Admission for Business & Self-Employment

U.S. citizens seeking admission to the United Kingdom to establish a business, whether individually or in a partnership, must first obtain an entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission abroad - this will be a British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Applicants for entry clearance must demonstrate that there is a genuine need for their services and investment; that the level of financial investment will be proportional to their interest in the business; that they will be able to bear the full burden of their share of the liabilities, and that they will be occupied full-time in the running of the business. In no case should the amount invested be less that £200,000. Documentary evidence that these funds are under the applicant’s control will be required.

Take-overs and Partnerships

If intending to take over, or join an existing business as a partner, in addition to the above requirements, applicants must show that their share of the profits will be sufficient to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents. Audited accounts of the business for previous years will be required in order to establish the precise financial position. Also required is a statement of the terms on which the applicant is to enter, or take over, the business. The proposed services and investment should create new, full-time employment in the business for at least two persons already settled here. If the relevant requirements cannot be satisfied, or if it appears the proposed partnership or directorship is simply a means to disguise employment, or if it seems likely that, to obtain a livelihood, additional employment will be needed to supplement income, then entry clearance will be denied.

New Business and Self-Employment

In addition to the requirements detailed in the first paragraph, applicants must satisfy the entry clearance officer that they will be bringing into the country sufficient funds in the region of £1,000,000 of their own money which is under their own control and not held in trust plus show an outline of an investment portfolio showing an intention to invest £750,000.00 of their own money either in U.K. government bonds or in share capital or loan capital in active and trading U.K. registered companies (not property companies). The capital does need not to be transferred to the U.K. until entry clearance has been granted, however, the prospective investor will have to show that they intend to transfer the funds to the U.K. and that there are no restrictions to this. They will have to establish an enterprise that can realistically be expected to maintain and accommodate the applicant and any dependents without recourse to employment (other than self-employment) or to public funds. Proof that the business will provide new, paid full-time employment for at least two persons already settled here will be required.

Writers and Artists

Entry clearance must be obtained in advance of arrival for those seeking to establish themselves in the United Kingdom as writers and artists. Applicants must prove they will be able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents from their own resources, including the proceeds of self-employment, without recourse to other employment or to public funds. No work, other than that related to self-employment as a writer or artist, is permitted.

Further information

Please contact the nearest British diplomatic mission. In the United Kingdom contact the:

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