Foreign national owning a business in the UK?

dd15 · #1 (**permalink**) 19-08-2008, 13:04

How can a foreign national(non -EU) living and working in the UK start a business there? As in, what are the legal proceedings one has to go through?

Turbopixie · #2 (**permalink**) 20-08-2008, 14:10

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will probably give you some hints, while the Border Agency will give you the rules and regs, I reckon, DD15.

Inzvestor · #3 (**permalink**) 20-08-2008, 17:56

What country have you come from?

I am not originally from the UK and may be able to help

dd15 · #4 (**permalink**) 21-08-2008, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inzvestor

What country have you come from?

I am not originally from the UK and may be able to help

I'm from India.

dd15 · #5 (**permalink**) 22-08-2008, 09:37

Is it true that I need to have £ 200,000 with me? Because that would require heavy saving for quite a long time plus all my savings till now.

Turbopixie · #6 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 06:17

I think that's simply to immigrate. I'm not sure what the rules and regs are for wanting to invest, but you'll probably need to have adequate savings to show that you can support yourself, put money into your business and create jobs without needing to resort to state assistance.

How long have you been in the UK? If I recall correctly, there is a loophole for those who have been here long-term.

wefindhelp · #7 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 06:49

Thats Good This is Uk

Inzvestor · #8 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 16:45

If you live here already and have the appropriate visa (ie you are not simply here on holiday) and have a National Insurance number then I do not see any problems with starting a business here.

There is no monetary requirement to start a business - but if you are applying for certain visa types then this is a different matter

Can you elaborate further on your status?

dd15 · #9 (**permalink**) 25-08-2008, 16:41

I have been working here in the UK for the past 3 years, and did an MBA in the UK before that.
I was told that the only way a foreign national (who is not from EU either) can start a business here is with the Entrepreneur Visa and by investing a minimum of £200,000.

Turbopixie · #10 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 02:22

Did you take your last qualification in the UK? If so, you may qualify for an Entrepreneur Visa, provided you meet some other criteria. My advice would be to talk to the "Immigration Advisory Service" (Google them, I'm not allowed to post links yet). A consultation might cost you money initially, but it will probably save you a heap in the long run.