Turkish Businessperson Visa

What is a Turkish Businessperson Visa under Ankara Agreement?

​The Turkish Businessperson visa was a UK immigration route available to Turkish nationals under the 1963 Ankara Agreement. It allowed individuals to establish or join businesses in the UK as self-employed entrepreneurs.

The Turkish Businessperson visa route closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020.

However, individuals who were granted this visa or applied successfully before this date can still apply to extend their stay. Individuals under 21 can still apply as ‘child dependants’ to accompany visa holders in the UK.

The Turkish Businessperson visa is for Turkish nationals over the age of 18 who either want to start a new business in the UK or come to the UK to help run an existing business.

A Turkish business visa is a breakaway visa that allows Turkish nationals to work and live in the UK on a less stringent basis than a full-time working visa would. Although full-time work is not a prerequisite for a Turkish visa, it is very common for this to be the case.

A Turkish businessperson visa allows Turkish citizens to stay in the UK for up to one year. They will be able to work or create a business in the UK, but will not be able to access certain benefits such as healthcare or education. They will also have to comply with certain rules, such as having a valid passport and having no criminal record.

Extending Your ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa

If you already have authorisation to stay in the UK as a Turkish Businessperson, you can apply to extend your visa. Additionally, you must be able to prove that your established business is still operating and that you’re not under disguised employment. You can also choose to start a new business. Your visa can be extended for up to three years.

If you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you may apply to extend your visa as often as you’d like. After five years, You would be able to submit an ILR application for “indefinite leave to remain” in the UK. You will then have the freedom to stay in the country as long as you wish. You can work, study, and if you qualify, apply for state benefits.

You must apply online before the expiration of your current visa. Application for your visa extension is free. If they qualify, your partner and kids can request permission to extend their stay in the UK as your “dependants.” They must possess a valid dependant visa in order to do this. Children who turned 21 while you were there as well as your partner and children will need to apply separately.

If you hold a Turkish Worker visa, you can apply for your children or your partner’s children to come to the UK. They must apply for a valid visa as your dependants. If they are granted, their visa will expire on the same day as yours.

Until you receive a decision, you must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. If you do, your application will be withdrawn.

Usually, it takes 6 months from the date of your application to receive a decision.

Your application might require more time before approval if your supporting documents must be examined,or you need to appear for an interview. If you have a criminal conviction, that could be another factor in the delay of your application approval. So do your best to avoid the situations above if you want your application approved on time.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive detailed instructions of permitted and prohibited activities with a Turkish Businessperson visa.

Earned Settlement Framework: Impact on Turkish Businessperson Visa Holders

The UK Home secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the government’s indefinite leave to remain (ILR) framework at the House of Commons on 2 November 2026. The Home Office is expected to start introducing the changes through the Immigration Rules from December 2026, with implementation taking place during 2027.

Under the new ILR rules, the standard timeline for ILR will increase to 10 years from the current 5 years. If you hold a Turkish Businessperson visa, check if you can become eligible before the new rules come into effect and apply without further delay to avoid a longer waiting period.

High earners, however, can benefit from a reduced timeline. If you earn over £125,141 for 3 years out of previous 4 years, you can settle in the UK after 3 years on a Turkish Businessperson visa under the new framework. If you earn £50,271 for 3 years out of 4, your ILR timeline will remain 5 years as currently is for Turkish Businessperson visa holders.

Any immigration breaches, on the other hand, will add more years to your qualifying period.

Alternative Business Visas for UK

We help you to obtain a British business visa that suits your requirements. If you are not already on a Turkish Businessperson Visa and are looking to extend, you may be eligible instead for a different route to business in the UK. Here are some alternatives to the Turkish Businessperson Visa.

Innovator Founder

We can help you apply for an Innovator Founder Visa to run your business in the UK.

Global Talent

Our lawyers support you in an application as an ‘exceptional’ talent to come to the UK without employment restrictions.

Skilled Worker

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients achieve their Skilled Worker Visas, you can ensure smooth transition to the UK market.

Paid Engagement

If you are a foreign national invited to the UK to carry out paid work as an expert in your field, you might be eligible for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

Senior or Specialist

We help you apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa for highly-skilled migrants in the UK.

