Business Visitor Visa UK Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •No separate business visa — use the Standard Visitor Visa.
- •Meetings, conferences, negotiations, and interviews are permitted.
- •You cannot work, be employed, or receive UK-sourced payment.
- •Intra-company activities like training and knowledge sharing are allowed within limits.
- •If in doubt, check whether you need a Skilled Worker visa instead.
You can do many business activities on a UK Standard Visitor Visa, including attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations. But you cannot work, be employed, or receive payment from a UK company. This guide draws the line between permitted business and activities that need a work visa.
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Permitted Business Activities
On a Standard Visitor Visa, you can:
- Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, and trade fairs
- Negotiate and sign deals or contracts
- Attend job interviews
- Deliver training related to your overseas employment (if no UK salary is paid)
- Attend board meetings as a director of a UK company (if not employed in the UK)
- Visit a UK branch of your overseas company for briefings
- Inspect sites, meet suppliers, or check on UK operations
What You Cannot Do
- Work for a UK employer. Any employment requires a Skilled Worker visa or other work visa.
- Provide services to clients. Consulting, contracting, or providing professional services to UK clients is work, not a business visit.
- Manage a team day-to-day. If your role requires ongoing presence and management in the UK, this is employment.
- Receive a UK salary. Payment from a UK source for work done in the UK is not permitted.
The key distinction is between business-related activities (meetings, networking, negotiation) and productive work (doing the job itself). If you are unsure, see our work restrictions guide or seek professional advice.
Permitted Paid Engagement
The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) category allows certain experts to receive payment for short engagements lasting up to 1 month. This includes:
- Examiners and assessors
- Speakers at conferences and events
- Artists and entertainers (for specific events)
- Sports officials
PPE is arranged through an invitation from a UK organisation. Check GOV.UK for the full list of eligible activities.
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Documents for a Business Visit
In addition to the standard visitor visa documents, business visitors should provide:
- A letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your visit
- An invitation from the UK company or event organiser
- Details of your itinerary and meetings
- Evidence of your employment and ties to your home country
Business Visit Costs
A business visit uses the Standard Visitor Visa. The fee is £115 for a 6-month visa. If you visit the UK regularly for business, consider a long-term visitor visa (2 years: £400, 5 years: £771, 10 years: £963). See our visitor visa cost guide and UK visa fees guide.
Next Steps
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Related guides
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