Relocate to the UK

Why move to the UK?

If you are thinking about moving to the UK to set up a business, you’ve come to the right place! There are many factors that make the UK an ideal location to develop a business. These include:

• a transparent market free from political interference;
• stable institutions;
• highly-developed logistics infrastructure;
• a trustworthy banking system;
• a wealthy population, capable of buying products;
• leading position of the UK on the world’s arena;
• high quality specialists;

But how easy is it to actually move in reality? What are the best ways to do it? And how much is it likely to all cost? Read on to find out!

How easy is it to start a business in the UK?

In reality, it’s a lot easier than you might think. If you are looking to set up a business in the UK, there are various things you have to think about. These include immigration applications, incorporating a company, paying corporation tax on your profits and personal tax on your income as well as the obvious things like finding a property and logistics. But these things are all just standard procedure and should pose no problems with the right support.

You could say that the hardest part is actually having a great business idea that you are passionate to develop.

What are the different ways to move to the UK for business?

There are many different options to move to the UK for business.

1. Innovator or Startup Visa

One of the best options if you are looking to start up your own business, would be to apply for either a start up or innovator visa. These visas allow you to come to and potentially settle in the UK if you have a business idea that is viable, innovative and scaleable.

The process is a bit bureaucratic, with the need to apply first for an ‘endorsement’ from a recognised organisation. You need a business plan to apply and for the Innovator visa you need £50,000 to invest in the business (you do not need funds in place for the Start-up visa).

2. Sole Representative Visa

If you already have a business outside the UK and are looking to expand it to the UK by setting up a branch or wholly owned subsidiary, you are probably best off applying for a ‘Representative of an Overseas Business’ visa. In order to apply, you will need to attach a business plan to your application, indicating how you will grow the business once you have recieved the visa.

3. Tier 2 Work Visa

If you are looking to just get a job in the UK, this is probably the best option for you. You will need a job offer from a company with a ‘Sponsor Licence’ who can support your visa application.

What else do you need?

Visa Application

We have a large network of UK immigration lawyers and can make recommendations and connect you with a reliable lawyer based on your budget and language requirements, at no extra cost.

Business set-up and compliance

Once you’ve successfully got the visa, we can help you incorporate the company and assist with any ongoing compliance questions relating to tax and accounting.

How much will it cost to relocate to the UK?

Of course, this question really depends on how much support you need and what relocation method you choose. In general you will need the following (prices exclude VAT):

• business idea (free of charge)
• business plan (from £0 – £3,000)
• visa application (very much dependent on the law firm, but most applications are from £1,000-£3,000)
• company incorporation (£120)
• ongoing accounting compliance services (£1,200 for basic services)
• flights (£300)
• accommodation (from £1,000 pcm for a flat in London)