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▼Do you know which visa or travel pass you need for your business trip to the United Kingdom?
In this post, we provide a comprehensive guide to UK business visas, including what you’ll need to apply if you’re visiting for a meeting, conference, or to set up a company.
Types of UK visas for business travellers
The type of visa or entry pass you need depends on your nationality, the length of your stay, and what you plan to do while in the UK.
UK immigration services offer many types of visa for business travellers and entrepreneurs. The most popular are the ETA, and the Standard Visitor visa.
Electronic Travel Authorisation for UK business trips
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for visa-exempt nationals coming to the UK for business visits.
It’s valid for multiple entries over 2 years, and allows for short stays of up to 6 months at a time visa-free.
Currently, only citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries may apply.
If you’re from another country that enjoys visa-free travel to the UK, you’ll need an ETA in the future. Only Irish citizens, and British residents and nationals, will be exempt.
Visit visas for business travellers coming to the UK
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you can get a Standard Visitor visa for UK business visits. It’s open to citizens of any nationality, and permits stays of up to 6 months.
You can choose the validity period that best suits you. Standard Visitor visas range from 6 months to 10 years in length. Prices start at £115.
Finding the right visa for your business visit to the UK
Depending on the activities you will take part in while in the UK, you may need to apply for a work visa, rather than an ETA or Standard Visitor visa.
Here you can see the key differences between popular UK business and work visas:
| ETA UK | Standard Visitor visa | Work visas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permitted length of stay | up to 6 months | up to 6 months | variable |
| Validity period | 2 years | 6 months to 10 years | variable |
| Renewable while in the UK | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ |
| Permitted activities | |||
| Attend business meetings and interviews | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Go to business conferences and events | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Take part in training sessions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Give a speech or presentation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Work as an employee for a UK company | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ |
If you need to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months at a time, you cannot get an ETA or Standard Visitor visa. Check the requirements of other UK business visas discussed later in this post to see if you are eligible.
How to get your UK business visa
If you need an ETA for your business trip, save time and apply with UK Visa Kingdom. We’ll deliver your approved ETA in just 1 to 3 days.
Our streamlined application form helps you fill in your details accurately and quickly. We’ll double-check your application before it’s submitted to improve your chances of success.
Ready to get started? Make your ETA application with UK Visa Kingdom today.
Standard Visitor visa for business: application guide
To get your visa for business travel, follow these steps:
1- Visit the UK government visa portal to make your application.
You’ll be asked to provide personal details in the online form, including passport data, and your reasons for visiting.
2- Some applicants need to visit a visa application centre.
If required, you’ll be asked to schedule an appointment at your nearest centre when you complete your online application.
3- Submit all documentation required and pay the visa fee.
Once you’ve provided all requested documents and information, make the visa fee payment to complete your application.
Some applicants need to provide evidence of financial means to cover their visit to the UK.
How much money you’ll need for your UK visa application varies from person to person. Follow the instructions on the UK government website as you complete the online form.
It usually takes 3 weeks to process a UK government visa. You’ll receive an email update with a decision on your application.
Other UK business visas: consultants and entrepreneurs
To set up a UK company or visit as a specialist consultant, there are various visa options available.
All business visa applications should be made on the UK visa application portal. Here you can see some of the most popular visas for business travellers.
Innovation Founder visa
To set up a new business in the UK, you can apply for the Innovation Founder visa, formerly known as the Innovator visa. Depending on the sector you’re working in, this business visa may have a minimum investment requirement.
It allows you to stay for up to 3 years, and renew your visa indefinitely if your business is progressing well.
Your business idea must be innovative and different from others in the UK market to be eligible. Alternatively, you can get endorsement from an approved body to make your application.
Expansion Worker visa
If you’re employed by a foreign business, this visa allows you to set up a UK branch of the company you work for.
To be eligible, you must have specialist-level experience in your field, or hold a senior management position.
You need sponsorship from your employer to apply. It entitles you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
Service Supplier visa
The Service Supplier visa is offered as part of the UK’s Global Business Mobility scheme. Specialist consultants, and other professionals providing services for UK businesses, are eligible.
It’s open to applicants who are self-employed, as well as those who work for a foreign business, such representatives of overseas legal companies, or industry experts.
To apply, you need a contract with the UK company you’ll be working with. You can stay in the UK for 6 to 12 months, depending on the sector you work in.
