Turkish Businessperson Visa Guide 2025

For years, the Turkish Businessperson visa offered an exclusive route for Turkish nationals to set up and run businesses in the UK under the Ankara Agreement.

However, the Turkish Businessperson visa route closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020 following the UK’s departure from the European Union and the end of the Brexit transition period. Despite this, it continues to afford lawful status and a potential pathway to UK settlement for those already in the system. Individuals already holding this visa can still apply for extensions and, if eligible, settlement under the provisions set out in Appendix ECAA of the UK Immigration Rules.

In the guide, we explain what rights remain under the Turkish Businessperson route, who still qualifies, how to extend and what viable alternatives now exist.

 

What is the Turkish Businessperson Visa?

 

The Turkish Businessperson visa was a UK immigration route that allowed Turkish nationals to establish or join businesses in the United Kingdom. It originated from the 1963 Ankara Agreement between Turkey and the European Economic Community (EEC), which aimed to promote economic relations and Turkey’s potential accession to the EEC. The UK became a party to this agreement upon joining the EEC in 1973 .

Under the Ankara Agreement, Turkish nationals were granted certain rights to establish themselves as self-employed individuals in EEC member states. The UK implemented this through the 1973 Immigration Rules, allowing Turkish citizens to apply for permission to start a new business or join an existing one in the UK.

Applicants needed to demonstrate a genuine intention to run a viable business, sufficient funds to support themselves and their families without recourse to public funds and an active role in the business.

The visa did not require a minimum investment amount or specific language proficiency, making it accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs.

Initially granted for 12 months, the visa could be extended for up to three years at a time, provided the business remained viable and the applicant continued to meet the eligibility criteria. After five years of continuous residence under this route, individuals could apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK .

 

Closure of the Route After Brexit

 

The Turkish Businessperson visa route ceased accepting new applications at 11:00 pm on 31 December 2020. This change was a direct consequence of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period. The cessation of the UK’s participation in the Ankara Agreement, which previously facilitated this visa route, necessitated the closure to new entrants.

Despite the closure to new applicants, individuals who held valid Turkish Businessperson visas before the specified date retained the ability to apply for extensions and, where eligible, settlement in the UK. These provisions are outlined in Appendix ECAA (European Communities Association Agreement) of the UK Immigration Rules. The appendix delineates the criteria and processes for existing visa holders seeking to extend their stay or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Under the current guidelines, applicants must demonstrate that they continue to meet the necessary requirements, such as maintaining an active and viable business. The Home Office’s guidance provides detailed information on the evidence required and the conditions that must be satisfied for a successful application.

 

Extending a Turkish Businessperson Visa

 

Although the Turkish Businessperson visa route closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020, Turkish nationals who held valid permission under this category before that date may still be eligible to apply for extensions in 2025.

The provisions for qualifying extensions are outlined in Appendix ECAA of the UK Immigration Rules. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they continue to meet the requirements set out in the Immigration Rules, which includes providing evidence that their business is active, viable and capable of supporting both the applicant and any dependants without recourse to public funds.

Applicants must also ensure they are not in breach of immigration laws, except where any period of overstaying is disregarded under paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules.

 

Requirement	Description
Existing Leave	Must have valid permission under the Turkish Businessperson route granted before 31 December 2020.
Business Activity	Must show genuine, active, and viable self-employment or business involvement in the UK.
Financial Independence	Must demonstrate ability to support self and any dependants without relying on public funds.
Compliance	Must not be in breach of immigration laws (with limited exceptions under paragraph 39E).
Application Deadline	Must apply before current leave expires.

 

Applications for extension are submitted online visa the UK government website using the specified form for Turkish Businessperson or Worker. Applicants will need to provide biometric information and a valid passport or travel document to prove their identity and nationality.

There is no fee to apply for an extension under this route.

Decisions on applications are typically made within six months.

Successful applicants may be granted an extension of up to three years. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for an extension, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

 

Read our guide to extending the Turkish Businessperson visa here >> 

 

Turkish Businessperson Visa to ILR

 

Turkish nationals who were granted leave under the Turkish Businessperson visa route before its closure on 31 December 2020 may still be eligible to apply for ILR in the UK. ILR provides the right to live, work and study in the UK without time restrictions and is one step closer to obtaining British citizenship.

