Employing someone or expanding a business
An employer recruiting an overseas worker should check whether sponsorship is needed, whether the job qualifies and whether the business can meet the sponsor duties. The employer’s licence and the worker’s visa are separate decisions; a licence does not guarantee permission for a particular person.
For an established overseas business, the proposed UK activity matters. A transfer into an existing UK operation and establishing a new UK presence may require different Global Business Mobility routes. An innovative founder has a separate endorsement-based option.
- Use the sponsorship guide for licence applications and employer compliance.
- Compare Skilled Worker with Global Business Mobility for the proposed role.
- Use the Expansion Worker guide where the overseas business has not begun UK trading.
Work, study and family circumstances
A job offer may support a Skilled Worker assessment, but the role, salary and sponsoring employer must qualify. Global Talent and Innovator Founder have different entry tests. Graduate and High Potential Individual routes depend on particular education histories and should not be confused with one another.
Family applications depend on the relationship and the UK-based person’s status. An extension, settlement application and citizenship application are different steps. Select the detailed guide for the route you hold or intend to use.
- Prepare a short timeline of your UK permissions and any pending applications.
- Identify any partner or children who would apply with you.
- Explain both the immediate move and your longer-term plans.
Business visits and working in the UK
Some meetings, negotiations and other defined activities are permitted as a visitor. A visitor permission is not a general work permission. Check the actual activities, who receives the services and who pays before arranging a business trip.
An overseas address or company registration alone does not determine the appropriate UK immigration route. The official visa checker is a useful starting point for nationality and travel-purpose questions; a detailed assessment needs the underlying facts.
Existing permission: ECAA, extensions and settlement
Existing ECAA Turkish Businessperson and Turkish Worker permissions have separate extension and settlement rules. Closure to new principal applicants does not end these options for eligible existing holders. Family members need their own assessment.
Choose the guide for your current category, expiry date and next step. For a refusal, delay or complex permission history, identify the relevant decisions and timeline in your first message.
What to include in your first enquiry
Tell us your current country, nationality, UK immigration status if any, the purpose of the enquiry and the relevant deadline. Employers should add their business activity, UK trading position and the role they wish to sponsor. A short factual summary is enough for the initial enquiry.
The team can then confirm whether the matter fits the firm’s work and explain the proposed scope and fees before you instruct us. Do not assume a website enquiry extends a visa or legal deadline.
Planning a UK move from Türkiye or the UAE? State your current country, any existing UK business or job offer, who would move and your timing. We can explain which advice is relevant before you decide whether to instruct us.
Common questions
Do you find sponsored jobs?
We advise on immigration and sponsorship requirements. We do not provide a job-placement service; an applicant seeking Skilled Worker advice should explain the actual job offer and employer position.
Is there one route for every business owner?
No. The business activity, ownership structure, UK trading position, proposed work and personal eligibility need to be considered together.
Your next step
Tell us what you want to achieve
Send a short outline of your circumstances and timing. The team will confirm fit and explain fees before instruction.
Make an immigration enquiryOfficial sources
This guide gives general information. The rules, dates and circumstances relevant to an application need to be checked individually.