Turkish Businessperson Visa 

1. What It Is The Turkish Businessperson Visa was a special route based on the 1963 'Ankara Agreement' (the ECAA agreement) between Turkey and the European Economic Community. It allowed Turkish nationals to come to the UK to start a new business or join an existing one.

Following the UK's departure from the EU, this route closed to all new applicants on 31 December 2020. However, it remains a valid category for those who already hold the visa and wish to apply for an extension or for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years.

2. Who Can Apply No new applications for this visa are being accepted. The only individuals who can now apply under this route are:

• Existing Turkish Businessperson visa holders who are already in the UK and need to extend their stay.
• Existing Turkish Businessperson visa holders who have lived in the UK for five years and now qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
• Children under 21 of an existing Turkish Businessperson visa holder who wish to join them as a dependent.

New partners or spouses cannot apply to join a visa holder under this route.

3. Key Requirements for Extension For those eligible to extend their stay, the focus is on proving the continuity and viability of their business. Key requirements include:

• Viable Business: You must prove that you are still running a genuine and viable business in the UK and that you are actively involved in it.
• Financial Self-Sufficiency: You must demonstrate that your share of the business's profits is sufficient to support yourself and any family members without needing other employment or relying on public funds.
• Genuine Intention: You must show that you intend to continue operating the business.
• Compliance: You must not have breached any UK immigration laws during your stay.