Business visitors come to the UK under the Standard Visitor rules to carry out activities the Immigration Rules permit. The rules draw a line between permitted business activity and work; crossing it can lead to refusal at the border, cancellation of leave and a ban.

Permitted activities

Attending meetings, conferences, seminars and interviews.
Negotiating and signing contracts.
Attending trade fairs to promote your business (not selling directly to the public).
Site visits and inspections.
Gathering information for your employment overseas.
Being briefed on a UK customer's requirements, where the work itself is done overseas.
Intra-corporate activities: an employee of an overseas group company can advise, consult, troubleshoot, train or share skills with the UK branch, and since 2024 can carry out some client-facing work incidental to that.
Some specialist categories: scientists and academics, lawyers, religious workers, sportspeople and artists under defined conditions.

Permitted paid engagements

Certain professionals invited by a UK organisation can be paid for a short engagement of up to one month: visiting lecturers, examiners, advocates, artists and sportspeople. Since 2024 this is part of the Standard Visitor route rather than a separate visa.

What is not allowed

Taking employment with a UK business, providing services to UK customers as self-employed, filling a role (even temporarily), or receiving payment from a UK source other than expenses or a permitted engagement.

When a work visa is needed

If the activity is work by the rules' definition, the person needs a Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or other work visa; see work and business immigration. We advise employers on the line in advance, because the border is not the place to find out.

What we do

We advise on whether the planned activity is permitted, prepare visa applications and invitation letters, and advise on the right work route where a visit will not do.

Fees

Home Office fees and the immigration health surcharge change each April; we confirm the current figures when we advise you. Our fee is fixed and quoted before you instruct us; see our fees.