Yes, you can start a business in the UK on a Tier 2 visa. However, you must meet the specific requirements set by the UK government, which include having a valid sponsor for your visa and meeting the investment threshold for starting a business.
Detailed answer to your inquiry
Yes, you can start a business in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, provided you fulfill the specific requirements laid out by the UK government. This category of visa is designed for skilled workers who have been offered a job in the UK by a licensed sponsor. While the primary purpose of a Tier 2 visa is to work for a specific employer, it does allow you to engage in certain types of self-employment activities, including starting your own business.
To start a business on a Tier 2 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
-
Valid Sponsor: You need to have a valid sponsor for your visa. This means that you must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Tier 2 sponsor license.
-
Investment Threshold: Starting a business in the UK typically requires a certain level of investment. While there are no specific financial requirements mentioned for Tier 2 visa holders looking to start a business, you should ensure that you have sufficient funds to support your business endeavors and meet any investment requirements specific to your industry.
-
Genuine Business: The UK government requires that any self-employment activities undertaken under a Tier 2 visa must be a genuine business venture. This means that you should have a comprehensive business plan, demonstrate clear business objectives, and provide evidence of viability and sustainability.
It’s important to note that while starting a business on a Tier 2 visa is possible, there are certain restrictions and limitations on the nature and scope of self-employment activities. As a Tier 2 visa holder, your primary focus should be your sponsored employment, and any self-employment activities should not take precedence over or interfere with your sponsored work.
Famous Quote:
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
Interesting facts about starting a business in the UK on a Tier 2 visa:
- The UK has a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, with approximately 660,000 businesses started each year.
- London is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading startup hubs, attracting entrepreneurs from various industries.
- The UK government has introduced measures such as the Innovator and Start-up visas to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to start businesses in the country.
- According to a UK Department for International Trade report, the UK ranks fifth globally in terms of ease of doing business.
- The Tier 2 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in the UK for a specific period, typically up to five years, with the option to extend further.
Here’s a table to illustrate the requirements for starting a business on a Tier 2 visa:
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Sponsor | Job offer from a UK employer with a Tier 2 sponsor |
| license | |
| Investment Threshold | Meet industry-specific investment requirements |
| and demonstrate sufficient funding for the | |
| business | |
| Genuine Business | Comprehensive business plan, clear objectives, and |
| evidence of viability and sustainability |
Response video to “Can I start a business in the UK on a Tier 2 visa?”
In this section of the video, the creator explains various UK visas that enable individuals to run a business in the country. These visas include the Innovative Visa, Startup Visa, Global Talent Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, and Dependent Visa. The creator encourages viewers to join their YouTube family for more guidance on setting up a business in the UK and stresses the importance of following correct procedures.
Other answers to your question
The immigration rules layout that you can set up a limited company while living in the UK on a Tier 2 General Visa, as this would not necessarily affect your immigration status (as long as you were not actively working in the business).
According to UK immigration law, you cannot apply for a Tier 2 General Visa without having a sponsor. Since this immigration status is strictly linked to your employment contract, you are not allowed to set up your own business. However, the answer to whether a Tier 2 visa holder can open a business in the UK depends on the situation. After some time, the migrant may wish to start up a business on their own.
According to UK immigration law, you cannot apply for a Tier 2 General Visa without having a sponsor. Since this immigration status is strictly linked to your employment contract, you are not allowed to set up your own business.
The answer is, it depends. The tier 2 general migration visa allows foreign citizens (from outside of the EEA) to live and work in the UK for a sponsor licence holding employer. But after some time, the migrant may wish to start up a business on their own.