Starting a Business on a UK Work Visa: What's Allowed?
UK Work Visa & Entrepreneurship: Route Dependence
Your ability to start a business depends entirely on your specific visa category. Most standard work visas restrict self-employment. Here's the breakdown:
❌ Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2 General)
- Primary job only – tied to sponsor licence.
- Exception: After 12 months, you may apply for "permission to engage in business activity" alongside sponsored job. Strict criteria: innovative, viable, economic benefit. Home Office discretion.
- Not a path to settlement via business.
✅ Dedicated Entrepreneur Routes
| Visa | Key Requirements | Duration |
|---|
| Innovator Founder (replaced Start-up/Innovator 2023) | Endorsement from approved body; innovative, viable, scalable business; £50k investment (usually); English B2 | 3 years → ILR eligible |
| Global Talent | Exceptional talent/promise in tech, science, arts, culture; endorsement | 5 years → ILR eligible (3 yrs if endorsed) |
| Self-Sponsorship (Skilled Worker via own company) | Own UK company gets sponsor licence; genuine vacancy; salary threshold | Standard Skilled Worker |
🌍 Other Routes
- Sole Representative (closed 2022): Replaced by Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility) – for overseas firm opening UK branch.
- Graduate Visa (2 yrs): Unsponsored – can start business freely.
- High Potential Individual (HPI): Top uni grads – 2/3 yrs unsponsored.
- Family/Spouse Visa: No work restrictions – can self-employ.
⚠️ Critical Compliance
- Working outside visa conditions = curtailment, removal, 10-year ban.
- Company formation ≠ work authorization. You can incorporate a UK Ltd company on any visa, but working for it requires permission.
- Tax: Register with HMRC, file returns, pay NICs.
Advice: Consult a UK immigration solicitor (OISC Level 3) before investing time/money. Rules change frequently.
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