Turkish Businessperson Visa

Turkish Businessperson Visa

Contents
• Turkish Business Visa
• Turkish Business Visa Extensions
• Genuine Turkish Business Person Test (Extensions)
• Settlement in the UK as a Turkish Businessperson
• FAQ

Apply for Turkish Businessperson (Ankara Agreement)
Ankara Agreement visas permits Turkish nationals to establish themselves as a worker or in a business in the UK. At also achieves them residency rights in the UK.
However, if the applicant can be prevented from benefiting from the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) if there is proof that there is a breach of UK Immigration laws.
If this were to happen the applicant will be subjected to the points-based system that is currently operated.

Turkish Businessperson Visa
Ankara Agreement visas are for those Turkish nationals who wish to:
• Start a new Business in the UK
• Come to the UK to help run a business
To be eligible for Ankara Agreement visas to enter the UK you have to be able to show:
• A Genuine intention to start a business
• Sufficient funds (there is no minimum requirement)
• Pay your share of the costs
• Share of the profit will be enough to support you & your family
• You will have an active role (if you are joining a company)
• There is a genuine need for investment (if you are joining a company)

You can use your own money (you can also use funds from a third party such as a family member, as long as you have permission to use them) for the Ankara Agreement visas. You can only apply under this visa alone without any “business partners”.
Turkish businessperson visa do not require you to prove your level of English language skills or any maintenance. However, it is expected that a business will provide enough funds for maintenance.
In addition, you will have to show that the funds you have collected has the backing of research in the relevant field. In other words, which ever business field you pick you must have done research in the relevant costs and location, this will be reflected in the amount of money for your investment.
It is possible to switch into a Turkish Businessperson visa with any other type of point-based or non-point-based system, as long as the potential applicant is legally in the UK (and holds a valid Turkish nationality).

Genuineness Test
Ankara Agreement visas have its own version of the genuineness test. It is the proof provided to the genuineness of the intention to start a new business, the clarity of the business plan, the research made and any relevant previous or current experience in that particular business.

• Proof that the money is available to you or that you have permission to use it
• Proof of your current living costs
• Business Plan
• Any relevant qualifications or experience
• If applicable third party assistance
• Viability and credibility of your funds

Turkish Businessperson extensions
To be eligible for a possible Ankara Agreement extension after your initial 12 months of residence, you will be expected to show that:
• Your business is still active in the UK
• You are still able to pay your share of the costs of running the business
• The profits of your business are enough to support yourself and (if applicable) your family

• The business has experienced difficulties during the initial 12 months and success is still to be proven
• The company is producing losses or marginal profits while it is being set up
• The applicant can only provide bank statements not business accounts

Genuine Turkish Business Person Test (Extensions)
For extensions in the Ankara Agreement route you will have to demonstrate to the Home Office that you are fulfilling your obligations. In other words, you have genuinely started or joined a business in the UK.
Furthermore, you will also have to show that you have invested the relevant amount of funds into your business (new or existing) and that you genuinely intend to continue in that business.

• The evidence you have submitted
• The credibility of your source of funds
• Insurance, registrations, accreditations
• Any other relevant documents and information

Settlement in the UK as a Turkish Businessperson
For a Turkish national who is in the UK under a Businessperson visa settlement requires:
• Not conducted or associated with those that are “undesirable” (criminals, illegal individuals and etc.)
• Not to pose a security threat
• Show that the profit of their business alone is still enough to support themselves and any dependent. Marginal profits may not be sufficient
• Be able to show that their business is still running and will continue to do so for at least another 12 months
• Be able to demonstrate that their business is genuine (for example, clients, partners, turnover and etc.)
Note that the Home Office may also questions (and be sceptical) of the validity of businesses that are being passed on between friends and family members. It may imply fraud for the purpose of supporting a Turkish Businessperson application.
It is also possible to use your previous leave (for example if the previous visa was a Tier 2 visa), however the most recent period must be made from a Turkish Businessperson visa.
Ankara Agreement visas does not require the applicant to complete the Life in the UK Test nor proof of English or a specific maintenance requirement.

Apply for Settlement (ILR) in the UK after 5 years of residency.
Corporate Package
We can help and guide you through the maze of sponsorship licences for Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5 applications. This sponsorship is crucial for those businesses and institutions that wish to employ non-Europeans. We can also assist you with compliance issues and how to maintain your current licence.