This is a British immigration service specifically for nationals of countries with the relevant European Community Association Agreement in place. These countries are currently Romania and Bulgaria.

This visa allows candidates to live and work in the UK by allowing them to start a business of any size and in any sector within the UK. You must however work full time in the running of the business and it is essential that you do not seek work within the UK that is outside of your business. It should be noted that it is extremely difficult to qualify under this type of visa and as a result it may be easier and to apply for work in the UK under the Tier 1 of the Immigration Tier System.

One of the main benefits of this UK immigration service is that no investment is required; you do not need to create jobs in the UK or invest money into the UK’s economy.

This visa is normally granted for a maximum of two years; it can however be extended by a further three years as long as when the two years are up you fulfil the following regulations:

• Your business has ran in line with your original business plan
• You are able to support yourself without the need of UK public funding
• You are actively involved in the management and promotion of business and you have not taken other employment
• Your business continues to exist

In order to qualify for this visa you will have to demonstrate the following to show that you come under the European Community Association Agreement:

• That you are a citizen of Bulgaria or Romania.
• You will work solely in the business. You are free to trade using a limited company, or as an individual by yourself or in partnership with other individual/s. Please note that if you are a citizen of Slovenia you may only trade using a limited company.
• Have sufficient funds to accommodate and provide for you and your family until the business is profitable.
• If you are trading as a limited company you must have a controlling interest in the business. This is not relevant for those who are self-employed or in partnership. In the UK those who are self-employed or in partnership who are in effect trading as individuals rather than as a corporate entity do not have to be registered. It should be noted that citizens of Slovenia may only come under the EC Association Agreement if they trade as a limited company.
• By implementing a business plan that looks to be thorough and viable

It is possible for your family (your spouse and children) to join you in the UK whilst you are there under the European Community Association Agreement Visa. They can apply to come over as your dependants. If they are granted to do so they are able to receive the same healthcare and education that is available to UK nationals.

If you require any additional help when you are applying to come to the UK under the European Community Association Agreement then get in touch with Immigration Consult. Our immigration consultants can offer you immigration lawyer expertise and we can help you pursue the right route for your needs. As a specialist UK immigration consultancy, we can manage every aspect of your relocation to the UK, from advice on making an application to a range of services to assist you upon your arrival.

Contact Immigration Consult today and we will be happy to help you in anyway that we can.

.