Turkish Businessperson Visa 👇

🏢 1. What It Is The Turkish Businessperson Visa was a special route based on the 1963 'Ankara Agreement' (the ECAA agreement) between Turkey and the European Economic Community. It allowed Turkish nationals to come to the UK to start a new business or join an existing one.

Following the UK's departure from the EU, this route closed to all new applicants on 31 December 2020. However, it remains a valid category for those who already hold the visa and wish to apply for an extension or for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years.

📜 2. Who Can Apply No new applications for this visa are being accepted. The only individuals who can now apply under this route are:

• Existing Turkish Businessperson visa holders who are already in the UK and need to extend their stay.
• Existing Turkish Businessperson visa holders who have lived in the UK for five years and now qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
• Children under 21 of an existing Turkish Businessperson visa holder who wish to join them as a dependent.

New partners or spouses cannot apply to join a visa holder under this route.

🔑 3. Key Requirements for Extension For those eligible to extend their stay, the focus is on proving the continuity and viability of their business. Key requirements include:

• Viable Business: You must prove that you are still running a genuine and viable business in the UK and that you are actively involved in it.
• Financial Self-Sufficiency: You must demonstrate that your share of the business's profits is sufficient to support yourself and any family members without needing other employment or relying on public funds.
• Genuine Intention: You must show that you intend to continue operating the business.
• Compliance: You must not have breached any UK immigration laws during your stay.