Business Visitor Visa UK – Rules, Meetings & Short-Term Work (2025 Update)

International companies and professionals continue to rely on the UK for meetings, conferences and specialist training. Yet the rules around short-term business visits have changed repeatedly since Brexit.

In 2025, the Home Office updated the Business Visitor route under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. It clarifies what overseas visitors can and cannot do during short stays and aligns the process with the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system introduced in Statement of Changes HC 1333.

At AHJ Immigration, our advisers help individuals and organisations plan lawful short-term business visits, ensuring compliance and avoiding refusals.

What Is a Business Visitor Visa?

A Business Visitor Visa (sometimes called a “Standard Visitor – Business Route”) allows foreign nationals to carry out permitted business activities in the UK for up to six months without taking employment.

It is designed for those who:

• Attend meetings or conferences.
• Negotiate contracts or deals.
• Deliver training or receive training.
• Visit clients, suppliers, or subsidiaries.

Who Needs a Business Visitor Visa in 2025

The requirement depends on your nationality:

If you are on the Visa National List, you must still obtain a Visitor Visa in advance. If you were previously visa-free, you now require an ETA before boarding.

Duration and Conditions

• Maximum stay: 6 months per visit.
• No paid work or long-term assignment in the UK.
• No recourse to public funds.
• Must have funds for accommodation and return travel.
• Visitors cannot switch into a work visa while in the UK.

Multiple entries may be permitted, but you must not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

Permitted Business Activities

Under Appendix Visitor (2025 update), you may:

• Attend meetings, interviews and trade fairs.
• Deliver one-off internal training to UK employees.
• Install, dismantle or service equipment supplied by your overseas company.
• Give a short lecture or speak at a conference (unpaid).
• Negotiate and sign contracts.

Short-term intra-group projects are allowed if the work is incidental and paid overseas.

Activities Not Permitted

You cannot:

• Take employment or do paid work for a UK organisation.
• Sell goods directly to the public.
• Provide services to UK clients other than as described above.
• Live in the UK for extended periods via repeat visits.

Any activity that goes beyond the “visitor” level requires a Skilled Worker Visa or Global Business Mobility route.

Required Documents

To apply for a Business Visitor Visa, you must provide:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Letter from your employer confirming role and reason for travel.
• Invitation letter from the UK business contact.
• Evidence of accommodation and return travel.
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds.

Supporting documents should be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Application Process (Visa Nationals)

1. Apply online via GOV.UK.
2. Pay fee – £115 (2025).
3. Book biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
4. Submit documents electronically.
5. Decision time: 3–6 weeks standard, 5 days priority (£500), 1 day super priority (£1 000).

Application Process (ETA Holders)

If you are a non-visa national:

• Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) via the official GOV.UK app or portal.
• Cost ~ £10.
• Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
• Usually approved within 72 hours.

The ETA replaces the old “visa-free” entry and is required even for short meetings.

Employer & Business Responsibilities

UK companies inviting overseas delegates should:

• Check whether the visitor needs a Visa or ETA.
• Provide detailed invitation letters.
• Keep visit records for compliance if part of a sponsor-licence group.
• Avoid paying overseas staff directly from a UK payroll.

Failing to follow visitor rules can result in penalties or future visa refusals.

Extension, Switching, and Re-Entry

Visitors generally cannot extend their stay beyond 6 months or switch into another visa route while in the UK.
However, they may leave the UK and reapply for a new visit if sufficient time has passed between trips.

Those offered UK-based employment should obtain sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa before travelling again.

Common Refusal Reasons

1. Purpose of visit not credible – vague or inconsistent evidence.
2. Insufficient funds.
3. Poor travel history or overstays.
4. Intention to work or stay long-term.
5. Weak invitation letter.

A well-prepared application, supported by both employer and host documentation, significantly reduces refusal risk.

Recent 2025 Updates You Should Know

• Statement of Changes HC 1333 (Oct 2025) extended the ETA requirement to all EU and EEA countries from 2 April 2025.
• EVW deleted – GCC visitors now use ETA.
• Digital status system links ETA with airline boarding passes automatically.
• Updated guidance for “intra-corporate training visitors” clarifies permitted durations.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

We support business clients and professionals with:

• Visitor Visa applications and document checklists.
• ETA eligibility and online submission support.
• Invitation letter drafting for UK employers.
• Refusal reviews and reapplications.

Our expert team ensures that every business visitor travels lawfully and confidently.

Why Choose AHJ Immigration

• OISC-regulated consultants experienced in all visa routes.
• Transparent fees and fast turnaround times.
• Free 30-Minute Consultation to assess your case.
• 1-Hour Paid Consultation with written advice (deductible if you continue).
  📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or Book Your Consultation Online today.

Disclaimer

Immigration rules and entry requirements change frequently. Information is accurate as of October 2025 and reflects updates under Statement of Changes HC 1333 (Appendix Visitor and ETA National Lists). Always verify via GOV.UK before travel.

FAQs

1. How long can I stay in the UK on a Business Visitor Visa?
Up to six months per visit, for permitted business activities such as meetings and training.

2. Can I be paid while visiting the UK for business?
You can receive expenses from your overseas employer but cannot take UK-based employment or be paid from a UK source.

3. Do EU citizens need permission for business visits?
Yes. From 2 April 2025, EU and EEA nationals must apply for an ETA before travel.

4. How early should I apply for a Business Visitor Visa?
At least 3–4 weeks before travel to allow for biometrics and processing.

5. Can I extend a Business Visitor Visa while in the UK?
No. You must leave the UK and reapply from your home country if you need to return.