Establishing a franchise or taking over an existing franchise in the United Kingdom is an attractive option for high net worth individuals from non-EEA national countries. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa allows non-EEA nationals to enter the United Kingdom to run a franchise. Unlike the Tier 1 Investor visa, it does not require a significant initial investment. Applicants are required to show that they have £200,000 ready to invest in their business venture.
What is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa?
The Home Office introduced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa for high net worth individuals who have strong business interests and are searching for new business ventures. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa allows non-EEA nationals to set up or take over an existing business in the United Kingdom. The key attraction for this visa is that unlike the Tier 1 Investor visa it does not require a significant initial investment. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa also has attractive settlement routes leading to British citizenship. For many business people acquiring British citizenship is the ultimate goal.
Using a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa to set up a Franchise in the United Kingdom
In a business context, a franchise is a business which allows individuals to buy the right to their logo, name and business model for a specific period of time. Franchises are extremely common and are often considered to be of low risk. The main benefit of starting a franchise is that you will have ample support and guidance from the head office of the business in question. Another point to consider is that you will be investing into a popular brand with good standing.
A franchise is the perfect business venture for entrepreneurs looking to set up a business presence in the United Kingdom. Applicants who wish to set up or take over an existing franchise must meet the same visa requirements as all other applicants. However, Applicants may find it easier to show that the viability and credibility of the business.
What are the requirements for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa?
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is a point based system visa application and Applicants who wish to apply must acquire 95 points under appendix A, B and C of the Immigration Rules. The applicable law is Paragraph 245D of the Immigration Rules. To summarise Applicants will be awarded points for the following:
- 75 points for meeting the Attributes requirement;
- 10 points for meeting the Maintenance requirement; and
- 10 points for meeting the English language requirement.
To further elaborate on the requirements Applicants must show genuine intention to establish or take over an existing business in the United Kingdom. The business in question could be a franchise in the United Kingdom. It is crucial the financial aspect of this visa application is also met. Applicants are required to show that they have a minimum of £200,000 readily and available to invest. The funds must have been held in the Applicants bank account for a consecutive 90 day period and must be held in a regulated financial institution.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they meet the English Language requirement and are able to maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK. It is also important for Applicants to satisfy the Genuine Entrepreneur Test.
It should be noted that even if you have acquired 95 points your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application can still be refused on the grounds of genuineness. Therefore, it is crucial a strong prepared application is submitting showing that your business venture is viable and credible.
Using Legal Representation to Submit a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa Application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa Application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application and the merit of your Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your UK Visas and Immigration application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation for you to discuss a successful Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.