Business Immigration Routes in the UK
The UK offers a range of immigration routes for business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate transferees. The landscape changed significantly with the points-based system introduced in December 2020 and continues to evolve. ZAM Law Associates advises businesses and individual applicants on the most appropriate route and handles the complex evidential requirements each route demands.
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder visa is for experienced business people who want to establish a business in the UK. Unlike many immigration routes, it does not require sponsorship from a UK employer — instead, applicants must obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body that has assessed their business idea as innovative, viable, and scalable.
We advise on all stages of the Innovator Founder application:
- Preparing a compelling and realistic business plan
- Identifying the right endorsing body for your sector
- Meeting the English language requirement (CEFR B2)
- Demonstrating adequate funds (£50,000 investment where required for new ventures)
- Planning the route to settlement after 3 years
Intra-Company Transfer (Senior or Specialist Worker)
The Senior or Specialist Worker route (part of the Intra-Company Transfer category) allows multinational companies to transfer employees to a UK branch or subsidiary. The role must be senior or specialist in nature and the employee must have worked for the company for at least 12 months (or earn above the high earner exemption threshold). We advise both the employer on sponsorship requirements and the employee on personal eligibility.
Scale-up Visa
The Scale-up visa is a newer route for highly skilled workers whose role is needed by a qualifying scale-up company. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, you are not tied to a single employer — after 6 months you may work for any employer. The salary threshold is high (currently £33,000 per year). We advise on eligibility and the route to settlement.
Business Visitor Visa
For short-term business travel to the UK — meetings, conferences, training, and permitted activities — a Business Visitor visa may be appropriate. The permitted activities are restricted: visitors cannot work, receive UK-sourced payments, or engage in productive work beyond specific permitted categories. We advise on what is permitted and help applicants avoid inadvertent overstep.
Common Mistakes in Business Visitor Applications
Business visitors sometimes apply without adequate documentation of the purpose of the visit, leading to refusals at the port of entry or at the application stage. We advise on what evidence to bring and how to present the purpose of the visit clearly to satisfy entry requirements.
Corporate Immigration Support
For companies regularly sponsoring overseas workers, ZAM Law Associates provides ongoing immigration support — advising on sponsor licence compliance, reporting duties, right-to-work checks, and workforce immigration planning. We help businesses stay compliant and avoid sponsor licence revocation.