To qualify for ILR under the Turkish Businessperson route, applicants must have completed a continuous period of five years residing in the UK under this visa category. During this period, they should have been actively engaged in running a viable business that can support both themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds. The business must have been genuine and ongoing throughout the qualifying period.

Applicants are also required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, typically by passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the English language requirements. Applicants must not have breached any immigration laws during their stay, except where any period of overstaying is disregarded under paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules.

Applications for ILR are submitted online through the official UK government website. Applicants will need to provide biometric information and supporting documents that evidence their continuous residence and business activities in the UK.

It costs £3,029 per applicant to apply for ILR.

Processing times can vary, but applicants can generally expect a decision within six months of submitting their application. It is advisable to ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

 

Criteria	Requirement
Residence Period	Minimum five years of continuous lawful residence under the Turkish Businessperson route.
Business Continuity	Evidence of ongoing, viable business activity in the UK during the qualifying period.
Absences	No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period (subject to exceptions).
English Language	Must meet English language requirements (CEFR B1 level or higher).
Life in the UK Test	Must pass the Life in the UK Test.

 

 

Turkish Businessperson Visa Dependants

 

Partners and children who were previously granted permission as dependants under the Turkish Businessperson route can apply to extend their stay. The extension must be sought before their current permission expires. Applications should be submitted online, and each family member must apply separately. There is no fee for these applications. Decisions are typically made within six months.

For partners, eligibility requires being in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the main visa holder. Both individuals must intend to live together throughout the applicant’s stay in the UK. Unmarried partners must have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.

Children under 21 at the time of application can apply as dependants. Those over 21 may be eligible in specific circumstances, such as if they were last granted permission as the dependent child of their parent on the ECAA route and are not leading an independent life.

Applicants must demonstrate adequate accommodation and that the business profits are sufficient to maintain the dependants without recourse to public funds.

Family members who have been granted leave as dependants under the Turkish Businessperson route may also apply for ILR, provided they meet the relevant requirements. This includes demonstrating a continuous residence in the UK and, where applicable, meeting the English language and Life in the UK requirements.

Dependants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they have completed five years of continuous residence in the UK under the Turkish Businessperson route. For partners, eligibility includes being in a genuine and continuing relationship with the main visa holder, intending to live together permanently, and meeting the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirements.

Children can apply for ILR if they are under 21 and have been granted leave as the child of a Turkish Businessperson. Those over 21 may be eligible if they were last granted permission as the dependent child of their parent on the ECAA route and are not leading an independent life.

Applications for ILR must be submitted online, and applicants are required to provide biometric information. The ILR application fee is £3,029.

 

Alternatives to the Turkish Businessperson Visa

 

With the Turkish Businessperson visa route closed to new applicants since 31 December 2020, Turkish nationals seeking to establish or join businesses in the UK will need to explore alternative immigration routes. Prospective applicants should carefully assess their qualifications, business plans and long-term goals to determine the most suitable visa option, which could include:

 

Visa Route	Type of Activity	Settlement Route	Endorsement or Sponsor Required
Innovator Founder	Start and run an innovative business	Yes, after 3 years	Yes (Endorsing Body)
Skilled Worker	Employment in eligible role	Yes, after 5 years	Yes (Licensed Sponsor)
Global Talent	Work in academia, arts, or tech	Yes, after 3 or 5 years	Yes (or prestigious award)
High Potential Individual	Post-study work based on recent degree	No direct route	No
Scale-up Worker	Work for UK scale-up company	Yes, after 5 years	Yes (initial 6 months)

 

 

Innovator Founder Visa

 

The Innovator Founder visa is designed for individuals intending to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. Applicants must have a business idea that is new, innovative, viable, and scalable, and it must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. There is no requirement for a minimum investment amount, but applicants must demonstrate that they have at least £1,270 in personal savings to support themselves during their stay. The visa is initially granted for three years, with the possibility of extension. Indefinite Leave to Remain may be available after three years, provided certain criteria are met.

 

Read our guide to the Innovator Founder visa here >>

 

 

Skilled Worker Visa

 

The Skilled Worker visa allows individuals to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible job. Applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence and must be paid a minimum salary, which varies depending on the job role. As of 2025, the minimum salary threshold has been raised, and applicants are generally required to have qualifications at RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree). The visa can be granted for up to five years, with the possibility of extension. Settlement may be available after five years of continuous residence in the UK.

