The UK Business Visitor Visa is part of the Standard Visitor visa. It allows foreign nationals to come to the UK for short-term business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
This visa is not for working long-term in the UK. It only permits specific business-related activities for visits usually up to 6 months.
You may need a Business Visitor visa if you are from a visa-required country. To qualify, you must:
Permitted Business Activities include:
You cannot take up paid work for a UK company or live in the UK on this visa.
Allows global professionals to visit the UK for business without a work visa.
Multiple-entry visas may be granted, valid for 2, 5, or 10 years (each visit still limited to 6 months).
A convenient way for entrepreneurs, investors, or employees to maintain business ties with the UK.
Arjun, from India, visits the UK for two weeks to attend meetings with a UK client and sign a contract.
Maria, a company director from Brazil, travels to London for a business conference and then returns home.
Ahmed, from Egypt, comes to the UK for specialized training offered by his international company’s UK branch.
Usually up to 6 months. In rare cases, academics or medical visitors may stay up to 12 months.
You cannot take paid employment in the UK, but you can receive payment for reasonable expenses or if invited as an expert speaker for certain events.
Extensions are not normally allowed, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
No. You must apply for a work visa from outside the UK if you want to take up employment.
Family members must apply separately for their own visitor visas.