Over 5 million people visit the United Kingdom for business purposes every year. Business visits are generally short-term, unpaid trips that last an average of approximately five days.
When visiting the United Kingdom, it is important to avoid making assumptions about the types of activities that you can lawfully engage in. Visa nationals (people of certain nationalities) must apply for a business visit visa. This allows them to remain in the United Kingdom for a period of up to 6 months.
What are general business activities?
Visitors who obtain a business visit visa are entitled to engage in general business activities. This can include things like:
- Taking part in talks and speeches (as long as these are not paid)
- Negotiating contracts
- Attending promotional events (the visitor must not be paid)
- Performing site visits and inspections
What are intra-corporate activities?
Many companies are multinational, with employees spread across the globe. At times, it may be necessary for an overseas member of a corporate group to liaise with UK employees. A business visit visa allows the overseas company member to:
- Provide training and support to UK employees
- Share valuable knowledge and experience
- Trouble-shoot on specific issues
It is important to note that intra-corporate activities must be specific and short-term. They must not involve spending extended periods at client sites. The activities should mainly be conducted from the UK company’s headquarters. All client-facing activities should be incidental and must not amount to the offshoring of products or services to reduce costs.
What can an overseas employee do with a business visit visa?
In certain conditions, an overseas employee with a business visit visa may be permitted to conduct services for UK companies. However, the overseas company must either be the manufacturer or provider of goods or be a part of a contractual agreement for after-sales services. The Home Office is entitled to check for evidence of the contract and the overseas visitor is typically only permitted to stay in the UK for one month for these purposes.
What if you are a client of a UK export company?
Overseas clients of UK export companies can also utilise business visit visas to oversee the requirements of the goods and services that are being provided by the UK company. Again, the Home Office can check for evidence of a contract of goods or services between the UK exporter and overseas company.
Are business visitors entitled to work?
In general, people in the UK on a business visit visa are not entitled to work. They are not permitted to:
- Take employment
- Establish or run a UK-based company
- Carry out paid work for a UK corporation
- Sell goods or services in the UK
- Engage in work placements or internships
There are, however, some exceptions to receiving payment for services in the UK. A business visitor can:
- Work remotely (as long as remote work is not the primary reason for the visit)
- Take payment for engagements that were arranged before travelling and will be completed within 30 days
- Seek employment. Once successful, visitors must leave the UK and seek the appropriate clearance before starting the job
How do you prove you are a genuine visitor?
Before obtaining entry clearance, the Home Office will want to ensure that you are a genuine visitor. They may investigate:
- Any previous visa applications you have made
- Your family circumstances and socioeconomic background
- Your personal and professional ties to your country of residence
The purpose of these checks is to ensure that your visa application is genuine and that your visit is temporary and for specific purposes other than trying to reside in the UK permanently.
How 3CS can help
Before entering the UK, you must have the appropriate legal clearance. Your visa application must be above board. Our team of experienced immigration solicitors are familiar with the nuances of immigration law.
To ensure that you apply for the right visa for your circumstances and have the best chance of approval, contact us today to arrange a consultation.