 

Read our guide to the Skilled Worker visa here >>

 

 

Global Talent Visa

 

The Global Talent visa is aimed at individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Applicants must either have won an eligible prestigious prize or obtain an endorsement from a recognised UK body. The visa offers flexibility, allowing holders to work for an employer, be self-employed, or set up a business. Settlement may be available after three or five years, depending on the field of expertise and the applicant’s achievements.

 

Read our guide to the Global Talent visa here >>

 

 

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

 

The HPI visa is for individuals who have been awarded a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher from an eligible university within the last five years. The visa is granted for two years (or three years for PhD holders) and does not require a job offer. While the HPI visa does not lead directly to settlement, holders may switch to other visa routes that do, such as the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder visas.

 

Read our guide to the HPIV here >> 

 

 

Scale-up Worker Visa

 

The Scale-up Worker visa is designed for individuals with a job offer from a UK scale-up company. Applicants must have a confirmed job offer for at least six months in an eligible occupation and meet the salary requirements. The visa allows for greater flexibility after the initial six months, enabling holders to change employers without needing a new sponsor. Settlement may be available after five years, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

 

Read our guide to the Scale Up visa here >> 

 

 

Need assistance?

 

For specialist guidance on your options as a Turkish national to come to the UK, or to remain here under the Turkish Businessperson visa, contact us.

 

Turkish Businessperson Visa FAQs

 

Is the Turkish Businessperson visa still open to new applicants?

The route closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020 following the end of the Brexit transition period.

 

Can I still extend my Turkish Businessperson visa in 2025?

If you were granted leave under this route before it closed, you may still apply for an extension, provided you continue to meet the requirements under Appendix ECAA.

 

Can family members of Turkish Businessperson visa holders apply for extensions?

Partners and children who were granted leave as dependants can apply to extend their stay, provided the family circumstances and financial requirements continue to be met.

 

Is it possible to apply for indefinite leave to remain on this visa route?

If you have completed five years of continuous residence in the UK under this visa and meet all eligibility criteria, including knowledge of English and life in the UK, you may apply for settlement.

 

Are there fees for applying to extend under this route?

There is no application fee for extensions under the Turkish Businessperson visa provisions.

 

What happens if my current leave has expired?

If your leave has expired and you have not applied for an extension or another valid form of leave, you may be considered an overstayer. However, paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules may apply in limited circumstances.

 

What alternatives are available now for Turkish nationals who want to run a business in the UK?

There are several options, including the Innovator Founder visa, Global Talent visa, and other work-related routes such as the Skilled Worker or Scale-up Worker visas.

 

Can dependants apply for ILR at the same time as the main visa holder?

Provided they meet the relevant residence and relationship requirements, dependants can apply for ILR at the same time as the main applicant or at a later date.

 

Do I need to have held the visa continuously for five years to qualify for ILR?

A continuous five-year period under the Turkish Businessperson visa route is required for settlement, with limited allowances for absences from the UK.

 

What evidence is needed for a business to be considered viable for an extension or settlement application?

You will typically need to provide business accounts, tax returns, bank statements, and other documentation showing the business is active, trading, and capable of supporting you and any dependants.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Appendix ECAA	The section of the UK Immigration Rules that sets out the eligibility requirements and procedures for Turkish nationals who previously applied under the European Communities Association Agreement.
Biometric Information	Fingerprints and a digital photograph provided during the visa application process to confirm identity.
Continuous Residence	The period during which an individual has lawfully lived in the UK without significant absences, required for settlement eligibility.
Dependants	Family members of a visa holder, typically including a spouse, partner or children, who may apply to stay in the UK with the main applicant.
Extension of Stay	An application to prolong an individual’s existing visa permission beyond its current expiry date.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	Permanent residence status in the UK, allowing an individual to live and work without time restrictions.
Innovator Founder Visa	A UK immigration route for entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative businesses, requiring endorsement from an authorised body.
Life in the UK Test	A compulsory test for most settlement applicants, assessing knowledge of British culture, history and laws.
Overstaying	Remaining in the UK beyond the expiry of one’s visa without legal permission, which can affect future immigration applications.
Settlement	Another term for Indefinite Leave to Remain, meaning permanent residence in the UK.