Start or expand your business in the UK with a UK Business Visa — the ideal pathway for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals. Jobbatical helps individuals and companies navigate the UK business visa application process, ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations.
A UK Business Visa encompasses visa categories designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to establish, manage, or contribute to businesses in the UK. Key options include the Innovator Founder Visa, Global Business Mobility Visa, and others tailored for business activities. These visas allow you to live and work in the UK while pursuing entrepreneurial or corporate goals, with pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for some categories. Jobbatical ensures your UK business visa aligns with 2025 Home Office regulations, streamlining your journey to success.
Benefits of a UK Business Visa
A UK business visa offers entrepreneurs and businesses access to one of the world’s leading economies, fostering growth and global opportunities.
For Entrepreneurs and Investors
Business Establishment: Launch or expand a business in the UK’s dynamic market.
Residency Pathway: Some visas (e.g., Innovator Founder) lead to ILR after 3–5 years.
Work Flexibility: Operate your business or take on corporate roles without restrictions.
Family Reunification: Bring your spouse and children, with work and study rights.
Access to Services: Use the NHS and public services via the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
For Businesses
Global Talent Access: Transfer key personnel or hire international experts to support UK operations.
Market Expansion: Establish a UK presence to tap into European and global markets.
Immigration Compliance: Jobbatical ensures visa applications meet Home Office standards.
Types of UK Business Visas (2025)
The UK business visa system offers several categories tailored to business needs:
Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs starting innovative, viable, and scalable businesses in the UK (replaces Start-up and Innovator visas).
Global Business Mobility Visa: Includes sub-categories like Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, and Expansion Worker for multinational companies.
High Potential Individual Visa: For recent graduates from top global universities to work or start businesses in the UK.
Scale-up Visa: For high-growth UK companies hiring skilled talent with business expertise.
Verify details at GOV.UK. Jobbatical helps you select the right UK business visa for your goals.
Eligibility for a UK Business Visa
Eligibility varies by visa type, but general requirements include:
Innovator Founder Visa:
A viable, innovative, and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved body.
Sufficient funds to support yourself (£1,270 savings unless exempt).
English language proficiency (B2 level or higher).
Global Business Mobility Visa:
A job offer from a UK sponsor with a valid UK sponsor licence.
Minimum salary (e.g., £48,500/year for Senior or Specialist Worker).
Employment with a multinational company with a UK presence.
High Potential Individual Visa:
A degree from a top global university (listed by Home Office) within the last 5 years.
Financial proof (£1,270 savings) and English proficiency (B1 level or higher).
Clean Criminal Record: No unspent convictions or immigration breaches.
Intent to Work: Demonstrate genuine intent to undertake business or professional activities.
Requirements and Application Checklist for a UK Business Visa (2025)
Here’s what you’ll need to apply (varies by visa type):
1
Visa Application Form
Complete the online application via GOV.UK for your specific visa category.
2
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of two blank pages.
3
Biometric Photos
Two recent ICAO-compliant passport photos (35mm x 45mm).
4
Business Plan / Endorsement
For Innovator Founder Visa: Provide an endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body along with a detailed and viable business plan.
5
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
For Global Business Mobility or Scale-up Visa: CoS reference issued by a licensed UK sponsor.
6
Financial Proof
£1,270 in savings for most visas (or employer certification of maintenance). For Innovator Founder Visa, proof of required investment funds.
7
English Language Proof
SELT (e.g., IELTS), degree taught in English, or proof of exempt nationality.
8
Qualifications Proof
Degree certificate (such as for High Potential Individual Visa) or evidence of relevant professional experience.
9
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Required for applicants from certain countries listed on GOV.UK, taken at an approved clinic.
10
Criminal Record Certificate
Required for some visa types or specific roles, such as senior business leadership positions.
Download this table by adding your email.
Jobbatical provides personalized checklists and document management to streamline your UK business visa application.
Application Process for a UK Business Visa
Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet visa-specific requirements (e.g., business endorsement, job offer).
Prepare Documents: Gather passports, CoS, business plans, or qualifications (legalized/translated if needed).
Secure Endorsement/CoS: Obtain an endorsement (Innovator Founder) or CoS (Global Business Mobility) as required.
Apply Online: Submit the application via GOV.UK and pay the visa fee.
Pay IHS: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Book Appointment: Schedule a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) or UKVCAS centre (if in the UK).
Submit Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photos at the VAC or UKVCAS.
