UK Business Visitor Visa
The UK Business Visitor Visa allows professionals to enter the United Kingdom for short-term business purposes such as meetings, conferences, or project consultations. It is ideal for overseas employees, entrepreneurs, and specialists who need to conduct business activities in the UK without taking formal employment.
For professional assistance with your application, contact Immigration Solicitors UK at +44 2080 162308.
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The UK Business Visitor Visa allows professionals to enter the United Kingdom for short-term business purposes such as meetings, conferences, or project consultations. It is ideal for overseas employees, entrepreneurs, and specialists who need to conduct business activities in the UK without taking formal employment.
For professional assistance with your application, contact Immigration Solicitors UK at +44 2080 162308.
What Is a UK Business Visitor Visa
The Business Visitor Visa, part of the UK Standard Visitor route, enables individuals to visit for approved business activities lasting up to six months. It is designed for professionals who need to travel temporarily for business meetings, client engagement, or technical collaboration.
Visitors must not take up paid employment or deliver services directly to UK clients unless the activity is specifically permitted under Appendix Visitor. The visit must remain temporary, with no intention of using repeat trips to reside in the UK.
Applicants must:
- Intend to visit the UK only for permitted business activities.
- Be financially self-sufficient and not access public funds.
- Leave the UK at the end of their visit.
- Avoid using repeated visits to make the UK their primary residence.
- Hold a valid visa, ETA, or EVW before travel, as required by nationality.
From 25 February 2026, “No Permission, No Travel” applies. Airlines must verify each traveller’s digital status before boarding. Ensure that your passport number exactly matches your visa or eVisa record.
Permitted Business Activities
General Business
Attend meetings, conferences, or trade events. Negotiate and sign contracts. Conduct site visits and receive briefings from UK-based partners.
Intra-Corporate Engagements
Employees of overseas companies can advise, consult, or troubleshoot with UK colleagues on internal projects.
You may engage in limited client-facing activity only if the project is delivered by your UK branch and your role is incidental to your overseas employment.
You cannot perform client-facing work if your overseas company is directly contracted to the UK client, as this is considered “disguised labour.”
After-Sales and Technical Service
Install, repair, or service equipment under a warranty or contract between your overseas company and a UK organisation.
Science and Research
Researchers and scientists can carry out research for their own overseas employer or as part of collaborative work.
Remote Working
You may answer emails, attend virtual meetings, or carry out incidental remote work for your overseas employer while in the UK, provided this is not the main purpose of your visit.
Paid Engagements
If you are being paid for a lecture, performance, or other professional engagement, you must declare it in your application and complete it within the first month of arrival. You must be at least 18 years old at the time you enter the UK.
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Business visitors cannot:
- Work for or be employed by a UK organisation.
- Receive payment from a UK source unless permitted under a declared engagement.
- Establish, manage, or invest in a UK business.
- Access public funds.
- Use consecutive visits to effectively live in the UK.
Solicitor’s Guidance: The Home Office has no fixed rule on how long you may stay each year, but spending more than six months in any twelve-month period through repeated visits attracts close scrutiny.
Application Checklist: The 2026 Digital Border
Before You Travel
- Ensure your passport details match your visa or ETA.
- Airlines will check your immigration status digitally from 25 February 2026.
- Apply at least three months before travel to avoid delays.
Processing Time
Standard decisions take about three weeks. Business travellers often use the Priority Service, which generally provides a decision within five working days.
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Applicants typically provide:
- A valid passport.
- Invitation letters or proof of scheduled business activities.
- Evidence of financial means or company sponsorship.
- Accommodation and return travel details.
- Proof of overseas employment or business ownership.
Solicitor’s Advice: The Home Office closely reviews financial documents. If your employer is covering your costs, include a Letter of Undertaking or company bank statements. Unexplained “lumpy” deposits in personal accounts often lead to refusals.
How to Apply
- Confirm that your planned activities qualify under the visitor route.
- Apply online for the Standard Visitor Visa (business category).
- Provide biometric information at a Visa Application Centre.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Wait for a decision and verify your digital status before travel.
From 2026, most approved visitors receive a digital eVisa, which replaces physical vignettes.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
Our team ensures that your Business Visitor Visa application meets all current Home Office standards and 2026 digital border requirements. We advise on complex scenarios involving intra-corporate projects, client-facing permissions, and incidental remote work.
We also assist in preparing a strong evidence portfolio, reviewing financial documentation, and coordinating group or corporate travel under the new digital system.
For precise, solicitor-led advice on your Business Visitor Visa, contact us at +44 2080 162308 or submit an online enquiry.
