AdminOne pathway for non-EU citizens to come to the UK and build a career is through entrepreneur jobs and business opportunities that offer work visa sponsorship. While entrepreneurship always involves risks, for those motivated to start their own business abroad, it can lead to rich rewards of experience, independence, and wealth creation.
This guide aims to inform and educate potential candidates on the reality and requirements of launching their own business in the UK without an academic degree. We will explore the options available, application procedures, and answer frequently asked questions to help you make the best possible decision for your goals and situation.
Entrepreneur Visas Available
There are a few main entrepreneur visa options for non-EU/EEA nationals seeking to establish themselves in the UK:
Innovator Visa
The Innovator visa allows individuals to develop business ideas and innovative startups in the UK. Applicants must have access to at least £50,000 funding that they control. The visa lasts for up to 2 years and 4 months and allows multiple entries. Once in the UK, visa holders can spend time developing their business concept and must register their business within 6 months. At the end of the visa period, they can then apply for further leave to remain as a startup businessman/businesswoman.
Startup Visa
The Startup visa is for those looking to establish a new business in the UK. You must have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea. A UK endorsement from an approved endorsing body is also required. This endorsement confirms that your business idea meets certain economic criteria. The visa allows you to stay for 2 years and 4 months with permission to work full-time for your business. After the initial period, you can then apply to extend your stay further as a startup visa graduate.
Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
For those who have previously studied in the UK and wish to stay on to start a business, the Graduate Entrepreneur visa allows recent graduates to remain for 1 or 2 years after their studies to launch a new startup. Those eligible must have studied for a UK bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree in the past 12 months. Applicants need a genuine, credible business idea and an endorsement from a UK university or approved incubator assuring you have the skills and expertise to make your business a success.
Meeting the Requirements
To qualify for any of these entrepreneur visas there are common eligibility criteria to satisfy:
- No Dependents – Visas will not generally support families or dependents for initial startup phases. Applicants must travel alone.
- Funding – All options require proof of a minimum level of readily available funds under the applicant’s control. This demonstrates the means to support yourself financially during the visa period without working for another employer or public funds.
- Business Plan – A clear, realistic plan for how the business will operate, target customers, create products/services and achieve sustainability and growth over time is essential. Viability and potential for job creation or investment attracts endorsement bodies.
- Language Ability – Strong English language skills are necessary to interact with partners, customers and authorities. IELTS or other equivalent certification of at least B2 competence is necessary.
- UK Operations – Businesses and operations must be primarily located and managed in the UK. Foreign operations can supplement but not replace a significant UK presence.
- Expertise – With few other qualifications or track record required, visa holders must convince of their capability, experience and skills relevant to successfully running the proposed business.
Meeting these rigorous criteria demonstrates serious commitment and potential to contribute to the UK economy, a key priority for visa awarding authorities. Those with a truly innovative, well-planned business have the strongest chances of approval.
Application Process
The process for applying generally follows these steps:
- Research and draft full business plan
- Obtain required financial funds and keep records/bank statements ready
- Select the appropriate visa route – Innovator, Startup or Graduate Entrepreneur
- Submit expression of interest to be endorsed by bodies like UK Trade & Investment
- Receive endorsement confirming viability of business idea and application support
- Formally apply online for the visa including business plan, funding evidence and other documents
- Attend interview at Visa Application Centre to discuss plans and assess eligibility
- If approved, prepare for relocation and register business within timelines on arriving in UK
A support person like a solicitor or immigration advisor who has experience with entrepreneur visa processes can help navigate requirements and maximize chances of approval. Planning thoroughly and being able to demonstrate ambition, skills, and the capacity to execute big dreams is key to a successful application.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is any work experience needed for an entrepreneur visa?
While prior work experience can strengthen an application, having no formal work background or qualifications is not a bar to obtaining entrepreneur visas. The onus is on demonstrating a viable business idea and the competency, resources and determination to carry it out successfully. Self-employment, freelancing or other unrelated experience could still provide relevant skills.
2. What types of businesses qualify for these entrepreneur visas?
A very wide scope of business ideas and sectors may receive endorsement, from technology startups to social enterprises to creative/arts ventures. Concepts must show genuine innovation, commercial potential for growth, and capacity to create UK jobs or investment eventually. Services or sole proprietor retail operations may face higher difficulty attracting backers.
3. How long can I stay in the UK after the initial visa expires?
If entrepreneurs fulfil the terms of their initial visa and prove business progress, they can generally apply to extend their stay for up to 3 years. After that, the Startup or Innovator routes may allow indefinite leave to remain if certain immigration and integration criteria continue to be satisfied including business growth.
4. Can I work for other employers while my business gets established?
No, entrepreneur visa holders are strictly prohibited from any paid employment unrelated to their business venture. The expectation is full commitment managing operations, sales, and development to make the startup commercially successful within the allotted time. Outside income could jeopardize immigration status.
5. What costs are involved in the application and life in the UK?
Application fees are typically £1,283 per submission. IELTS testing, legal assistance, and relocation expenses like housing and living costs quickly add thousands more that funds must cover. Minimum income requirements are £1,890 per 28-day period for partners or dependents joining later. Sustainable funding is imperative to convincing assessors.
Conclusion
Entering the UK as a non-EU entrepreneur can open exciting doors to establishing a new business abroad and gaining global experience. However, these visa routes present substantial challenges that require thorough planning, dedicated resources, and the flexibility to withstand inevitable hurdles early on. Those with innovative ideas, relevant expertise, and perseverance to see projects through despite setbacks stand the best chances of immigration approval and business success long term. With determined execution of a sound plan, these routes hold great potential for ambitious individuals willing to take the leap into self-employment overseas.
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