Business Immigration

Our business immigration team offer a tailored and holistic approach to achieving solutions for our clients. Whether you’re from the UK or non-EEA, we make sure our clients are set up to be commercially active in the UK.  Our work is rated by the independent directories as number one in this practice area, a position for which we have held for many years. 

Immigration law is constantly changing in line with political and economic factors, and we are always at the forefront of new changes through our contribution to Home Office debate and involvement with the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association. 

How we can help

If you’re looking to establish yourself or your company in economic activity in the UK, we will help you to apply under one of a number of immigration categories. Whether you’re looking acquire a sponsor licence to hire individuals under the points based immigration system, or come to the UK as a sole representative or be here as a self-employed business person running your own business, we are here to help make that happen. We can even assist you with drafting English law compliant contracts of employment by working with our colleagues in the employment team.

We also frequently give advice to the self-employed and investors who wish to be economically active in the UK. Following the introduction of the start-up and innovator categories which replaced the entrepreneur category, creative solutions need to be sought to ensure entrepreneurial activity is free of restrictions. We are always thinking outside the box to achieve alternate solutions based on personal circumstances including ancestral or family connections.

Our approach

Part of our approach is to conduct a detailed audit of a client’s requirements before identifying a solution, making sure we are always on the same page. We can even draw on the expertise of our colleagues across the firm in other departments to ensure we can offer you a full service and find an appropriate solution, saving you time and money.

Whatever the outcome of our advice, we never forget that we are dealing with real people, with real livelihoods at stake. Our excellence in this area is celebrated by others conducting research for independent directories such as Chambers, the Legal 500 and High Net Worth guides.

In the event that a sponsor licence is obtained, we are able to give strategic advice to ensure that there is compliance with the legislation relating to the right to work. Failure to engage with that legislation could have critical outcomes for clients who employ workers in the UK.

Please get in touch to find out how we can help you navigate the world of business immigration and achieve your goals.

“The advice that Bates Wells provided was clear and to the point, and showed that it had excellent knowledge of the subject. It’s a diverse team, each with their area of expertise.”

Business Immigration, Chambers 2024

“The team are quick and always happy to help with excellent advice.”

Business Immigration, Chambers 2024

“What I value most about them is that the firm know our business so incredibly well.”

Business Immigration, Chambers 2024
Meet our team
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