Establishing a Business in the UK

To establish a business in the UK you must meet the UKBA Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) requirements.

UK Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) is for non-European migrants who want to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in the running of, a business or businesses here.

You do not need to apply under the points-based system if:

  • You are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland – the European nationals section describes your right to work in the UK;
  • You are a British overseas territories citizen, unless you are from one of the sovereign base areas in Cyprus;
  • You are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the UK because at least one of your grandparents was born here; or
  • You have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.

NOTE: If you are a Turkish citizen who is currently outside the UK or legally in the UK under a different immigration category, you can apply to establish yourself in business under the European Community Association Agreement with Turkey.