The Complete 2025 UK Business Visa Guide: Requirements, Costs & How to Apply

Everything you need to know about the different types of UK business visa – and how to apply for the right one

25 April 2025 | By Alex Schulte

Forecast by the IMF to be Europe’s fastest-growing G7 economy over the next few years, the UK market is a natural starting point for foreign businesses’ expansion plans. But to get your idea off the ground, you’ll need a valid UK business visa.

Fortunately, the UK offers a rich variety of visa types for overseas company executives and entrepreneurs of all stripes.

In this guide, we break down the UK visas available for businesspeople, explain how to apply for them, and outline the costs.

Understanding UK Business Visa Types

There is no single UK business visa. Instead, the United Kingdom offers a variety of visas designed to facilitate entrepreneurship, investment, and trade. These visas cater to different needs, whether you’re looking to start a new business, expand an existing one, work for a UK-based company or are entering the country for a short trip.

Among the most common types of bespoke business visas are the Innovator Founder Visa, Start-up Visa, Global Talent Visa, and UK Expansion Worker Visa. Each of these visas comes with its own set of requirements, such as presenting a detailed business plan, proving sufficient funds, and obtaining an endorsement from an authorised body.

Trying to conduct any business operations in the UK without the right visa will leave you liable to significant legal and financial penalties. The UK Home Office is currently conducting a major crackdown on non-compliant employers who abuse the Skilled Worker visa system. Any deviation from the rules of the British immigration system could be fatal for your business objectives.

Let’s go through the different types of business visas and their specific eligibility requirements, so that you can establish or expand your business in the UK with confidence.

Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is designed for individuals from countries who do not qualify for visa-free access, looking to make short-term visits to the UK. Primarily a tourist visa, it also allows for limited business activities like attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.

To be eligible for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you must prove your intentions of leaving the UK once you have carried out your stated business activities.

Permitted activities include attending meetings, conferences, and negotiating contracts. However, any paid work for a UK-based business is strictly prohibited. Individuals with a Standard Visitor Visa are also barred from undertaking work placements, 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 Standard Visa Visitor Requirements

You must meet the official 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 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).
• An endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body confirming your business plan meets criteria related to innovation, viability, and scalability (e.g., Start-up Visa or Innovator Founder 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 Standard Visa Visitor Cost

• £127 for up to 6 months
• £475 for up to 2 years
• £848 for up to 5 years
• 1,059 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.

UK ETA

Depending on your nationality, you may not need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK for business purposes.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) initiative was launched in 2024. Modelled on the American ESTA system, it allows pre-cleared travel to foreign nationals from 54 countries. This list includes the United States, Canada, Japan and all European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

A successful ETA application will authorise the holder to travel to the UK and conduct the same range of business activities permitted by the Standard Visitor Visa for up to six months.

Longer-Term Visa Options

The Standard Visitor Visa and ETA both allow 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.

Some of these longer-term visas can also lead to permanent settlement in the UK, offering pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually citizenship.

Global Business Mobility Visa: Types, Application Processes and Costs

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

Who Is It For?
Senior managers or specialist employees transferring to a UK branch of their overseas employer.

Application Process:

• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed sponsor.
• Demonstrate at least 12 months’ employment with the overseas business (unless earning £73,900+ per year).
• Meet minimum salary requirements (£48,500 or the role’s going rate, whichever is higher).
• Apply online and provide supporting documentation, including proof of funds and sponsorship.

Costs:

• Application fee (outside UK):
  • Up to 3 years: £769
  • More than 3 years: £1,519
• Application fee (inside UK):
  • Up to 3 years: £885
  • More than 3 years: £1,751
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
• Maintenance funds: At least £1,270 (unless exempt).

Graduate Trainee Visa

Who Is It For?
Employees on graduate training programmes leading to managerial or specialist roles, transferring to a UK branch.

Application Process:

• Obtain a CoS from a UK sponsor.
• Have worked for the overseas employer for at least 3 months.
• Meet the minimum annual salary (£25,410 or the going rate for the role).
• Apply online with relevant documentation.

Costs:

• Application fee: £298
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
• Maintenance funds: At least £1,270.

UK Expansion Worker Visa

Who Is It For?
Employees sent to establish a new UK branch or subsidiary for an overseas business.

Application Process:

• Obtain a CoS from a UK sponsor.
• Have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months (with some exceptions).
• Meet the minimum salary (£48,500 or the going rate).
• Submit a business plan and evidence of financial readiness.
• Apply online with supporting documents.

Costs:

• Application fee: £319
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
• Maintenance funds: At least £1,270.

Secondment Worker Visa

Who Is It For?
Employees temporarily assigned to the UK as part of a high-value contract or investment (contract value typically over £50 million).

Application Process:

• Obtain a CoS from a UK sponsor.
• Have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months.
• The UK sponsor must register the contract with the Home Office.
• Meet job eligibility requirements.
• Apply online with required documentation.

