Prospective Entrepreneurs, from non-EEA countries or Switzerland, wishing to enter the UK to start a business should use the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. This option is for those who plan to take over a company that is already trading. Applicants will need to be actively involved in the running of the business or businesses in the UK and have the option to set up the business as a sole trader, partnership or UK registered company.
In order for your application to be successful you are required to meet the eligibility requirements and score a total of 95 points under the points-based system. The points are granted for eligibility requirements.
The option to extend (Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension) for up to two years is available, however, the application for the visa or extension is very complex so we recommend getting advice from an immigration expert as you are required to demonstrate that your business plan has been successful. You also have the option to settle in the UK on this category. Call us on 020 7887 1916, complete the online contact form or drop us a line on Social media.
To be eligible for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa:
There are different eligibility requirements depending on whether you have access to funds of £50,000 or £200,000.
If you have access to £50,000 in investment funds from one or more of the following:
If you have access to £200,000 in investment funds, you can apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa so long as you can demonstrate, that the money is held in the UK and is either:
You can also apply if you have already invested £50,000 or £200,000 into a UK business within the 12 months before you make your application.
The funding rules are different if you are changing (switching) from another visa, or if you have already had a UK visa.
You may be able to switch to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.
You should apply before your current visa expires.
You can apply to switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re already in the UK under one of the following categories:
You can also switch from one of the following categories if you have specific types of funding:
The Entrepreneur Visa interview is one of the most vital parts of the Entrepreneur Visa process. As one of the most competitive visa routes, the interview requires a great deal of preparation.
At the Entrepreneur Visa interview, you should prepare for your business to be scrutinised. Before attending your Entrepreneur interview, it is crucial that you have an extensive understanding of your business plan. You will need to demonstrate that you know what your forecasts and margins are and that your business is both feasible and lucrative.
You can:
You cannot:
Your family members (‘dependants’) can come with you when you come to the UK on this visa. Your family members must have a visa if they’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:
Contact Alexandra & Spencer on 020 7887 1916 for advice on the Entrepreneur interview.
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is one of the most commonly refused visa applications. As an applicant, your business plan will be scrutinised, both on paper and during your Entrepreneur Visa interview.
At Alexandra & Spencer, our team of highly-trained immigration specialists will be able to advise you on the correct procedures, preparation and backing documents that you need when applying for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. They will:
We can also help you if you have received a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa refusal and would like to know about your right of appeal.
Our highly professional, dedicated and knowledgeable specialists will do all the hard work to make the immigration process easy and understandable so you will be confident about successful outcome.
