UK Business Visa: Updated 2021 Guidelines and How-To Guide.

If you’re from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and wish to engage in business activities in the UK, a short-term UK business visa could be right for you. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, and there are different types to suit various work and business needs. Below, UVSUK experts dive into what activities are permitted under this visa category.

When Is the Right Time to Apply for a UK Business Visa?

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of who should consider applying for a short-term UK business visa, along with the activities that the visa allows.

Employees, Business Owners, and Entrepreneurs Who Want To:

Attend meetings, seminars, or interviews
Deliver speeches, as long as they aren’t for profit
Negotiate and finalize deals
Visit trade fairs without direct selling
Conduct site visits
Explore potential job opportunities
Meet with UK clients for projects that will be completed outside the UK
Engage in internal company activities like consultations, training, or problem-solving
Conduct internal audits for a UK branch of their home country organization
Explore business investment opportunities in the UK
Install or repair equipment for a UK business linked to a foreign company
Inspect quality of goods for an export company based in the UK

Researchers, Scientists, and Academics.

Medical Pros, Educators, Witnesses, and Lawyers.

Conduct research, teaching, or practice temporarily
Provide evidence in a UK court
Offer legal advice to UK clients
Perform religious activities
Teach or accompany students on a UK study program temporarily.

Artists, Media Staff, and Performers.

Unpaid Activities and Training

Take unpaid clinical or dental roles for learning purposes
Sit for professional exams like PLAB or OSCE
Get training from a UK-based company if unavailable in the home country
Provide training to UK-based employees, if employed by a foreign company.

Business Visa Validity and Processing Time.

A typical business visa is valid for up to 6 months. Longer visits might require a long-term visa for up to 2, 5, or 10 years. Academics have additional options. It generally takes about three weeks to process your application, so plan to apply at least three months before your trip. The standard cost of this visa is £95.

01

Assess Your Eligibility

Based on your home country and purpose of the visit, check if you need a visa.

02

Complete the Online Form

Begin the application online, filling it out in your chosen language. Make sure you can reach a biometric center in your country. Keep all required documents at hand.
Note: Changing the country of application is not possible after submission.

03

Schedule and Attend a Biometric Appointment

Print your completed form and book an appointment for biometric data collection. Bring all supporting documents, both original and photocopies.

04

Receive Your Visa

You’ll get a letter outlining the outcome of your application. Successful applicants will find a vignette or sticker in their passport.

How much does it cost?

Visa Type	Embassy Fee		Service Fee		Total	Select
5 day service-Multi entry upto 2 year	£150	+	£170	=	£320
4 day service-Multi entry upto 2 year	£181	+	£170	=	£351

Please select number of applicants:

Consultations

Explore Visa Solutions: Claim Your Consultation Session.

Looking For a Professional Visa Company?

Reviews

      
   Unique Visa Services Ltd (UVS)
   111 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   max holland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Raj and the team are very professional and knowledgeable. Their sevice is attentive, courteous, and efficient. My China visa application process was smooth and trouble-free thanks to their help. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mohamed Mirshad 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five star service,highly professional and very quick response worth for money and very friendly
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paula Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic stress free service. Highly recommend Raj and his team. Fast, friendly and reliable. 5 *
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   steven lorenzini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My tourist visa for India was handled seamlessly in 24 hours. Personal staff, really helpful. Much easier than wrestling with the Indian visa website
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hugh Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sunita and Raj provide a first class,professional service that is characterised by their efficiency,thoroughness and clarity in all their dealings with their clients.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   VEDAA RADHEY 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing experience with Unique Visa services(UVS)
Team is highly qualified and knows their role very well.
Especially Our Advisor Mrs Sunita guide us with every single step with elaborate explanation in every single calls and e-mails.
Their response rate is exceptionally high.
Highly recommended (UVS)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ian Tweedie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service. I applied for an Indian visa. There was a small problem with the photo I first submitted. Raj kept in touch by phone and gave advice. I submitted another photo and got my visa in 2 days. Thanks Raj, if I had tried to do it myself I would’ve had all sorts of problems. Brilliant.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Omar Al-Ani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If there is more than 5 stars, I would give it without hesitation.
Sunita was very supportive with me, and she has ended up my 4 years stress by getting the Visa.

Highly professional , and respond quickly..

Many thanks from my heart 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kristell Kirsten 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful team that helped me when I couldn’t get an appointment for over 3 weeks. So grateful for all the assistance and very grateful for the appointment. I would definitely recommend their services
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Juli Das 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a very smooth experience with UVS. Raj is team are very supportive and helpful.

Business Visa