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Visas allowing employment, self-employment and running a business at the same time

This article is for those who would like not only to work for an employer in the UK but also to have the opportunity to run their own business/be self-employed at the same time. Below we will consider rules regarding this issue in the main visas that give a right to work.

Start-up and Innovator visas

Startup and Innovator visas are the most obvious choices when it comes to doing business in the UK.

Both visas allow you to set up and work for a new business in the UK. But only the Startup visa allows you to also work for a third company other than your own business. The Innovator visa does not allow this.

But at the same time, the Startup visa is issued only for 2 years without the possibility of extension and does not lead to settlement. It is assumed that after the Startup visa, the applicant will wish to switch to the Innovator visa, which leads to settlement. Therefore, starting the journey on an Innovator or Startup visa, you must evaluate all the risks and understand that while on the Innovator visa, your options for earning money will be limited.

Scale-up work visa

The Scale-up work visa is a new visa in immigration law and few companies have a license in a Scale-up route. But if you are lucky enough to find an employer in this category and get a Scale-up visa, then you would be allowed to work both for yourself and a sponsoring company.

The Scale-up visa is issued for 2 years with a possible extension for another 3 years. Out of this period, only the first 6 months must be worked for the sponsoring company.

Global talent visa

The Global Talent visa will allow you to be self-employed or a company director, work for an employer, etc. That is, you will not be limited in your rights to work. To obtain this visa, you do not need a sponsoring company, but you must show your high professional achievements in one of the following areas:

  • academia or research
  • arts and culture
  • digital technology

Learn more about applying for a Global Talent visa here.

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa does not quite allow you to work for yourself. Your only option for self-employment is to enter into a contract for services between you and your sponsoring company. That is, the sponsor will also issue you a certificate of sponsorship so that you would be able to get a Skilled Worker visa. The only difference is that as opposed to being a staff member, you will be working on a contract basis.

Graduate visa

The Graduate visa is an excellent option for those who wish to run a business or be self-employed or employed, as this visa has no restrictions on work. But of course, to get this visa, you first need to graduate from a university in the UK while on a student visa.

 

This is just an overview of the rules of some visas. UK immigration law is complicated and often confusing to those unfamiliar with the rules, regulations and procedures. Alrose Legal Immigration Services is on hand to translate technical issues into plain English and to provide you with superior solutions, whatever your immigration needs. Please feel free to contact our London Immigration lawyer in Chelsea for professional advice.

Date of publishing: 23 January 2023

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