The UK Market: A legal guide for business entry & growth
Business immigration
Business immigration: Opening doors to the UK
Expanding your business to the UK offers exciting opportunities. But it’s important to make sure your business and key personnel comply with UK immigration laws. The UK has strict immigration rules, and there are significant consequences for non-compliance – including civil penalties starting at £45,000, criminal liability and reputational damage for employers.
Navigating the routes: What you need to know
There’s a wide range of economic immigration routes into the UK, each with its own eligibility criteria and considerations. Immigration is a political issue in the UK – so staying up to date with the changing rules is essential. If you’re based overseas, understanding the regulations and identifying the correct route for each individual can be daunting.
Below are key questions to ask:
Some nationalities must get a visit visa before travelling to the UK. Others can enter as visitors but need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) first. This is dictated by nationality. The UK’s visitor rules are strict on what business visitors can do and how long they can stay. Breaching these rules can mean illegal working, so carefully check if a different visa is needed.
If your people need to do more than a visitor is allowed or stay longer, you’ll need a different visa. There are a variety of options available, and the right route will depend upon factors such as:
- Whether your business is already established in the UK and, if so, its legal structure and stage of development.
- What UK-based personnel your business has already (if any).
- What the individual will do in the UK, for how long and your longer-term plans for them.
- How much they will be paid.
- Their personal circumstances (e.g., qualifications, nationality and age).
Some routes are employer-led and will require your UK business to secure a sponsorship licence from UK Visas and Immigration.
If your key people aren’t British or Irish nationals, immigration must be front and centre when planning your UK business. The way you set up your UK business could rule out some immigration options, so get expert advice at an early stage.
How we help
Our UK-wide business immigration team is here to make your move as smooth as possible. Whether you’re planning a business visit, building a UK team or assigning overseas staff for the short or long term, our team has extensive experience in the full A to Z of business immigration. We’ll work with you to understand your goals and map out the best way to achieve them with the talent in the right place at the right time.
A legal guide for business entry & growth
The UK market guide
This guide provides an overview of the relevant legal considerations when setting up in the UK and explains how our expert team supports you throughout each stage of your expansion journey.
Structure & tax
Explore the best legal and tax structures for entering the UK market. Learn how to minimise risk, ensure compliance and choose the right setup - through subsidiaries, branches or joint ventures.
Commercial contracts
Understand how English contract law supports flexible, enforceable agreements. Discover key principles, common pitfalls and how we draft commercial contracts that protect your interests.
Regulatory Compliance
Understand the UK’s regulatory landscape and how it affects your business. This section covers key areas - helping you manage risk, meet legal obligations and operate confidently across sectors.
Banking & Finance
Navigate the UK’s dynamic finance landscape with expert guidance. Learn how to structure deals, access funding and leverage ESG-linked instruments to support long-term investment strategies.
Leasing Real Estate
Practical insights into UK leasing laws across jurisdictions. Understand registration, energy standards and tenant protections to make informed decisions when leasing in commercial property.
Employment & Pensions
Ensure compliance with UK employment law. Learn how to structure contracts, manage statutory rights while staying ahead of upcoming legal reforms and pension obligations.
Business Immigration
Explore UK immigration routes for business expansion. Understand visa options, sponsorship requirements and compliance risks to ensure smooth relocation and legal planning for personnel.
Data Protection
Stay compliant with UK GDPR and the new Data Use and Access Act. Learn how to manage personal data, lawful bases, international transfers and individual rights with confidence and clarity.
Intellectual Property
Protect and monetise your innovations with UK IP law. Explore patents, trade marks, copyright and design rights - learn how to enforce, license and leverage IP for commercial advantage.
Franchise Laws
Understand the legal framework for franchising in the UK. Learn how to structure agreements, manage IP, comply with competition law and support franchisees while protecting your brand and business.
International Trade
Navigate the UK’s post-Brexit trade landscape. Discover how to manage tariffs, export controls, and trade remedies to protect your supply chain and maximise global opportunities.