Uk Business Visit Visa - Everything You Need To Know

By Author: The SmartMove2UK
Total Articles: 116
Comment this article

UK business visas are a pre requisite for any non-visa national considering doing business in the UK. UK business visas fall under both settlement and non-settlement options.
Typically the non-settlement visa is the Business visit visa which is valid for 6 months, two years, five years and ten years.
Applicants who are considering applying for a visit visa to the UK are required to demonstrate that

they will leave the UK at the end of their visit
have enough money to support themselves without working or help from public funds
can pay for their return or onward journey
will not be undertaking prohibited activities

What UK Business visitors are allowed to do

Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews;
Negotiate and sign deals and contracts;
Attend trade fairs, for promotional work only (no sales)
Carry out site visits and inspections;
Collect information regarding their prospective business/investment;
Meet with clients to collect requirements/carry out installations/training ...
... to clients

Employees of companies can also apply under the business visit categories and carry out assignments for their clients/prospects:

For advisory/consulting assignment
Trouble-shooting and provide training
Sharing skills and knowledge for specific projects in case if intra company assignments

In what can be confusing at times, applicants need to understand that UK business visitors also include artists, entertainers, sportspersons and musicians who may give performances as an individual or as part of a group and are permitted to:

Take part in competitions or auditions;
Make personal appearances and
Take part in promotional activities; and
Take part in one or more cultural events or festivals on the list of permit free festivals.
Participate in tournaments / attend training

UK Business visitors have to be mindful that they are not permitted

to take any employment in the UK;
establish or run a business as a self-employed person (applicants can set up companies);
sell directly to the public
carry work placement or internships;

Being mindful of the way businesses are conducted — the UK business visit visa allows applicants to take some activities for which they would get paid including
What are the application process for UK Business visit visa

Applicants are required to complete an online application
Visit the VFS for submission of the application of documents & biometrics

Applications are generally processed within 3 weeks, applicants can also pay for priority service to have the applications processed more quickly. It is important to note that paying for priority visas does not guarantee a successful outcome.
What are the documents required for the UK business visit visa application
Typically, applicants are required to submit the following documents:

Evidence of their identity
Evidence of the purpose for visiting the UK, e.g. a specific conference or meeting you will be attending;
Evidence of financial support for the duration of the trip
Evidence of reasons to return to the home country

If you want to know more about UK Business Visit Visa category or need assistance in your Business Visa UK 2023 application, you can contact our UK Business Visa Experts.

The SmartMove2UK (a unit of SmartMove Immigration) is a specialist immigration law firm in India with branches in India (Mumbai | Delhi | Gurgaon | Chandigarh | Bangalore) & UK (London) led by a specialist Solicitor. Evolving from practicing exclusively in the areas of UK nationality and immigration law. Our expertise now encompasses a wider global mix including immigration laws of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Malta, Portugal (Golden Visa), Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, India and Canada. With more than a decade of Experience providing immigration and nationality services, we offer clients a personal and friendly, yet comprehensive solution to their immigration, travel and business needs. With the benefit of our extensive experience, we understand your needs and advise on the prospects of success and potential pitfalls in pursuing an application. Working together, we will use our experience to find a solution that matches your needs wherever possible. Our clientele includes Individuals, Corporates Corporations, Investors , Entrepreneurs and Innovators.