UK Business and Investment Visas 2025

The Importance of Starting a Business and Investment in the UK

The UK is an attractive destination for investors due to its strong position in the world economy, advanced legal system and the opportunities it offers to entrepreneurs. Many investors and entrepreneurs from Turkey and other countries aim to obtain long-term residence and citizenship opportunities by establishing a company or investing in the UK.

👉 For general information see: UK Visa Guide 2025

Business start-up and investment visas in the UK offer options for different profiles. The most current visa types are Innovator Founder, Global Talent and Scale-up Visa. In addition, some closed visas (Tier 1, Start-up) are considered for information purposes only.

Types of UK Business and Investment Visas

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa came into force in 2023, making it the most up-to-date visa type for entrepreneurs.

• Requirements: An innovative, scalable and sustainable business idea is required.
• Endorsing Body: The business plan must be approved by an “endorsing body” authorized by the UK Home Office.
• Capital Unlike the previous Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, there is no high investment requirement.
• Duration: Usually 3 years, after which you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

👉 For details see: UK Innovator Founder Visa

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is for people who have demonstrated international success in fields such as science, technology, engineering, arts, culture and academia.

• Requirements: The candidate must be recognized as a “leader” or “potential leader” in their field.
• Advantage: No sponsorship required, based on individual qualifications.
• Approval: Institutions such as Tech Nation (technology), Arts Council England (arts), Royal Society (science) are the approval authorities.
• Duration: After 5 years, it grants indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

👉 For details see: UK Global Talent Visa

Scale-up Visa

The Scale-up Visa is for professionals who want to work in fast-growing companies or engage in entrepreneurial activity in the UK.

• Requirements: A job offer from an approved employer with “scale-up” status in the UK is required.
• Advantage: Sponsor required for the first 6 months, after which you are free to change jobs.
• Duration: 2 years, after which an extension and right of residence can be obtained.

👉 For details see: UK Scale-up Visa

Residence Permit by Establishing a Company

Although there is no direct “visa to establish a company” for entrepreneurs wishing to set up a company in the UK, it is possible to obtain residence rights through existing business and investment visas. Therefore, for many clients, “residence by incorporation” is a strategic option.

👉 For details see: UK Residence Permit by Setting Up a Company

Visas Closing

The UK immigration system has been updated in recent years and some old visas have been closed:

• Tier 1 Investor Visa → Issued for high investors.
• Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa → Used to be used for entrepreneurs.
• Start-up Visa → Aimed at new entrepreneurs.

⚠️ These visas are no longer available. However, for those who want to apply for the same purposes, the most current option is the Innovator Founder Visa.

Application Process Step by Step

1. Determine the appropriate visa category (Innovator Founder, Global Talent, Scale-up).
2. Filling in the online application form(gov.uk).
3. Payment of the visa fee.
4. Biometrics (at VFS Global centers).
5. Uploading the required documents (business plan, certificates of achievement, business proposal, etc.).
6. Finalization of the application (3-8 weeks on average).

General Conditions and Documents

• Valid passport.
• Business plan (Innovator Founder) or certificates of achievement (Global Talent).
• Certified job offer letter (Scale-up).
• Financial qualification: at least £1,270.
• English proficiency: usually level B1 (IELTS/SELT).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• Clean criminal record.

Benefits and Risks

Advantages

• The legal right to set up and work in the UK.
• Possibility to bring family members with you.
• Indefinite residence after a certain period of time (ILR).
• Access to international trade networks.

Risks

• Approved organization’s rejection of the business plan → visa refusal.
• Missing or incorrect documents → prolonged process.
• Wrong category selection → invalid application.

Legal Basis

• UK Work and Business Visas – gov.uk
• Immigration Act 1971 (legislation.gov.uk)

Case Study

Situation: An entrepreneur living in Istanbul has prepared an innovative business plan in the field of technology.

• The business plan was accepted by the approved organization.
• Innovator Founder Visa application has been made.
• He was granted a 3-year visa and settled in the UK with his entrepreneurial family.

Question and Answer Blocks

Which visa is required to start a business in the UK and obtain a residence and work permit?

Short Answer Innovator Founder Visa.

Detail: Innovative business plan and approved organization support required.

Can I still apply with the Start-up Visa?

Short Answer No.

Detail: Start-up Visa has been closed. Innovator Founder is used instead.

Does Global Talent visa require employer sponsorship?

Short Answer No.

Detail: This visa is obtained through personal achievement and approval of the authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Professional Legal Support

UK business start-up and investment visas involve complex steps such as business plan, approval processes and financial requirements. Incorrect applications increase the risk of rejection.

MFY Legal | Law Firm (www.mfylegal.av.tr) manages your process in the most accurate way with its lawyers specialized in UK immigration law.

👉 Contact MFY Legal now for expert legal support tailored to you.