Await Decision: Processing takes 3–8 weeks (or 5–7 days with priority service).
Receive Visa: Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Start Business Activities: Register your business, open a bank account, or begin work as per visa conditions.
Where to Apply for a UK Business Visa
UK Visa Application Centre (VAC): Submit applications overseas via VFS Global or TLScontact.
In-UK Application: Apply via GOV.UK and submit biometrics at a UKVCAS centre if legally in the UK.
Document Verification: Ensure all documents (e.g., business plans, CoS) are complete and legalized/translated.
Appointment Details for a UK Business Visa
Booking: Schedule biometric appointments online via VFS Global, TLScontact, or UKVCAS. Book 1–2 months in advance due to demand.
Timing: Apply 3 months before your planned start date or travel.
Attendance: Arrive on time with all documents, legalized/translated. Late arrivals risk cancellation.
Biometrics: Required for visa and Biometric Residence Permit issuance.
Processing Time for a UK Business Visa
Standard Processing: 3–8 weeks via VAC or UKVCAS.
Priority Service: 5–7 working days (additional fee, subject to availability).
Peak Seasons: Up to 12 weeks. Apply 3+ months in advance.
UK Business Visa Fees (2025)
Visa Application Fee: £719–£1,552 (e.g., £1,021 for Innovator Founder, £719 for Global Business Mobility).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year per person (mandatory for NHS access).
Other Costs: Endorsement fees (Innovator Founder), document translations, legalizations, or TB tests.
Jobbatical provides a transparent cost breakdown and budgeting support for visa applicants.
Health Insurance Info for a UK Business Visa
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (£1,035/year per person) is required for most business visas, granting access to the NHS from day one. No additional private insurance is needed, but Jobbatical can connect you with providers for supplementary coverage if desired.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejections
Incomplete or unendorsed business plans (Innovator Founder Visa).
Incorrect or missing CoS for Global Business Mobility Visas.
Insufficient financial proof or failure to meet salary thresholds.
Missing English language proof or TB test results.
Invalid or untranslated documents.
Avoid these errors with Jobbatical’s document verification and expert guidance.
Why Use a Service Like Jobbatical?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a startup or a multinational transferring staff, Jobbatical delivers:
End-to-End Support: From visa application to BRP collection.
Document Management: Business plans, CoS, translations, and checklists.
Platform Tracking: Real-time updates on your UK business visa application status.
Compliance Support: Ensure endorsements, CoS, and Home Office alignment.
Global Expertise: Support for UK immigration and international business expansion.
Focus on your business goals. Let Jobbatical handle the complexities of your UK business visa.
Conclusion
A UK Business Visa opens doors for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to thrive in the UK’s dynamic economy. Whether pursuing the Innovator Founder Visa or Global Business Mobility Visa, Jobbatical’s expert guidance and resources from GOV.UK ensure a smooth application process. Start your business journey in the UK today!
🔗 Ready to secure your UK Business Visa? Learn more at Jobbatical’s blog on UK business visa options or visit GOV.UK for applications, and check requirements at your local UK Visa Application Centre.
Which countries’ work visas does Jobbatical support?
We currently support work visa processes in Germany, Ireland, France, Estonia, and more. Each country has its own criteria and steps, and our team ensures that your application is aligned with national regulations.
Can I manage work visa cases through the Jobbatical platform?
Yes, Jobbatical allows HR teams and relocating employees to manage all documentation, communication, and case status directly on the platform. It provides real-time updates and centralized access for maximum visibility and peace of mind.
Does Jobbatical provide post-arrival support for work visa holders?
Absolutely. After arrival, we assist with housing, registration with local authorities, tax ID setup, health insurance enrollment, and more. Our settle-in services are designed to help your employees hit the ground running.
See what our customers have to say about the experience
Marko
CEO
"Before Jobbatical, we struggled with immigration delays. Now, our global hires are set up and working in Germany faster than ever — it's a game changer for our growth."
Anna
Head of People
"Jobbatical has transformed how we manage international hiring. Their relocation support is seamless — we just focus on hiring the best, and they handle the rest."
Greg
Founder
"Relocating our new team member from Brazil felt effortless. From visas to Anmeldung, Jobbatical made sure every step was covered. Total peace of mind."
Julia
Global Mobility Manager
"Jobbatical helped us relocate an entire team from India to Milan without a hitch. Their coordination with local authorities and attention to detail saved us weeks of admin work. Couldn't have done it without them!"
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