Costs:

• Application fee: £298
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
• Maintenance funds: At least £1,270.

Service Supplier Visa

Who Is It For?
Employees of overseas companies or self-employed professionals delivering services to a UK client under a contract covered by a UK international trade agreement.

Application Process:

• Obtain a CoS from a UK sponsor.
• Be employed by an overseas business or be a self-employed professional with at least 12 months’ experience.
• The service must be covered by a relevant trade agreement.
• Apply online with supporting documents.

Costs:

• Application fee: £298
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
• Maintenance funds: At least £1,270.

Summary Table: Global Business Mobility Visa Application Fees & Key Requirements

Note:
All visa applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship and meet the specific eligibility criteria for their chosen route. The Immigration Health Surcharge and maintenance funds are standard requirements across all GBM visa types, ensuring applicants can support themselves while in the UK.

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, select an appropriate business structure, 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.

• £574 application fee for small businesses or charities
• £1,579 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. Applicants in fields like digital technology may need endorsements from recognised bodies.

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.

High Potential Individual Visa Application Process

1. Verify Your Qualification with Ecctis

• Your degree must have been awarded within the last 5 years by a university listed on the Home Office’s approved global universities list (UK degrees are not eligible).
• Apply to Ecctis for an Academic Qualification Level Statement to confirm your qualification meets UK standards.

2. Meet the English Language Requirement

• You must prove English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• This can be met by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT), holding a degree taught in English, or being from an exempt country.

3. Satisfy the Financial Requirement

• You must show at least £1,270 in personal savings, held for at least 28 consecutive days within 31 days of applying.
• This requirement is waived if you have been in the UK for at least 12 months on another visa.

4. Prepare Supporting Documents
Typical required documents include:

• Ecctis statement confirming degree eligibility
• Proof of English language ability
• Bank statements for financial requirement
• Valid passport or national ID
• Biometric information (photo and fingerprints)
• Tuberculosis test results (if required)
• Evidence of relationship for dependants (if applicable)

5. Submit the Online Application

• Complete the HPI visa application form online.
• Pay the application fee, Ecctis verification fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Upload supporting documents and book a biometrics appointment (or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible).

6. Attend Biometric Appointment

• Provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre or UKVCAS service point.

7. Wait for a Decision

• Processing times are typically around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or up to 8 weeks from within the UK.

High Potential Individual Visa Costs

• The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid for each year of your visa:
  • 2 years: £2,070
  • 3 years (for PhD/doctorate holders): £3,105
• Additional costs may include English language test fees, translation services, and travel for biometrics appointments.

Key Requirements & Restrictions

• Degree must be from a non-UK university on the Home Office’s approved list, awarded in the last 5 years.
• You cannot apply if you have previously held a High Potential Individual or Graduate visa, or if you have spent time in the UK under the Doctorate Extension Scheme.
• The HPI visa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you must switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
• You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Dependants (partner and children) can apply, but must meet their own financial requirements.

Visa Duration

• PhD or doctoral-level graduates: up to 3 years
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree holders: up to 2 years

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa is tailor-made for entrepreneurs who want to set up innovative new businesses in the UK. It replaced the previous Start-up visa and Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa in April 2023.

Innovator Founder Visa Application Process

1. Prepare a Business Plan
Begin by developing a detailed business plan that demonstrates your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable. This plan should include market analysis, operational strategy, financial projections, and evidence of growth potential.

2. Secure Endorsement from an Approved Body
Before applying for the visa, you must obtain an endorsement for your business idea from an approved endorsing body. These bodies are authorised by the Home Office and include organisations such as Envestors Limited, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International, and The Global Entrepreneurs Programme.

The approved endorsing body will assess your business plan and, if approved, issue an endorsement letter.

3. Gather Supporting Documents
Collect all necessary documents, including:

• Endorsement letter from the approved body
• Detailed business plan
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., test results or degree certificate)
• Evidence of sufficient personal funds (at least £1,270 held for 28 days)
• Passport and any previous UK immigration documentation

4. Submit Your Visa Application Online
Complete the Innovator Founder Visa application form online via the UK government portal. Ensure all details match your supporting documents.

5. Pay Application Fees and Surcharges
Pay the relevant visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access during your stay.

6. Verify Your Identity
You will be required to verify your identity either by attending a visa application centre for biometrics or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

7. Await a Decision
The standard processing time is typically 3 to 8 weeks, depending on your location and application complexity.

Innovator Founder Visa Costs

• The endorsement fee is paid directly to the endorsing body.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid in advance for each year of your visa.
• Contact point meetings with your endorsing body are mandatory and charged at £500 per meeting, with at least two meetings required during your period of leave.
• Each dependent partner or child must pay the same visa application and IHS fees as the main applicant.

