Turkish nationals can apply for a Turkish Business visa under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA), also referred to as the Ankara agreement. The ECAA allows Turkish nationals to establish themselves as a worker or business in the United Kingdom. It is often used by high net individuals to set up business prescience in the United Kingdom or to help run an established business. It is similar to the former Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa without the strict financial requirement of an investment of £200,000. Earlier this year, the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa was suspended and replaced with the Tier 1 Start-up and Tier 1 Innovator visa. There is a number of benefits of securing a Turkish Business visa under the ECAA as it allows Applicants to bring their family members with them to the United Kingdom and it is also possible to switch into other visa categories from within the United Kingdom.
The ECAA was set up under the Ankara Agreement on 12 September 1963. The purpose of the Ankara Agreement was to promote economic relations between Turkey and the rest of the community. Over the years there have been a number of amendments to the provisions which have further welcomed Turkey’s accession to the community. In 1973 the United Kingdom became bound by the ECAA when it joined the European Economic Community (EEC). Turkish nationals must apply under domestic legislation in the United Kingdom namely the Immigration Rules. These are HC509 (on entry rules) and HC510 (after entry rules).
A Turkish Business visa is made in accordance with the Turkish EC Association Agreement 1973 and the HC509 Rules for Control of Entry. If you are applying for this visa you must meet the following requirements:
We advise you that you will need to show that you meet the above applicable requirements by way of strong documentary evidence. Our team of solicitors can advise you as to whether you meet the eligibility requirements and the evidence you will need in order to make a successful application.
There are a number of activities which are permitted under the Turkish Business visa. The main advantage of applying for this visa is that you can establish a new business in the United Kingdom or join an existing business. If you are applying to establish a new business you must be able to demonstrate that you are a strong candidate with prior experience in being an entrepreneur. If you are applying to join an existing business you must be able to show that you will have an active role in running the business and you have the relevant and appropriate experience/qualifications. You will be granted a visa for 12 months and you can apply to extend the visa for a further 3 years and then apply to permanently settle in the United Kingdom.
You can also apply for your dependents to join you in the United Kingdom. All dependents must meet the following requirements:
Our team of solicitors can advise you as to the steps you will need to take in order for you to bring your dependants to the UK and also apply for them to settle permanently with you in the UK.
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to apply for a visa under the Turkish Business visa route.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject Turkish Business visa applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Turkish Business visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Turkish Business visa application meets the Rules.
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your Turkish Business visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your Turkish Business visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Turkish Business visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.