The United Kingdom is a prime destination for business professionals from Dubai due to its resilient economy. The UK and the UAE also have a close diplomatic relationship, with several companies operating successful branches across both countries.
Travellers from Dubai intending to undertake short-term business activities in the UK may need to obtain the Standard Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), depending on their nationality. To apply for a UK Visit visa from Dubai, it is essential to understand the immigration rules, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Understanding the UK Business Visit Visa
The UK Visit visa for business is part of the larger Standard Visitor visa route. It allows you to visit the UK for short-term business activities permitted under the pathway. Some permissible business activities under this visit visa include:
- Attending a conference, interview, or seminar
- Undertaking a work-related training in the UK that is unavailable in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Negotiating deals and signing contracts
- Attending trade fairs for marketing purposes
- Giving a short-series talk at a public event, if it is not for profit or commercial purposes
- Training or sharing expertise with the employees of the company that you work for, who are based in the UK
- Carrying out site visits and inspections
- Overseeing the delivery of goods by a UK company for your overseas enterprise
- Installing, repairing, or servicing relevant equipment for a UK company in contract with your overseas company or organisation
You are not permitted to undertake paid work while on the Visit visa. To do that, you must apply for the Permitted Paid Engagement visa.
The UK Visit visa allows you to stay for up to six months, which is non-extendable unless under exceptional circumstances. If you are a frequent business visitor to the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa, valid for 2, 5, or 10 years. However, the total permissible length of stay for each visit is capped at 6 months.
Who is Eligible for the UK Visit Visa from Dubai?
UAE citizens are exempt from obtaining a UK Visit visa for short visits to the UK, provided they last no more than 6 months. Instead, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). In rare circumstances, such as when a UAE citizen has a criminal record or a history of a previous UK visit visa refusal, it is advisable to apply for a Standard Visitor visa rather than an ETA.
On the other hand, UAE residents from visa-required countries must apply for the Standard Visitor visa.
For business visits exceeding 6 months, both residents and citizens of the UAE must obtain a long-term visa. Some of the most common UK business visas include the Innovator Founder visa and the Global Talent visa.
Requirements for the UK Visit Visa From Dubai for Business Travellers
If you are traveling to the UK from Dubai and are not visa-exempt, you must meet the following requirements to obtain the business visit visa:
To apply for the UK Visit visa from Dubai for Business travellers, you must:
- Demonstrate that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit by showing ties to Dubai or your home country
- Prove that you can cater for yourself and dependents (if any) during your stay in the UK
- Show the Home Office that you can afford a return journey
- Prove that you will not live in the UK for an extended period or make the country your main home through successive visits
- Demonstrate that you want to undertake a permitted business activity
Documents Required for the Visa Application Process
You must submit the following documents to the Home Office to demonstrate your eligibility:
- A valid passport or travel document
- A passport-sized photograph that meets the Home Office’s requirements
- Proof of return or onward journey
- Hotel booking receipt, lease agreement, letter from a UK host, or other accommodation documents
- Invitation letter, conference registration details, or other evidence of business activity in the UK
- Bank statements or payslips
Cost of UK Visit Visa From Dubai for Business Travellers
The Standard Visitor visa for business visits costs £127. If you are a regular business visitor to the UK, you can obtain the long-term, multiple-entry Standard Visitor visa, which comes with varying costs.
- Two-year multiple entry: £475
- 5-year multiple entry: £848
- 10-year multiple entry: £1,059
You can pay for priority or super priority services to expedite processing. The priority service costs £500 while the Super Priority service costs £1,000. You should also consider other costs, such as document translation, courier services, legal fees, and service charges at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Application Process for the UK Visit Visa for Business
To apply for a UK Visit visa for business, take the following steps:
Complete the Online Application
Visit the Home Office website and complete the online application form. You will be prompted to provide your personal, travel, and financial information, among others, and also to state the reason for your trip. Ensure to enter accurate information to avoid a refusal.
Pay the visa application fee online with a credit or debit card when prompted. The Home Office will send a payment receipt to your email upon successful payment.
Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment
The Home Office website will redirect you to the relevant page, where you can book a biometric appointment at one of the two UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Dubai. Choose a convenient location, time, and date.
At your appointment, you must submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). You will also need to submit a physical copy of the required documents. They will be scanned and uploaded online on your behalf. Ensure that you translate and legalize all non-English documents into English before submission to avoid complications with your application.
Await the Decision
The Home Office will process your application within three weeks for standard submissions. If you use the priority processing service, it will take five working days, while the super priority service takes a maximum of two working days.
You will receive an email with the visa outcome and information regarding subsequent steps to take. The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will also mail your passport and a hard copy of the decision letter, or request that you pick them up from the VAC.
Conclusion
When applying for a UK Visit visa from Dubai, it is crucial to understand the visa’s requirements, application process, and costs. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying, complete the application form accurately, and submit the correct documentation.
Visiting the UK for business is a high-stakes endeavour, and a rejection of your visa application can impact your career or business operations. It can also affect your future UK visa applications. It is advisable to hire an immigration lawyer to guide you through the application process.
