Turkish Businessperson Visa: Entry clearance requirements and evidence

The Ankara Agreement makes it possible for a Turkish national over the age of 18 who wants to start a new business in the UK or come to the UK to help run an established business to apply for a Turkish Businessperson visa.

Entry clearance requirements and evidence

Other than meeting the general eligibility requirements for a UK visa, to qualify for a Turkish Businessperson visa, applicants must provide evidence to satisfy the Home Office that they:

• Are Turkish nationals.
• Have a real intention to set up a viable business or join an existing business.
• Have sufficient funds to bring to the UK to set up the business – there is no set amount for this type of visa.
• Have the funds to pay their share of the costs of running the business, and
• Will be able to support themselves and their families from their share of the profits of the business, without needing another job. They will need to provide proof of their living costs, for example, mortgage agreements or lease agreements, council bills, bank statements, payslips, and so on.

Persons applying to join an existing partnership, or limited company in the UK, need to prove to the Home Office that:

• They will play an active part in running the business, and
• There is a real need for their services and investment.

If relevant, the applicant must provide a tuberculosis test result, and the Home Office may request a police certificate.

Business criteria and evidence

To qualify for a Turkish Businessperson visa, the applicant needs to intend to:

• Become a sole trader, or
• Be a director of a limited company, or
• Enter into a legal business partnership.

Evidence that the applicants intend to set up a viable business, or join an existing one can include a business plan, documents relating to the business premises, insurance documents, financial documents of the business, partnerships, and any other documents that can show that they have a genuine intent to do what they stated in the application.

Applicants should include:

• Evidence that they are qualified to run the business, for example, a formal qualification or evidence of previous relevant experience.
• Bank statements (UK or overseas) and money transfers to show their financial status and their investment in the business.
• Any relevant legal and financial documents to show any financial assistance that they may receive from a third party.
• Documents explaining their involvement in the business.

It is important to prove that the applicant’s involvement in the business is not disguised employment; the applicant must be involved in the running of the company.

It should be noted that:

• There are no restrictions on the type of business.
• No endorsement is required.
• The business does not have to meet the strict innovative, scalability, and viability tests that apply to start-up visa applications.
• It need not be a new business; the applicant may join an established business.
• There is no minimum investment amount.

Validity

Initially, the Turkish Businessperson visa is valid for 12 months. Thereafter it may be extended for 3 years as long as the business is ongoing and will continue operating in the UK.

It, however, remains to be seen if the Turkish Businessperson visa will remain after the UK exits the EU.

CONSULTATION FROM LONDON IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

You can request consultation from our immigration lawyers over the phone as in person.

Mann’s Solutions is international immigration law firm with offices in London, Hong Kong and Moscow and has expertise in offering UK Visas and Immigration by Investment services to high net worth individuals. Our immigration lawyers regulated by OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner).

For further information or to discuss your personal circumstances in a private consultation with our immigration lawyers in London Office, please contact us at enquiries@manns-solutions.com or call +44 207 993 63 46.