How to Start an Online Business as a Non-UK National

Starting an online business in the UK isn’t easy, as there are so many things you need to consider for it to be a success. From the business idea to the funding to the digital marketing, everything needs to be in line for your vision to work and it becomes even more of a challenge if you aren’t yet a UK resident. If you’re a non-UK national looking to start up an online business in the UK, there are hurdles you need to overcome before you can even start the planning process.

Non-UK nationals who want to start up an online business in the UK need special requirements. The two best ways to be allowed to set up a UK online business is getting an Indefinite Leave to Remain or a UK visa. There are several routes you can take to ensure that you have all the correct documentation in place so that you can start your online business. We will explore these throughout this article.

If you’re thinking about moving to the UK and starting an online business, this guide will help you with all you need to know in preparation for obtaining the correct working documents. Continue reading to find out more.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or permanent residency, allows individuals to settle permanently in the UK after typically five years of continuous residence. Meeting financial requirements is often crucial in obtaining this and proof of this must be shown. With ILR, there are no time limits on your stay, and you enjoy the freedom to work, study and live in the UK without immigration restrictions looming over you.

There are some eligibility requirements that you must meet to be considered for an ILR in the UK. This includes:

• Lawfully and continuously being a resident in the UK for a certain period of time, usually five years.
• Passed the Life in the UK Test.
• Not spent a total of 90 days outside the UK within a year during the qualifying period.
• Zero breaches of any immigration rules while being in the UK.
• No criminal record.
• Proof of you achieving a Level B1 in English. This has to be confirmed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

You can also apply for an ILR in the UK if you have a work visa, family currently living in the UK, have lived in the country for 10 years or are a commonwealth citizen. Once you have secured this, you have the permission to start your online business in the UK and you can outsource any help you need like SEO, social media marketing or any other form of digital marketing.

UK Visas

Non-UK nationals should always do their research about which visas they need to start an online business in the UK lawfully. You can go to the UK Government website to check if you need a UK visa for your start-up business requirements. Here is a step-by-step way on how to do this on the Gov UK website:

1. Click the “Start Now” button.
2. Select your nationality.
3. Select “work, academic visit or business” when asked what you are coming to the UK to do.
4. Choose “longer than 6 months”
5. Select “I want to start a business”

You will then be given a list of visas that you should consider acquiring.

Innovator Founder Visa

This visa requires endorsement from a body approved by the Home Office. It is typically reserved for experienced business owners with a unique idea and at least £50,000 to invest in their new venture in the UK. It costs £1,191 per person if you apply outside the UK.

Global Talent Visa

This UK visa is intended for leaders and future leaders working in academics or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. If you’re applying based on an endorsement, you’ll pay the £716 in two parts:

• £524 when you apply for the endorsement
• £192 when you apply for the visa itself

UK Expansion Worker Visa

This visa allows you to come to the UK to establish a branch of an overseas business that has not yet begun operations in the UK. Under the requirements of this visa is that you must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

This visa allows you to stay in the UK for at least two years. To qualify, you must have received a qualification from an appropriate university within the last five years. When applying for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, you must have enough money to:

• Pay £210 to Ecctis to ensure your qualification is valid (£252 if applying from the UK).
• Pay the £822 application fee.
• Pay the healthcare surcharge, which is normally £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK.
• Support yourself when you arrive in the UK; you’ll normally need to have at least £1,270 accessible.

When you apply, you will be informed of the exact amount that you owe for the visa.

If you hold a UK Ancestry visa, you can also launch an online business. Commonwealth citizens may be eligible to apply for this visa if they are at least 17 years old and can show that one of their grandparents was born in the UK.

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