This visa category is for nationals of a Country with the relevant EC
(European Community) Association Agreement wishing to come to the UK to
start a business. The business can be of any size and may even employ just
yourself. You may start any type of business, but you must work full time in the
running of the business, and must not do work that is not related to your
business in the UK.
The Countries with the relevant agreements are:
Bulgaria
Romania
If you are unable to come under this category and wish to start a business in
the UK, please go to our business immigration page for details of other business-related categories.
Do I qualify to come to the UK under the EC
Association Agreement?
You will need to show the following to come under the EC association
agreement:
That you are a citizen of Bulgaria or Romania.
You will work solely in the business. You are free to trade using a
limited company, or as an individual by yourself or in partnership with other
individual/s.
Have sufficient funds to accommodate and provide for you and your family
until the business is profitable. In the UK this is likely to be at least
GBP 2,000.
If you are trading as a limited company you must have a controlling
interest in the business. This is not relevant for those who are self-employed
or in partnership. In the UK those who are self-employed or in partnership who
are in effect trading as individuals rather than as a corporate entity do not
have to be registered.
By implementing a business plan that looks to be thorough and viable.
European Community Association agreement countries:
These are Bulgaria and Romania.
What about My Family?
You may apply for your spouse and children to accompany you as your
dependants.
Education
Your children entering the UK as your dependants are entitled to the same
free education as British children. You may choose to send your children to a
private school if you wish.
Health care
You and your family are eligible to free health care provided by the National
Health Service. You are not required to take out private health insurance.
Work
Your spouse and dependents are entitled to take up any lawful employment.
What about extending my visa?
Your initial visa is granted for a period of 12 months. At the end of your first 12 months in the UK, you may apply for your visa to be extended for a maximum period of 3 years. This application should be successful if your initial 12 months has proceeded approximately in line with your originally submitted business plan, and you meet the following requirements:
You and your dependants have been able to support yourselves during this
period without needing public funds.
You are 100% actively involved in the management and promotion of the business, and have not had to take other employment during this time (your dependants are free to take whatever employment they desire).
Your business continues to exist, is viable, and has sufficient funds to
continue trading.
You should apply at the British Embassy or Consulate nearest to your Country of nationality or nearest to where you are resident.
You will need to provide sufficient documentary evidence to convince the Entry Clearance Officer that you will be able to establish your business, that your background will be supportive of the business and that you will be able to support yourself and your family while you are settling yourself in the UK.
Business plan which should include:
Evidence of the funds to be invested
The object of the business
A projected balance sheet, including:
The financial outlay
Any loan to the company
Assets
Stock
Profit and loss projection
Overheads including:
Establishment expenses
Admin expenses
Depreciation
Details of your qualifications and work experience.
We can assist you in all aspects of your application. If you are
interested in taking this further please contact us directly or complete the following short "application form and we will contact you back.
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