As a general rule, those visiting the UK as visitors are only able to remain in the UK for a maximum of 180 days per visit.
While the UK does not have a specific ‘business visitor’ visa, there are specified business activities that visitors can undertake whilst in the UK. These are referred to as ‘general business activities’, and include actives such as attending meetings, seminars, or interviews; negotiating and signing deals and contracts; attending trade fairs; and carrying out site visits and inspections. There are further specific activities that can be undertaken on an intra-company basis or as an overseas manufacturer of goods, for example.
However, visitors are not allowed to undertake substantive and productive work for a UK based organisation, sell directly to the public, or receive payment from a UK source for any activities undertaken in the UK.
The UK visitor rules can be open to interpretation and it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Getting the distinction between a visit and work wrong can have significant consequences for the visitor, the UK firm they are visiting, and possibly also the overseas firm for which they work. It is therefore advisable to seek support from an immigration provider to ensure all visitor activities fall within the parameters of what the UK authorities permit.
Regardless, it must be noted that visitors to the UK are restricted to a maximum of 180 days per visit. Should one overstay this limit, this can have a negative impact on any future UK immigration application, or visit, and can affect a traveller’s ability to visit the UK in future. It is also important to consider how often a business visitor comes to the UK and for how long. The more often they visit and the longer they stay, the more likely it is that they will face questioning at the border as to whether they are really a genuine visitor to the UK, or whether they are actually living in the UK.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an , or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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