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Staying in the United Kingdom as a Turkish citizen who will be establishing in business

This page explains how you can apply to stay in the United Kingdom if you are a Turkish citizen who is already here legally and wish to stay as a business person.

The European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) with Turkey allows citizens of Turkey the right to have their application to establish themselves in business in the United Kingdom considered under more favourable rules than those that normally apply to people who come from outside the European Economic Area.

If you are already legally in the United Kingdom in some other capacity, such as another business category or as a visitor or student, you may apply to switch to the Turkish-ECAA category if you meet the requirements for proving that you will be genuinely establishing in business.

You must show that:

  • you are bringing money of your own to put into the business;
  • you will be able to bear your share of the costs of running the business (its liabilities); and
  • your share of the profits will be enough to support you and any dependants you have without you needing to find other employment for which a work permit would normally be required.

If you wish to join an existing partnership or company you will also need to show that:

  • you will have an active part in running the business; and
  • there is a genuine need for your services and investment.

You will also have to provide accountsd for the business for previous years.

If you meet all the requirements you will be given permission to stay in the United Kingdom for 12 months, but will not be allowed to work except as a businessperson.

If you have previously been given permission to stay in the United Kingdom for 12 months as a businessperson in this category, you can apply to have your stay extended towards the end of this time.

If you still meet the requirements, you will normally be given permission to stay for another three years. If you meet most of the requirements but cannot produce all the evidence you need (such as tax returns for the whole year), you may be allowed to stay for one more year, after which you may apply again.

When you have lived in the United Kingdom for four years with permission to stay in a business category, you may apply for permission to stay here permanently.

In all cases, you will need to complete application form ECAA 2 Turkish self-employed, which you can download from the right side of this page. See How do I complete application form ECAA 2 Turkish self-employed? for guidance on completing it.

If you have any dependants who are already living with you in the United Kingdom, they can be included in your application or may apply separately. Dependant children aged 18 or over must apply separately. Dependants who apply separately will need to complete application form ECAA 3 Turkish dependant, which you can download from the right side of this page. See How do I complete application form ECAA 3 Turkish dependant? for guidance on completing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?

    If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.