Entrepreneur

Under the Entrepreneur category, you can establish or take over a business in the UK, but you will also need to be actively involved in the day-to-day management. This business venture must form your only employment and will require a minimum investment of £200,000.

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur enables you to live and work in the UK without the need for a UK sponsor or an arranged employment.

Under this category you will have to show the following:

  • Access to  funds of no less than £200,000
  • The  funds must be held in one or more regulated financial institutions
  • The money should be disposable in the United Kingdom

For an extension under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur, you will have to satisfy the following criteria:

  • The money being invested in the business must be your own and must not belong to a third party.  The money can be in the form of cash and share capital and the investment should give you either an equal or controlling interest in the business
  • You need to be able to present a complete and viable business plan
  • You must have a controlling interest in the business and must take a share of its liabilities
  • The business must create full time employment for at least two individuals who are UK residents

Additional Requirements

  • English language
  • Maintenance

Leave to enter/remain under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category is normally granted for an initial period of three years. In the first three months, you must make the full investment which will lead to the employment of two settled individuals.

Bulgaria or Romania

Applicants from Bulgaria or Romania, both of which are covered by the EC Association Agreement may immigrate to the UK under this category without the need to fulfil the £200,000 investment or create jobs for EEA nationals. Applicants must still be able to demonstrate a viable business plan and prove adequate funds to support themselves and any dependents until the business begins to make a profit.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to invest in the UK? Call us to discuss your circumstances.

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