Turkish Businessperson and workers visas

This route is for Turkish nationals who are either coming to the UK to establish a business or for Turkish workers who have been working in the UK and wish to extend their stay in the UK.

Turkish Businessperson (Ankara Agreement)

You need to fulfil the following requirements:

• The “genuineness test”: You need to show that you genuinely intend and are able to establish or run your business in the UK.  You must also show that the funds are genuinely available and you genuinely intend to invest the money.   For these reasons, you need to provide a business plan along with other evidence to show that your intentions are genuine.

• Maintenance funds: You must provide evidence that you are able to maintain yourself and any dependants that will be joining you in the UK without recourse to public funds.  This means that aside from your investment funds, you need to have enough money to cater for yourselves in the UK.

Once the application is approved, you will be given 12 months initial leave that can be extended for a further period of 3 years, subject to meeting the requirements for leave to remain of the Immigration Rules. You are unable to settle under this route.

Turkish workers visa

You can apply for further leave in the UK under this route if hold a work permit, spouse or student visa and have been legally working in the UK for at least 1 year.

Once the application is approved, the leave and work will depend on how long you have been working in the UK.  If you have been in the UK and working legally for 1-3 years, you will be given up to 2 years leave to remain subject to your working for the same employer.

If you have been in the UK and working legally for 3-4 years, you will be given leave for 1 year allowing you to work for any employer in the same occupation.

If you have been working in the UK for 4 years or more, you will be given up to 3 years leave allowing you to work in any occupation for any employer.

You are unable to extend or settle under this route.

Family members

Your family members (partner and children under 21) can apply to join you in the UK under this visa. Once the application is approved, they will be granted leave in line with your leave, which can be extended subject to meeting the requirements for leave to remain of the Immigration Rules. You are unable to settle under this route.

Making an application

Our immigration lawyers achieve results in an efficient and timely manner and establish long term relationships with our clients.  Our specialist immigration lawyers will guide you through the process step by step – you can relax, you’re in experienced hands.

To apply for this visa or to make an enquiry, please contact us to speak to our dedicated team of immigration solicitors.