Business Visitors to the UK

Whether you’re a jet-setting executive or a UK company wanting to bring someone over to visit, understanding the UK’s visitor rules is essential.

The Do's for Business Visitors to the UK:

Obtain the Right Visa: Ensure that you hold the appropriate visa for your intended activities. A Standard Visitor Visa is typically required for business visitors.

Clearly Defined Business Activities: Business visitors are only permitted to engage in specific activities such as attending meetings, conferences, training, or negotiating contracts.

Stay Within Visa Limits: Business visitors should adhere to the visa's permitted stay duration. Extensions are typically not allowed.

Prove Business Ties: Provide documentation to demonstrate a genuine business relationship between the visitor and the UK host company (if applicable).

Financial Support: Business visitors must have the means to cover their expenses while in the UK, as they must not rely on earnings from employment in the UK or from public funds.

The Don'ts for Business Visitors to the UK:

Work or Take a Job: Business visitors cannot engage in paid or unpaid work, including work that directly benefits a UK company.

Overstay: It's crucial to leave the UK before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to severe consequences, including future visa rejections and a re-entry ban.

Change Visa Type: Business visitors should not use this visa category for activities that require a different visa, such as employment or studying. The Immigration Rules do not allow someone to switch from a visitor to a work visa.

Seek Public Funds: Business visitors must not access public funds or benefits during their stay in the UK.

Misrepresent Your Intentions: Providing false information about a visit's purpose or intentions can lead to visa refusal or entry denial.

Our specialisms also include:

• Electronic Travel Authorisation
• Permitted activities as a business visitor
• Schengen Visa Applications

How Freeths can help you

At Freeths, we have a team of expert immigration lawyers who can help you with all aspects of a UK visit visa. We can help you with:

• Visa application support: We provide guidance and support throughout the visa application process, ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared and submitted accurately.
• Compliance Assurance: Our team can help you understand the rules and regulations, ensuring the visit aligns with the permitted activities.
• Invitation and Sponsorship letters: We assist with drafting invitation letters and sponsorship documents, where required.

At Freeths, we pride ourselves on providing expert legal guidance to individuals and businesses seeking to visit the UK for business purposes. We can provide you with practical and tailored solutions that meet your specific needs and circumstances.