Business Visitor Visa UK

If you're planning to visit the UK for business-related purposes, you may need to apply for a UK Business Visitor Visa (a category under the Standard Visitor Visa).

UK Business Visitor visa allows you to visit the UK for short-term business activities like attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations, but it comes with specific conditions and limitations.

It’s important to understand what activities are permitted under this visa and whether it covers all your planned business engagements.

For immediate assistance with your Business Visitor visa application, call us at 0158 235 9990 or fill in the enquiry form.

What is a Business Visitor visa?

The Business Visit visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor visa, allowing individuals to visit the UK for business-related activities for up to 6 months.

What can you do on a UK Business Visitor visa?

With this visa, you can:

• Attend business appointments, like meetings and training.
• Deliver talks and speeches without getting paid.
• Negotiate and sign business deals for your employer.
• Inspect goods and services for your employer, without getting paid by UK businesses.
• Attend trade fairs for promotion, without making sales.
• Conduct market research for your business.
• Perform site visits for international projects.
• Meet with UK customers to understand their needs.
• Seek funding for a UK business, but you can't run it.
• Conduct academic research or accompany students, unpaid.
• Sit for professional exams like PLAB or OSCE, for future work in the UK.

What you cannot do with a Business Visitor visa?

This visa has some limits. You can't:

• Work, paid or unpaid in the UK.
• Stay or work long-term in the UK.
• Get public funds like grants.
• Apply for business grants; you need to show you can support yourself.

What if my business activity is not covered by the Business Visitor visa?

There are many work and business visas for non-EEA nationals. Make sure your visa matches your UK business activities.

If you'll be doing paid work, you might need a different visa. For example, the Skilled Worker Visa is for paid jobs, and the Innovator Founder Visa is for starting a business.

The Business Visitor Visa has strict rules, like the standard UK Visitor Visa. It's important to prepare your application carefully.

If your application is not complete or you don't meet the requirements, it might be rejected. This could happen when you apply or when you arrive in the UK.

There are many visas for people from the US, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and other places. Choose the right one for your business needs.

If you're not sure which visa is right for you, contact us for help.

Required documents for a UK Business Visitor visa application

To apply for a UK Business Visitor visa, you need to provide several important documents. These are needed to meet the general visa requirements:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• A recent passport-sized photo that meets the UK visa photo specifications.
• Proof that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, such as travel documents showing your planned dates.
• Evidence of your business activities in the UK, like invitation letters from UK companies, business meeting details, or conference registrations.
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents during your stay without relying on public funds.
• You must also show details of your accommodation in the UK and provide financial evidence, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.
• Confirmation that you can afford both your travel to and from the UK, including flight bookings or other travel arrangements.

To make your visa application stronger, gather a detailed portfolio of supporting documents. These should prove your eligibility and the purpose of your visit. Remember, any non-English or non-Welsh documents must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Additional Documents

You might also need to provide:

• Your immigration history and details of your travels in the past 10 years.
• Information about your overseas employer or associated company.
• Details of your accommodation in the UK.
• Your current overseas contact information.
• Your parents' names and birthdates, as well as your partner’s passport number and contact information, if applicable.
• Any criminal or immigration offences you may have committed.
• Additional documents related to the specific purpose of your visit.

Having a well-prepared portfolio of supporting documents is key for a successful application. If you're unsure or need help, our team is here to assist. Our expert immigration lawyers can guide you through the process and help you with your application.

How to apply for a Business Visitor visa to visit the UK?

The UK Business Visitor visa application is online. Follow these steps:

1. Complete the Online Application

Go to the official UK government website for visas (GOV.UK) and fill out the online visa application form. You'll need to provide personal details, the purpose of your visit, and your travel history.

2. Pay the Visa Fee

The fee for a Business Visitor visa is £115 for stays up to six months. If you need to stay longer, the fee might be higher.

3. Book an Appointment for Biometrics

After applying, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for your biometric information. These centres are in major cities worldwide.

4. Prepare Supporting Documents

Supporting documents are key to showing you meet the visa requirements. You'll need:

• Valid passport (with a blank page for the visa).
• Bank statements or payslips showing financial stability.
• Accommodation details (hotel reservations, invitation letters from family or friends).
• Travel itinerary (flight bookings, travel plans).
• Letter from the employer if applying for a business visit.
• Medical records if visiting for medical treatment.

All documents should be in English or Welsh, or translated by a certified translator.

5. Attend the Visa Appointment

At your appointment, submit your biometric information and provide your documents. This step must be done in person.

6. Waiting for a Decision

After you've sent in your application and biometric data, it usually takes 3 weeks for a decision. You can check your application's status online. Sometimes, you might need to provide more documents or have an interview, which can slow things down.

UK Business Visitor visa application fees

Long-term business visitor visas are available for extended stays. These can be for 2, 5, or 10 years, at an extra cost. They let you enter and exit the UK many times without needing to reapply. But, each visit can only last up to six months.

• Short-term (up to 6 months) Visa: £115
• Longer-term (up to 2 years, with 6 months per visit) Multiple-Entry Visa: £432
• Longer-term (up to 5 years, with 6 months per visit) Multiple-Entry Visa: £771
• Longer-term (up to 10 years, with 6 months per visit) Multiple-Entry Visa: £963

What happens after you receive your visa?

When you get your visa, you'll see a vignette (sticker) in your passport. This vignette shows when your visa is valid and what you can do while you're there.

When you arrive in the UK, show your visa to the immigration officer. They might ask you questions to make sure you're visiting for the right reasons. Keep your travel plans and where you're staying ready to show them.

UK Business Visitor visa processing time

UK Business Visitor visa usually takes about 3 weeks to get a visa decision after you apply and give your biometrics. But, it can take longer depending on where you are.

Tips for a successful visa application

• Start Early: Apply for your visa at least 3 months before you plan to travel.
• Be Honest: Always give true and accurate information on your visa application.
• Double-check Documents: Make sure all your documents are complete and correct. Incomplete or wrong documents can cause delays or even refusal.
• Explain Your Intentions: Clearly state your plans to return home to avoid any worries about overstaying.