK Business Visa Services
It is crucial to get the proper guidance and support when applying for a UK business visa. Centuro Global’s Business Immigration & Visa Services help businesses seamlessly mobilise their workforce across borders. From establishing new offices to supporting a global remote workforce with business, Centuro Global’s award-winning AI Platform automates all legal and regulatory processes. Our business visa services help you move and hire staff in over 170 countries so you can focus on your company’s growth and strategic goals while we handle the complexities of visas, immigration, and compliance. Talk to us today.