A person seeking a visa to enter the UK to establish himself in business will need to satisfy the following requirements:

• he has not less than £200,000 of his own money under his control and disposable in the UK which is held in his own name and not by a trust or other investment vehicle and which he will be investing in the business in the UK; and
• until his business provides him with an income he will have sufficient additional funds to maintain and accommodate himself and any dependants without recourse to employment (other than his work for the business) or to public funds; and
• he will be actively involved full time in trading or providing services on his own account or in partnership, or in the promotion and management of the company as a director; and
• his level of financial investment will be proportional to his interest in the business; and
• he will have either a controlling or equal interest in the business and that any partnership or directorship does not amount to disguised employment; and
• he will be able to bear his share of liabilities; and
• there is a genuine need for his investment and services in the UK; and
• share of the profits of the business will be sufficient to maintain and accommodate himself and any dependants without recourse to employment (other than his work for the business) or to public funds; and
• does not intend to supplement his business activities by taking or seeking employment in the UK other than his work for the business; and
• holds a valid UK entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

 

There are additional requirements depending on whether the person intends to take over or join as a partner or director an existing business in the UK, or if intends to establish a new business in the UK.

 

Taking over or joining an existing business

If the applicant intends to take over or join as a partner or director an existing business in the UK he will need to also produce the following:

• a written statement of the terms on which he is to take over or join the business; and
• audited accounts for the business for previous years; and
• evidence that his services and investment will result in a net increase in the employment provided by the business to persons settled here to the extent of creating at least 2 new full time jobs.

 

Establishing a new business

If the applicant intends to establish a new business in the UK he will need to also produce evidence that:

• he will be bringing into the country sufficient funds of his own to establish a business; and
• the business will create full time paid employment for at least 2 persons already settled in the UK.