Key Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved body.
• You must meet the English language requirement.
• You must demonstrate sufficient personal savings to support yourself.

UK Global Talent Visa

The UK Global Talent Visa is designed for highly skilled individuals in fields such as science, engineering, digital technology, arts, and culture. It allows leaders and emerging leaders to work, live, and contribute to the UK without employer sponsorship.

UK Global Talent Visa: Application Process

1. Secure Endorsement or Qualifying Prize

• Most applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved UK body relevant to their field (e.g., Tech Nation for digital technology, Arts Council England for arts and culture, UKRI for science and research).
• Alternatively, if you have won a prestigious international prize listed by the Home Office, you can bypass endorsement and apply directly.

2. Prepare Supporting Documents

• Endorsement letter or proof of qualifying prize
• Valid passport or travel document
• Evidence of achievements and recognition in your field
• Biometric information

3. Submit Your Application Online

• Apply via the UK government website.
• Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Upload documents and attend a biometrics appointment if required.

4. Await a Decision

• Endorsement decisions usually take up to 8 weeks.
• Visa processing is typically 3 weeks from outside the UK or up to 8 weeks from within.

Costs

• Dependants pay the same visa and IHS fees as the main applicant.

Key Requirements & Benefits

• You must be a leader or potential leader in your field.
• No job offer or sponsorship required.
• Flexible: work for any employer, be self-employed, or start a business.
• Visa valid for 1–5 years, with a pathway to settlement (ILR).
• Dependants (partner and children) can accompany you.

A Partner for All Your UK Business Immigration Needs

Great Britain’s skilled human capital, world-class infrastructure, and rule of law have made it one of the world’s top destinations for foreign direct investment. But with so many options to navigate, entrepreneurs and businesspeople could benefit from a concierge to help with their business visa applications.

Whether you’re looking to start your first UK business, set up a branch office or move your staff for secondments, Centuro Global’s Immigration and Visa services will help you do it faster. Our legal team have decades of combined experience helping companies manage the intricacies of global immigration law. Talk to us today to find out how to make your UK business ambitions real.

UK Business Visas: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of business visas are available for the UK?

The UK offers several business visa options, including the Standard Visitor Visa for short-term business trips, the Innovator Founder Visa for experienced entrepreneurs, the Global Business Mobility visas for overseas business representatives, the Global Talent Visa for exceptional talent, and the Self-Sponsorship route under the Skilled Worker visa. Each visa is designed for different business activities and lengths of stay.

What activities are allowed on a Standard Visitor Visa for business?

With a Standard Visitor Visa, you can attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiate contracts, conduct site visits, give talks, and oversee delivery or installation of goods and services. However, you cannot be paid by a UK employer or take up employment during your visit. The maximum stay is six months per visit.

What are the main requirements for a UK business visa?

Requirements vary by visa type, but generally include:

• A valid passport or travel document

• Proof of business activity or a detailed business plan (for long-term visas)

• Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants

• Meeting the English language requirement

• Attending a biometric enrolment appointment

• Additional documents, such as financial statements or proof of industry experience, may be required for certain visas

How do I apply for a UK business visa?

The process typically involves:

• Choosing the appropriate visa based on your business plans

• Completing an online application form via the UK government’s visa website

• Paying the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable)

• Uploading required supporting documents

• Booking and attending a biometric appointment at a visa application centre

How long does it take to get a decision on a business visa application?

For most business visas, decisions are made within 3–6 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 6–8 weeks if applying from within the UK. Processing times may vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.

Can I bring my family with me on a business visa?

Certain business visas, such as the Innovator Founder Visa and Skilled Worker visa, allow you to bring eligible dependents (partner and children under 18). Standard Visitor Visas do not allow dependents to join you for business purposes.

Is there a minimum investment required for UK business visas?

Some visas, like the Innovator Founder Visa, require you to show you have sufficient resources to fund your business, but there is no longer a strict minimum investment amount. Other visas may have different financial requirements.

Do I need a business plan for a UK business visa?

A detailed business plan is essential for long-term business visas such as the Innovator Founder Visa. The plan must demonstrate your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.

Can I switch to a business visa if I am already in the UK?

In some cases, you may switch to a business visa from certain other UK visas, but not all categories are eligible. Check specific requirements or consult an immigration adviser for guidance.

What are the limitations of UK business visas?

• You must comply with all visa conditions, including working only in permitted business activities.

• Business visas are granted for a specific duration and may require renewal or extension.

• You cannot access public funds and must remain financially self-sufficient.

• Some visas restrict employment outside your approved business activities.

Do I need to pay a healthcare surcharge?

Most long-term business visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, granting access to the UK’s National Health Service during their stay.

What happens if my application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may be able to request an administrative review or reapply, depending on the reasons for refusal and your circumstances. It is crucial to ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements to avoid delays or rejections.