If you’re living outside the UK — say in Pakistan, India, or anywhere else — and planning to start a UK Ltd company, you might be wondering:
👉 Can I also get a visa or move to the UK just because I own a company there?

It’s a smart question — and one many entrepreneurs ask.

The short answer is:
Owning a UK company does not automatically give you a visa.
However, your business can be the first step toward qualifying for a UK business or investment visa.

Let’s explore how it works and which visas are available if you’ve registered or plan to register a company in the UK.

1. Owning a UK Company as a Foreigner

As a non-UK resident, you are fully allowed to:

• Register and own a UK Ltd company
• Operate it remotely from abroad
• Hire UK staff or open a UK bank account

However, registering a company alone does not grant you residency or the right to work in the UK.

Your company is a separate legal entity, and while you can own it, you can’t physically run or manage it in the UK without the right visa.

👉 You may also like: How to Create a UK Ltd Company from Pakistan?

2. UK Visa Options for Business Owners

If your goal is to move to the UK and manage your business in person, there are a few visa routes you can explore.

a. UK Innovator Founder Visa

This visa is designed for entrepreneurs with a unique, scalable, and innovative business idea.
Key requirements include:

• A business idea endorsed by a UK government-approved body
• Proof that you can support yourself financially
• A detailed business plan

If approved, this visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 3 years, with a path to settlement.

💡 Tip: If your UK Ltd company has growth potential and can create jobs, this is your best route.

b. Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)

If you already have a company abroad (for example, in Pakistan) and want to expand your business to the UK, this visa might fit you.

It allows you to:

• Send a senior employee (or yourself) to set up a UK branch
• Live and work in the UK temporarily
• Prepare your company for long-term operations

This visa typically lasts 12 months, extendable up to 2 years.

c. Skilled Worker Visa (Through Your Company)

If your company is registered as a licensed sponsor, you can hire skilled workers — and even sponsor yourself, under strict conditions.

This requires:

• A Sponsor License from the UK Home Office
• A qualifying job role with a proper salary
• Compliance with UK employment laws

It’s a great option if you want to operate your business and work under your own UK entity.

3. Does My UK Ltd Company Help My Visa Application?

Absolutely — owning a UK company can strengthen your visa application by proving:

• You have genuine business intentions
• You contribute economically to the UK
• You’re likely to manage a viable business long-term

While it’s not automatic, it’s a major credibility advantage when applying for business or entrepreneur visas.

4. What Documents Do I Need for a Business Visa?

Here’s a quick checklist of common documents:

• Valid passport
• Proof of company registration (Certificate of Incorporation)
• Business plan and financial forecast
• Proof of business activity or contracts
• Bank statements and tax documents

💡 Pro Tip: Your business plan should show how your company will benefit the UK economy — through innovation, trade, or employment.

5. Important Things to Know

Before applying for a visa based on your UK company:

• You cannot apply for a visa solely because you own a company
• You must meet eligibility and endorsement criteria for your chosen visa type
• Keep your annual filings up to date with Companies House and HMRC

👉 Read also: What Are the Annual Filing Requirements for a UK Ltd Company?

Example Scenario

Ali, a Pakistani entrepreneur, registers his UK Ltd company online with Corpulate.
He operates remotely for a year, builds a small client base, and later applies for the Innovator Founder Visa with an approved endorsement — based on his tech idea.

By doing this, Ali legally moves to the UK and begins managing his company in person.

Your journey can look similar — start online, grow remotely, and then apply for the visa that fits your business goals.

Conclusion

So, can you get a UK visa by starting a business there?
Not directly — but it’s the foundation of your journey.

By forming a UK Ltd company, proving genuine business activity, and choosing the right visa route, you can legally live and work in the UK as a business owner.

If you’re ready to start your UK company or need guidance on the process, Corpulate.com helps non-UK residents set up their Ltd company 100% online — quickly, securely, and affordably.

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