Relocating to the UK
for Business and Hiring Workers from Abroad
Exploring the key aspects of relocating to the UK and hiring skilled professionals from abroad.
In 2024, the United Kingdom continues to be one of the main hubs attracting global talent. According to a new ranking by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the majority of skilled expats aspire to move to London. Let’s explore the legal and financial aspects of relocation and developing your business in the United Kingdom.
Which Visa to Choose for Relocation?
The primary visa for UK business immigration is the Innovator Founder Visa. This visa is designed for those who wish to move to or extend their stay in the UK while managing a business.
Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa offers several advantages, including the possibility of obtaining permanent residency after three years, followed by British citizenship. It also allows you to bring your family, develop your business, and pursue education in the UK.
Requirements for the Innovator Founder Visa
To obtain this visa, you need approval for your business idea, proof of English language proficiency at a B2 level, and evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK—at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 continuous days before applying. Additionally, depending on your country of residence, you may need to provide a tuberculosis test certificate.
Support from Goldman Solutions
When you seek comprehensive immigration assistance from Goldman Solutions, you receive the following support:
Hiring Employees in the UK: Obtaining a Sponsor Licence
To hire employees from abroad in the UK, your company must have a Sponsor Licence, and the employee will need to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. In some cases, employees can relocate under a Global Talent Visa.
Duration and Renewal of the Sponsor Licence
A Sponsor Licence is typically issued for four years and can be renewed. During this period, the Home Office may conduct checks to ensure all sponsorship requirements are met. Sometimes, these checks occur before the licence is granted.
Application Fees for the Sponsor Licence
The Home Office charges a fee for applying for a Sponsor Licence: £536 for small sponsors and £1,476 for large sponsors. Additionally, you need to pay for the cost of sponsorship certificates and a fee if the position is not vacant. The fee is £364 per year for small sponsors and £1,000 per year for large sponsors. Once approved, you can start issuing sponsorship certificates to foreign employees, each costing £239.
Legal Assistance Costs
Consider the cost of legal assistance, potential additional hiring expenses, including salaries and taxes, and corporate tax obligations.
Our Legal Services
The cost of our legal services for assisting with the Sponsor Licence application:
Cultural Aspects of Doing Business and Hiring Employees in the UK
Cultural aspects play a crucial role in doing business and hiring employees in the UK. The British business environment is multicultural, significantly impacting communication norms within teams.
Key Cultural Considerations
Don't worry about your accent. Statistics show that one in six residents of England and Wales was born outside the UK. Living and doing business in the UK, you will be in a multicultural environment where having an accent is normal. Understanding cultural aspects will allow you to conduct business more effectively and hire employees in the UK, creating a productive and harmonious work environment.
The primary visa for UK business immigration is the Innovator Founder Visa. This visa is designed for those who wish to move to or extend their stay in the UK while managing a business.
Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa offers several advantages, including the possibility of obtaining permanent residency after three years, followed by British citizenship. It also allows you to bring your family, develop your business, and pursue education in the UK.
Requirements for the Innovator Founder Visa
To obtain this visa, you need approval for your business idea, proof of English language proficiency at a B2 level, and evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK—at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 continuous days before applying. Additionally, depending on your country of residence, you may need to provide a tuberculosis test certificate.
Support from Goldman Solutions
When you seek comprehensive immigration assistance from Goldman Solutions, you receive the following support:
- Assistance in developing your business idea
- Business plan preparation
- Resume (CV) creation
- Submission of your application for endorsement
- Negotiations and communication with the endorsing body on your behalf
- Preparation for the interview with the endorsing body
- Submission of your visa application and interaction with the UK Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI)
- Help with re-submission for business idea endorsement if initially refused
- Consultations on issues related to obtaining the Innovator Founder Visa
Hiring Employees in the UK: Obtaining a Sponsor Licence
To hire employees from abroad in the UK, your company must have a Sponsor Licence, and the employee will need to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. In some cases, employees can relocate under a Global Talent Visa.
Duration and Renewal of the Sponsor Licence
A Sponsor Licence is typically issued for four years and can be renewed. During this period, the Home Office may conduct checks to ensure all sponsorship requirements are met. Sometimes, these checks occur before the licence is granted.
Application Fees for the Sponsor Licence
The Home Office charges a fee for applying for a Sponsor Licence: £536 for small sponsors and £1,476 for large sponsors. Additionally, you need to pay for the cost of sponsorship certificates and a fee if the position is not vacant. The fee is £364 per year for small sponsors and £1,000 per year for large sponsors. Once approved, you can start issuing sponsorship certificates to foreign employees, each costing £239.
Legal Assistance Costs
Consider the cost of legal assistance, potential additional hiring expenses, including salaries and taxes, and corporate tax obligations.
Our Legal Services
The cost of our legal services for assisting with the Sponsor Licence application:
- £3,900 for companies with fewer than 10 employees (+VAT)
- £4,900 for companies with more than 10 employees (+VAT)
- For companies with over 50 employees, the cost is calculated individually
Cultural Aspects of Doing Business and Hiring Employees in the UK
Cultural aspects play a crucial role in doing business and hiring employees in the UK. The British business environment is multicultural, significantly impacting communication norms within teams.
Key Cultural Considerations
- Professional Relationships and Etiquette: In British business, formality and politeness are essential. Avoid overly direct or blunt behavior, which may initially seem unusual to those from Russian-speaking cultures.
- Tolerance: The British business mindset is characterized by tolerance towards cultural and religious diversity, making it less conservative than in Russia.
- Legislative Regulation of Employer-Employee Relationships: UK laws strongly protect employee interests. Certain behaviors by managers that are not strictly regulated or are considered normal in Russia may be unacceptable in the UK. Avoid an authoritarian tone with employees, respect personal boundaries, and consult with lawyers during hiring and downsizing processes.
Don't worry about your accent. Statistics show that one in six residents of England and Wales was born outside the UK. Living and doing business in the UK, you will be in a multicultural environment where having an accent is normal. Understanding cultural aspects will allow you to conduct business more effectively and hire employees in the UK, creating a productive and harmonious work environment.
Do you have questions about business immigration and hiring employees in the United Kingdom?
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