The Business Visit Visa is the practical route for overseas executives, founders, investors and commercial teams visiting the UK for meetings, negotiations, conferences and other permitted business activity. Employers and overseas businesses should plan the visit carefully so the activity stays within the visitor rules and does not look like UK employment.
Previously known informally as the Business Visitor visa; business visits are now handled under the Standard Visitor route.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-09.
TL;DR
A Business Visit Visa is a Standard Visitor visa used for permitted UK business activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations and signing contracts. The application fee is £135, the maximum stay is usually 6 months, and Standard Visitor applications made outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks.
£135
Standard Visitor visa fee
6 months
Maximum business visit
3 weeks
Typical decision outside UK
What is a Business Visit Visa?
The Business Visit Visa is not a separate immigration route with its own name on GOV.UK. It is the business-use case within the Standard Visitor route, allowing eligible visitors to come to the UK for short-term commercial activity without taking employment in the UK.
Typical use cases include attending meetings, interviews, conferences and seminars, negotiating and signing deals, attending trade fairs for promotional purposes, carrying out site visits and inspections, and delivering internal training or knowledge-sharing in limited circumstances. The visitor must remain genuinely based overseas and must not fill a role or provide labour in the UK.
For businesses, the key issue is activity mapping: the purpose, itinerary, invite letter and supporting evidence should show a permitted business visit rather than disguised work. If the activity goes beyond the visitor rules, a work route such as Skilled Worker, Scale-up Worker or Global Business Mobility may be needed instead.
Business Visit Visa Requirements
Key checks for overseas executives, founders and business visitors before travelling to the UK.
📄
Permitted Business Activity
The visit must fit one or more permitted visitor activities, such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, contract signing, trade fairs, inspections or limited internal training. The visitor should carry evidence explaining the purpose and timetable of the UK trip.
💼
Genuine Visitor Evidence
The applicant must be able to show they will leave the UK at the end of the visit and will not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. Evidence usually focuses on overseas employment, business ownership, finances, travel history and return commitments.
£
No UK Employment
A business visitor cannot work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless the activity falls within a specific permitted exception. If the UK organisation needs the person to perform productive work, a work visa should be considered instead.
What You Can and Cannot Do
What business visitors can and cannot do in the UK under the Standard Visitor rules.
✓ You Can
- Attend meetings and conferences with UK clients, group companies, suppliers or commercial partners.
- Negotiate and sign contracts during a short UK business trip.
- Promote your overseas business at trade fairs, provided you do not sell directly to the public.
- Carry out site visits and inspections linked to overseas employment or commercial projects.
- Deliver internal training or share knowledge on permitted intra-company projects where the visitor remains employed overseas.
- Use an ETA instead of a visa where nationality and travel circumstances allow it.
✗ You Cannot
- Work for a UK company or fill a UK role unless the activity is specifically permitted.
- Be paid by a UK business for ordinary work, except where a permitted paid engagement applies.
- Sell goods directly at a trade fair or provide services to the UK public.
- Live in the UK through frequent visits or make the UK your main home.
- Access public funds during the visit.
- Use this route for settlement because visitor permission does not lead to indefinite leave to remain.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | £135 per person |
| ETA, if eligible | £20 per person |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Not charged |
| Priority decision | Additional fee — check current fees |
| Public funds | Not permitted |
How to Apply for a Business Visit Visa
A practical application route for overseas business visitors who need a Standard Visitor visa.
Map the Business Activity
Identify exactly what the visitor will do in the UK and match it to the permitted visitor activities. If the activity looks like work, consider a sponsored or specialist work route instead.
Check Visa or ETA Need
Use nationality and travel circumstances to confirm whether the visitor needs a Standard Visitor visa, can travel with an ETA, or can seek entry as a non-visa national.
Prepare Business Evidence
Gather the invitation letter, meeting agenda, overseas employment or business evidence, funding documents, travel dates and proof of return commitments.
Submit the Application
Apply online for a Standard Visitor visa if one is required, pay the fee and attend a visa application centre appointment where requested.
Receive Your Decision
Standard Visitor applications made outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks; travellers should not book risky business commitments until permission is secured.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Business Visit Visa questions for overseas companies, founders and senior staff.
What is the Business Visit Visa UK?
The Business Visit Visa is the common name for using the UK Standard Visitor route for permitted business activity. It allows eligible visitors to come to the UK for short activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, site visits and contract signing, usually for up to 6 months.
How much does a UK Business Visit Visa cost?
A Standard Visitor visa for a business trip costs £135 in 2026. Some travellers may not need a visa and may instead need an ETA, which GOV.UK lists at £20.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Business Visit Visa?
A business visitor can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. The visit must remain temporary and the visitor must not use repeated visits to live in the UK.
What business activities are allowed on a UK visitor visa?
Permitted activities include attending interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars, negotiating and signing deals, attending trade fairs for promotion, carrying out site visits, and certain internal training or knowledge-sharing. The activity must stay within Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities.
Can I work in the UK on a Business Visit Visa?
No, a visitor cannot work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless a specific permitted activity applies. If the UK business needs the person to perform productive work, a work visa should be assessed.
Can I attend a UK conference on a Business Visit Visa?
Yes, attending conferences and seminars is a permitted business activity for Standard Visitors. The applicant should still show the purpose of the visit, how it is funded and that they will leave the UK after the event.
Can I sign contracts in the UK as a business visitor?
Yes, negotiating and signing deals and contracts is listed by GOV.UK as a permitted business visitor activity. The visitor must not use the trip to provide ongoing UK services or fill a UK-based role.
Can I sell products at a UK trade fair on a Business Visit Visa?
A visitor can attend a trade fair to promote their business, but GOV.UK says they cannot sell things. Businesses planning sales activity should check whether a different route or UK commercial structure is needed.
How long does a Business Visit Visa decision take?
GOV.UK’s visa processing times guidance lists Standard Visitor applications outside the UK at 3 weeks. Times can vary if UKVI needs further checks or if appointment availability is limited.
Does a Business Visit Visa lead to settlement?
No. Visitor permission is temporary and does not lead to indefinite leave to remain. A business visitor who wants to work, build a business or relocate to the UK should consider an appropriate work or business route.
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