Business visas in Scotland
If you’re a business or individual who wants to relocate to or invest in Scotland, you’ll need to consider different types of visa and immigration requirements.
Things to note
- Scotland is governed by the same visa rules and legislation as the rest of the UK.
- Several special business visa categories exist to ensure Scotland remains a competitive destination for investment.
- If you require a UK visa, there are different options open to you, depending on your reason for coming to Scotland
- Short-term options allow for visits to Scotland to search for investment and business opportunities
- Longer-term options allow for permanent relocation of key investors and staff
Do I need a visa before travelling to Scotland?
Some nationalities need to apply for a visa before travelling to Scotland.
Check if you need a UK visa on GOV.UK
Business visa options
- Standard Visitor Visa
- Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
- Start-up visa
- Innovator visa
- Tier 1 Investor Visa
How do I apply for a UK visa?
Visa applications are made at UK Visa Application Centres.
Find your nearest visa application centre on GOV.UK
How long will it take?
There are more than 200 visa application centres worldwide. Priority processing is offered in over 100 of the centres and usually takes between three and seven days.
A super priority visa service is also available in several countries – this provides a decision within 24 hours.
Certain types of visa can, over time, lead to permanent residence in the UK – also known as indefinite leave to remain – or eventually British citizenship.
In This Section
Sole representatives
Standard Visitor Visa
Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
Tier 1 Investor Visa
Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa
Sponsorship and recruitment
If you have any questions or want to talk with one of our advisers, we’re always ready to help.