Immigration, Simplified
Business Visitor Visa
Business travellers visiting the United Kingdom generally apply under the UK Standard Visitor Visa route, which permits a range of approved business-related activities for stays of up to six months. Whether you are attending meetings, conferences, training sessions, or negotiating contracts, our experienced immigration advisers help you prepare a complete, compliant application that meets UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
Official UK Government Updates
For the latest guidance, eligibility requirements, and visa regulations, we recommend checking the official UK Government website before submitting your application.
Permitted & Restricted Business Activities
The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows business professionals to undertake a range of approved commercial activities during short visits to the United Kingdom. However, visitors must ensure their activities comply with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rules and do not amount to employment in the UK. Permitted activities include:
- Business Meetings & Negotiations: Attend meetings, negotiate contracts, conduct site visits, and participate in business discussions with UK organisations.
- Conferences & Corporate Events: Take part in conferences, seminars, exhibitions, trade fairs, and networking events for legitimate business purposes.
- Training & Knowledge Sharing: Deliver internal training or exchange professional expertise with colleagues within the same international corporate group.
- Project Support: Provide specialist advice or technical assistance on internal projects for your overseas employer where permitted.
- Installation & After-Sales Services: Install, maintain, or service equipment supplied by your overseas company when this forms part of the original sales agreement.
Prohibited Activities include:
- Employment in the UK: You cannot accept employment, fill a vacant position, or work for a UK-based employer while holding this visa.
- Freelance or Self-Employed Work: You are not permitted to provide freelance services or undertake paid work for UK clients.
- UK Salary or Public Funds: You cannot receive payment from a UK source for activities carried out in the UK, except where specifically permitted under UK immigration rules.
Eligibility & Supporting Evidence
To improve your chances of a successful UK Business Visitor Visa application, you must demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Providing clear and well-prepared supporting evidence is essential to show that your visit is genuine and fully complies with UK immigration rules.
- Temporary Visit: You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as employment, business interests, property ownership, or family commitments, confirming that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- Financial Capability: You must have sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and living expenses. If your employer or organisation is funding your trip, an official sponsorship or employer letter should be provided.
- Genuine Business Purpose: You should provide evidence of your planned business activities, such as an invitation letter from a UK company, conference registration, meeting schedule, or a detailed travel itinerary to support your application.
2026 Fees and Validity
The application fee depends on the length of the visa. Regardless of the visa’s total validity, no single stay can exceed 180 days.
| Visa Type | Duration | 2026 Application Fee |
| Standard Visitor | Up to 6 months | £127 |
| Long-term Visitor | Up to 2 years | £475 |
| Long-term Visitor | Up to 5 years | £848 |
| Long-term Visitor | Up to 10 years | £1,059 |
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Depending on your nationality, you may not need a full UK Business Visitor Visa for short business trips. Many non-visa nationals are instead required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the United Kingdom. Our advisers can help you determine whether you need an ETA or a visitor visa based on your individual circumstances.
- Who Needs an ETA:Eligible non-visa nationals travelling to the UK for approved short-term business or visitor activities may be required to obtain an ETA before departure.
- ETA Application Fee:The current UK Government fee for an Electronic Travel Authorisation is £16.
- Validity Period:An approved ETA is generally valid for two years and allows multiple journeys to the United Kingdom, provided each visit complies with UK immigration rules.
Important Restrictions
The UK Home Office expects all business visits to be genuine and temporary. Frequent or extended visits may lead to additional checks by immigration officers.
- Temporary Visits: Do not use repeated visits to live in the UK. Travel History: Frequent or lengthy stays may raise concerns about your intentions.
- Follow Visa Rules: Leave the UK before your permitted stay expires.
- Possible Consequences: Breaching visa conditions may result in refusal of entry or future visa applications.
Business Visitor Visa
Reliable support to secure your UK Business Visitor visa application smoothly and on time.
£
£
Important Information About Our Fees
Professional Service Fees: Our quoted fees cover our professional immigration advice and application support only. They do not include UK Government application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometric appointment charges, translation services, or any other third-party costs.
Personalised Fee Estimates: All prices provided are intended as estimates and may vary depending on the complexity of your case, the level of support required, the volume of documentation, and any urgent processing requests.
Disclaimer: All quoted service fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable.
Expert UK visa and immigration services designed to simplify your application, provide real-time progress updates, and maximise your chances of success.
