Turkish Businesspersons Visa
The Turkish Businesspersons visa is for Turkish nationals who either want to start a new business in the UK or come to the UK to help run an established business.
Eligibility:
In order to qualify for leave to come and establish in business in the UK under the Turkish EC Association Agreement (‘Ankara Agreement’), you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you are a Turkish national and:
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You have a genuine intention to set up a viable business;
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You have the skills and ability to establish in your proposed business;
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You will devote sufficient funds or assets of your own to establish your business;
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You will be able to pay your share of the costs of running the business;
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Your part in the business will not amount to disguised employment;
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Your share of the profits will be enough to support you and your family without you needing to have another job or rely on public funds;
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You have not remained in the UK in breach of UK immigration laws
If you want to join an existing partnership or company you will also need to show that:
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You will have an active part in running the business;
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There is a genuine need for your services and investment.
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You are able to provide previous years' accounts for the business
Duration of Visa:
It is possible to switch into the Turkish Businesspersons category from another immigration category. However, if you are already running a business in the UK then it is not possible to switch into this category and you should apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa instead.
Turkish Businessperson visa holders can stay in the UK for 12 months. You may be able to extend your stay for a further 3 years in order to continue operating your business (or for a shorter period of 12 months if there are doubts about the ongoing viability of your business).
On 16 March 2018, the Home Office stopped accepting applications for indefinite leave to remain under the Turkish European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA) Business Persons category. The Home Office has stated that it intends to introduce a new ILR category for current Turkish ECAA business persons into the Immigration Rules. While the requirements of this category are still to be determined, Turkish businesspersons and their dependents can continue to apply for further leave to remain under the ECAA, for up to 3 years at a time.
Turkish Businessperson visa holders can start a new business in the UK or join an existing business which they will have an active part in running. There is no minimum capital requirement and no job creation requirement.
Turkish Businessperson visa holders may be joined or accompanied by their dependents.
If you wish to obtain advice or legal assistance in respect of your immigration matter, we offer an affordable and confidential consultation at a fixed fee with and experienced immigration lawyer where we can answer your questions and explain the processes that will apply. Your consultation fees will be set off against your instructions to the firm if you go on to instruct us.
For more information or to book an initial consultation, please contact us.