The European Community Association Agreement, also referred to as the Ankara Agreement, was established in 1963 in order to “promote the continuous and balanced strengthening of trade and economic relations” between Turkey and the EU Member States. Since 1 January 1973, the date upon which the UK became a member of the European Economic Community, the Ankara Agreement allows Turkish nationals to live in the UK to start a new UK business or assist in the running of an established UK business.
Apply for a Turkish Businessperson Visa with LEXVISA Solicitors and AdvocatesTurkish Businessperson Visa
If you are granted a Turkish Businessperson visa in the UK you will be able start up or join an existing business in the UK. A Turkish Businessperson visa will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 12 months and you may be given the opportunity to apply for an extension which will grant you an additional 3 years to continue working within your business in the UK.
If you wish to apply for a Turkish Businessperson visa, you can make your application in or outside of the UK, depending on your particular circumstances and you should receive a decision within 3 weeks from the date of your application.
Requirements for a Turkish Businessperson Visa
In order to make a successful application for a Turkish Businessperson visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You have a genuine intention to set up or join a viable UK business;
- You have sufficient funds to establish and continue to run your business in the UK (if applicable);
- There is a genuine need for your services and investment in the existing business (if applicable);
- You will have an active role in the running of the existing business (if applicable); and
- You will be able to financially support yourself and any of your dependants in the UK, without needing to have another job.
We advise you that you will need to show that you meet the above applicable requirements by way of unquestionable evidence. Our team of solicitors can advise you as to whether you meet the eligibility requirements and the evidence you will need in order to make a successful application.
Dependants of Turkish Businessperson Migrants
If you are in the UK on a Turkish Businessperson visa, you may be able to apply for your partner and/or children (under 18) to live with you in the UK. In order to make a successful application for your dependant/s to join you in the UK, you will need to demonstrate the following within the application:
- You are in a genuine relationship with your dependant/s;
- You will live with your dependant/s in the UK;
- You have sole responsibility for your child/children, if the other parent will not be in the UK (if applicable);
- You can financially support and accommodate your dependant/s in the UK; and
- Your dependant/s do not fall for refusal under the general grounds of refusal.
If you have been living in the UK as a dependant on a Turkish Businessperson visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain  if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Our team of solicitors can advise you as to the steps you will need to take in order for you to bring your dependants to the UK and also apply for them to settle permanently with you in the UK.
Impact of Brexit on Turkish Businessperson Migrants
In light of Brexit, the future for Turkish Businessperson migrants and their dependants in the UK has become uncertain. The Ankara Agreement concerns relations between Turkey and EU Member states; when the UK leave the EU, they will no longer be an EU Member State and therefore, may no longer be party to this agreement.
If you have been running your own or somebody else’s business in the UKÂ under a Turkish Businessperson visa for at least 4 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK will permanently secure your residency in the UK and allow you to continue to freely run your business despite the UK leaving the EU.
If you are uncertain as to your position under your Turkish Businessperson visa, our team of experienced solicitors can advise you as to your options in regards to remaining in the UK and continuing to work within your business.
Successful Turkish Businessperson Visa Applications
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 immigration status and the merit of your applications before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration or visa 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. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. 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.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.