Can we establish our own business on uk work visa?

Establishing your own business on a UK work visa depends on the type of visa you hold and the rules and regulations associated with it. Here's information to consider regarding starting a business on a UK work visa:

Tier 2 (General) Visa:

- If you hold a Tier 2 (General) visa, you may be able to establish a business in the UK under certain conditions.

- To apply for permission to engage in business activities, you must hold a valid Tier 2 (General) visa and have completed 12 months of continuous employment with your sponsor.

- You will need to submit an application to the Home Office, demonstrating that your business venture meets the requirements and falls within the permitted activities for your visa category.

- The application process involves submitting a business plan, financial projections, evidence of funding, and a statement explaining how your business will contribute to the UK economy.

Sole Representative of an Overseas Business (SOR):

- If you are employed as a sole representative of an overseas business on a work visa, you may be permitted to establish a branch or subsidiary of the overseas business in the UK.

- To qualify, you must hold a valid work visa as a sole representative and have completed 12 months of continuous employment with the overseas business.

- You will need to submit an application to the Home Office, providing details about the overseas business, the proposed UK branch or subsidiary, and evidence of your representative status.

- Permission to establish a UK branch or subsidiary may be granted for up to three years.

Start-up Visa:

- The UK Start-up Visa is specifically designed for individuals who wish to establish and run their own business in the UK.

- To apply for the Start-up Visa, you must demonstrate that you have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea.

- You'll need to submit a comprehensive business plan, evidence of funding, and secure endorsement from an approved endorsing body, such as a university, business incubator, or angel investor.

- If successful, the Start-up Visa grants you two years to develop your business in the UK, with the potential for extension for a further three years.

General Considerations:

- It's important to carefully review the conditions and restrictions associated with your specific visa category to determine if you are permitted to engage in business activities.

- If your visa does not allow for establishing a business, you may need to consider applying for a different visa category that aligns with your business goals.

- Compliance with UK immigration and business regulations is crucial. Failure to adhere to the rules can lead to visa cancellation and potential legal consequences.

- It's advisable to seek legal advice and guidance from immigration specialists to ensure that your business venture complies with UK visa regulations.

The information provided here is based on general guidelines, and specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in visa policies. Always refer to the official UK government websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding establishing a business on a work visa in the UK.