Business Visitor Visa

Whether you want to visit the UK to see friends and family or attend a business meeting or conference, we can help you obtain a visitor visa.

How to bring dependants on the Turkish Businessperson visa

Applicants have the option to include their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, as well as children under 21, as dependants when applying. You must demonstrate that you can financially support your dependants without the need for additional employment, as working is not allowed.

All dependant applications must be done online where you will receive an application number (Global Web Form or Unique Application Number). The dependants will need to provide their biometric data for an eVisa.

They will receive their decision within 6 months. You as the main visa holder are able to extend your dependants visas when you opt to extend yours, or they can apply for extension separately.

Requirements for Getting a Turkish Businessperson Visa

You must prove to UK Visas and Immigration that you are a citizen of Turkey. You must tick all the UK right to work checklists. Also, you meet the requirements stated below in order to be eligible for a valid Turkish Businessperson visa under the Turkish European Community Association Agreement (ECAA, often known as the “Ankara Agreement”).

• You must be able to prove that you have not violated UK immigration Regulations by stating in the country.
• You must show a genuine intention to launch a successful business.
• You must prove that you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and that you are willing to work hard to make it happen.
• You must be able to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and abilities necessary to create a profitable business in the UK and that you are ready to take the first steps.  There are a few different ways you can demonstrate your interest in starting a business.
  • One way is having enough funds to invest a small amount of money.
  • Another way is to have a product or service in the works that you would like to sell in the future.
• You must have a plan for how to grow your business and make money from it. There are a few different ways you can do this.
  • One way is to accept a commission or a bonus for selling a product or a service.
  • Another way is to find a partner or set up a partnership with another company.
• You must be able to prove that your participation in the business won’t amount to disguised employment.
• You must also have enough money to support your family with the profits made from your business without financial assistance from the government or needing to get another job.

How to Apply for a Turkish Businessperson Visa in the UK

The method by which you apply for a Turkish business visa in the UK will depend on your individual circumstances. If you meet the requirements above and are a Turkish national, you can either choose to apply online or download the application form and submit it by post. You can also apply in person at the UK embassy or high commission in your city.

If you are applying for a business or employment visa, you can apply online and print the application form, which is required for both in and out-of-country use. You can also submit a scan of your passport or a scan of your passport pages (excluding the middle section) and a scan of your visa or a scan of your passport pages and a stamp showing the latest date of issue.

Originally, you will need to pre-pay the fee for your visa. However, applying for a Turkish Businessperson visa does not require you to pay for an application fee.

Can You Apply for a Turkish Business Visa Without a License in the UK?

Yes, you can apply for a Turkish business visa without a licence in the United Kingdom. However, this is only recommended if you are self-employed, don’t work for a company with a legal structure and are not involved in any commercial ventures.

The business visa is not a license to work in the UK, but it does allow you to apply for a UK work permit. This allows you to work in the UK without obtaining a license. You must, however, provide evidence of your ability to perform the job in question.

What Is The Validity Of A Turkish Businessperson Visa?

A Turkish Businessperson Visa has a validity of 12 months. As such, anyone with this Visa cannot stay beyond a year in the United kingdom. If you are unable to finish your business during this period, you will be required to renew your Visa before the expiration date. You are eligible to request for a Visa extension of 3 years after the initial validity.

To extend your Visa, you will be subjected to some checks. The issuing department must ensure that your business is still running in the UK. This means that you must be able to present information on your business operations.

If it is a joint business, you must prove that you are able to provide your part of the cost of running the business. In some cases, your partners’ ability to provide their own expenses of running the business might be subjected to check also. However, it only applies if your partner is not a citizen of the UK. Likewise, you must be able to prove that the profit from the business is capable of sponsoring you and your dependents in the course of your stay in the UK.

How Can IAS Help

If you want to extend your Turkish Businessperson Visa, switch visas or apply for another UK business visa, we are here to help. At IAS, our goal is to simplify the process by handling all technicalities for a stress-free application.

We can determine if you are eligible, advise on the best documents to present, complete a high-quality application for you, and liaise with the Home Office on your behalf.

Call us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 if you need some help or expert advice on extending your Turkish businessperson visa or applying for a UK business visa. You can reach out to us in person, over the phone, or online for assistance.