The Ankara Agreement allows Turkish business people a route to the UK in order to establish a business or take over an existing business in the UK. Unlike the Start-up and Innovator visa routes for other non-EEA national business people, there is no need to secure an endorsement from a Home Office designated body, however, Applicants must still be able to demonstrate that the investment funds are available. Our business immigration solicitors in London specialise in preparing successful Turkish businessperson visa applications and will happily schedule a consultation in order to discuss the prospects of a successful application before submitting it to the Home Office.
What is ECAA visa?
The European Community Association Agreement (“ECAA”) was created to promote an economic relationship between Turkey and the European Economic Community; of which the UK joined in 1973. Under the terms of the agreement, Turkish nationals may apply to come to the UK on a Turkish businessperson visa in order to set up or join an existing business in the UK. Dependents such as partners and children are allowed to apply to join the main Applicant in the UK under this route.
How do I get a Turkish business visa?
Applications for the Turkish businessperson visa can be made online and Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following:
- a genuine intention to set up a viable business (new business) / will have an active part in running the business (existing business);
- sufficient funds are available to establish the business (new business) / there is a genuine need for the investment (existing business);
- the Applicant’s share of the costs of running the business will be paid; and
- the Applicant’s share of the profits will be enough to support themselves and their family members without needing to have another job.
The Home Office has published detailed guidance in relation to applications under the Turkish ECAA.
How much is the Turkish business visa?
There is no Home Office application fee for the Turkish businessperson visa. Applicants also do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (“IHS”); unlike Applicants from other non-EEA countries who are applying for business visas under the points based system or Appendix W (for example the Innovator visa).
How long does it take to get a Turkish business visa?
Once an application has been submitted and the Applicant has attended their biometric appointment then the standard processing time for the Ankara Agreement visa is 12 weeks. Applications that are properly prepared and are accompanied by all the mandatory documents are likely to be considered within this time-frame, however poorly prepared applications may take longer to be decided. Therefore it is important that applications are properly prepared by experts such as our business immigration team.
Can I switch to the Turkish business visa inside the UK?
Yes, it is possible to be in the UK on another visa route and switch to the Turkish Businessperson visa from inside the UK. Applications can also be made from Applicants outside of the UK.
Can I apply for indefinite leave to remain as a Turkish businessperson?
Yes, since 2018 this route does lead to settlement in the UK. The initial Turkish business visa will be valid for 12 months, after which this can be extended for a further 3 years before the Applicant is eligible to apply for settlement. The Home Office application fee for Turkish businessperson settlement is currently £2,408.20 including the fee to give biometrics.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to apply for a Turkish Businessperson Visa (ECAA Ankara Agreement)
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to apply for a visa under the Turkish Businessperson visa route.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject Turkish Business visa applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Turkish Businessperson 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 Turkish Businessperson visa application meets the Rules.
Successful Turkish Businessperson Visa (ECAA Ankara Agreement) 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 Turkish Business visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your Turkish Businessperson 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 a successful Turkish Businessperson 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.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.