Options for Non-EEA Nationals

Non-EEA nationals who want to start a business in Scotland need to apply for one of the different schemes offered under UK immigration rules. These include –

• Businesspersons
• Innovators
• UK Ancestry Route
• The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
  

This scheme allows Non-EEA nationals to come and live in the UK in order to run a business full time in the UK.

To apply for this scheme, you need to provide a detailed business plan. This should include –

• The object of the business 
• Evidence that you have at your disposal in the UK at least £200,000 of your own money for investment in the business 
• Evidence that you will create at least two full time jobs for people already settled in the UK and details of their employment conditions
• The projected opening balance sheet following the start of the business. 
• If you are joining or taking over an established business, you must show audited accounts for at least 2 previous years

Among other criteria you need to show that you can live in the UK without help from public funds.

Find out more about the Businesspersons scheme at Border and Immigration Agency

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Innovators

The Innovators scheme is aimed at entrepreneurs with new and creative ideas who want to set up a business in the United Kingdom, especially in the areas of science and technology, including e-commerce.

The aim of the scheme is to attract and select entrepreneurs whose business proposals will lead to exceptional economic benefits for the UK.

With the innovator programme –

• You do not need to invest a set amount of money 
• Someone else can give you money to set up your business 
• Your proposals must bring exceptional economic benefits to the UK

To qualify as an innovator you must show that you have –

• Entrepreneurial ability 
• Technical skills 
• A good business plan

Find out more at: Border and Immigration Agency

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UK Ancestry Route

A non-EEA National can set up a business in the UK through the UK Ancestry Route. You will need to satisfy the UK Immigration Rules requirements for the UK Ancestry category.

To enter the UK on the basis of UK ancestry, you must be –

• A Commonwealth citizen 
• Aged 17 or over 
• Able to provide proof that one of your grandparents was born in the UK and that any such grandparent is your blood grandparent or grandparent by reason of an adoption 
• Able to work and intend to take or seek employment in the UK 
• Able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds 
• Hold a valid UK Entry Clearance (Visa) for entry in this capacity

Further information and guidance on UK Ancestry is available at www.ukvisas.gov.uk

If you meet the above immigration requirements you will be eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry Entry Clearance (Visa) at a British High Commission or British Embassy in your country before travelling to the UK.

Go to the Foreign and Commonwealth website to find a British Embassy in your country

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The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)

The UK government operates a programme to allow individuals to seek entry to work in the UK without having a prior offer of employment, or to take up self-employment opportunities.

The highly skilled migrant entry programme (HSMP) allows highly skilled individuals to migrate to the UK.

For this programme you apply directly to the HSMP Team at the Border and Immigration Agency. If you are successful, you do not need a work permit and can work for any employer or as self-employed.

Further details can be found at British Embassies, High Commission or Consulates.

Find out more about HSMP at Border and Immigration Agency