Turkish ECAA Businessperson Visa

Having worked with the Home Office for many years, we understand how carefully they will assess every application and if they deem that you do not meet the eligibility criteria, or if any of the requirements regarding the process or documentation have not been met, the application can be refused.  Our team will work diligently to ensure that your applications are successful.

How do I apply to extend my ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa?

If you currently hold leave in the UK under the ECAA Turkish Businessperson category, you may apply to extend your leave for up to a further three years, subject to meeting the following requirements:

• you must have, or have a genuine intention to establish, take over or become a partner or director of, one or more viable businesses in the UK;
• you have invested, or will invest, sufficient funds or assets of your own in the business in proportion to your interest in the business;
• you are able to pay your share of liabilities the business may incur;
• your role in the business does not amount to disguised employment; and
• your share of the profits of the business are sufficient to support you and any dependent family members without having to rely on another job or public funds.

If you have or intend to join an existing business, then you will also need to demonstrate that you will have an active role in running that business and that there is a genuine need for your services and investment.

The Home Office must also be satisfied that the proposed business is genuine and viable and that you have the requisite skills, qualifications and entrepreneurial experience to lead the business, and that any investment funds you rely on are genuinely available to you. You may be asked to provide a business plan to demonstrate how you satisfy these requirements.

The Home Office may also require you to attend an interview in order to assess whether your application is credible.

What kind of activities can I undertake in the UK as an ECAA Turkish Businessperson?

As an ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa holder, you will only be permitted to work for the business (or businesses) that you have established, joined or taken over and may not take on other employment outside of your business(es). This includes anything which effectively amounts to disguised employment, such as using your own business to hire out your labour to another employer.

You are permitted to study in the UK, subject to certain conditions.

Can I bring my family with me?

The ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa allows you to bring with you to the UK a dependent spouse or partner and any dependent children who are under the age of 21 at the time of the initial application.

How quickly can I become settled in the UK?

You may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (also known as settlement) after five years continuous residence in the UK as an ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa holder.

To be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you must demonstrate that you continue to meet the extension requirements listed above, and the following additional requirements:

• you have spent a continuous period of five years in the UK and during this time have not been in breach of any UK immigration laws;
• you meet the requirements in relation to absences (you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period during the relevant qualifying period);
• you have sufficient knowledge of the English language and have passed the Life in the UK test.

For more information about us and our personal immigration services, please contact a member of the team who can answer any questions and guide you through the process.