Overview
The Turkish Businessperson visa (also known as “ECAA Business” or “Ankara Treaty” Visa) was for Turkish nationals over the age of 18 who either wanted to establish a new business in the UK or come to the UK to join an existing business.
Current Status of the Route
The Turkish Businessperson visa, also known as the ECAA Business or Ankara Treaty visa, closed to new applications on 31 December 2020, following the end of the Brexit transition period.
While new applications are no longer accepted, existing visa holders can:
- Apply to extend their stay in the UK.
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) once eligible.
- Bring eligible dependants to the UK (rules vary for children vs spouse/partner).
After the Brexit transition period ended on 31 December 2020, new applications for the Turkish Businessperson visa are no longer accepted. Currently, only children under 21 (child dependents) can apply to join you in the UK on this visa. If you wish to bring your spouse or partner to the UK, the Partner/Spouse Visa Rules set out under Appendix FM of Immigration Rules will need to be met.
Existing Turkish Businessperson visa holders can still use this route to apply for an extension of their right to remain in the UK. Additionally, you will be able to pursue a course of study or engage in volunteer work.
Key Advantages of the UK Turkish Businessperson Visa
- No Fixed Investment Requirement: If you are already in the UK on a Turkish Businessperson Visa, you can continue operating your business in the UK, establish a new one, join another company as a partner or take over an existing business. There is no set minimum investment amount, making this route more flexible than many other business visas. The funds must come from verifiable sources.
- Pathway to Settlement: After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to permanent settlement.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses/partners and dependent children can join you in the UK and are eligible to work or study without restrictions.
- Work Flexibility for Dependants: Your dependants can take up employment, start their own business, or study, offering your family full career and education opportunities.
- No English Language Test Requirement at Extension: You do not need to prove English language proficiency when extending.
- Extendable Visa: The visa can be extended in 3-year increments as long as you continue meeting the business requirements. However, after completing a five-year qualifying period, you can apply for settlement (ILR) if eligible.
- Healthcare and Education Benefits: Visa holders and their families have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and education.
ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa Extension of Stay Requirements
To apply successfully for an extension of a Turkish Businessperson visa, several requirements must be satisfied, just as with any other visa extension application. Regarding the requirements for eligibility under Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay of Immigration Rules, you must:
- have a valid Turkish Businessperson visa
- have not broken any Immigration laws in the UK during your stay.
- have established, or intend to establish, take over or become a partner or director of at least one genuine business in the UK. Your business or businesses must be viable.
- have intended to continue to operate and have genuinely operated one or more businesses in the UK.
- have invested or will invest sufficient funds or assets of your own in the business(es) in proportion to your interest.
- bear your share of the liabilities the business(es) may incur.
- show that your part in the business(es) does not amount to disguised employment and that you are genuinely self-employed.
- show that your share of the business profits is sufficient to support you and your family without needing another job or claiming public funds.
UKVI will also consider the following aspects when assessing if the relevant rules have been satisfied with the following:
- Viability and the credibility of the source of money being used to set up or invest in the business(es) in question
- Evidence of a credible timeframe, of when money that has not yet been invested in the business(es) will be invested.
- Credibility of the financial accounts of the business(es)
- Credibility of your proposed and ongoing business activity in the UK
- Compliance with the mandatory accreditation, registration, or insurance, whether this has already been obtained.
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ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Requirements
If you are in the UK for 5 years under the ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must be on an ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa at the time of application. The 5-year qualifying period must have been spent under the ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa or can be mixed with the time spent under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, both of which are now closed to initial applications.
You may be eligible for ILR after five years in the UK if you:
- Hold a valid Turkish Businessperson visa at the time of application.
- Have completed five continuous years in the UK (can combine with time under Tier 1 Entrepreneur).
- Have had no absences exceeding 180 days in any 12 months.
- Meet the extension requirements at the time of application.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test.
- Pass the B1 English language test (unless exempt).
- Demonstrate genuine and viable business activity.
- Must be of good character, with no serious criminal convictions, and must not be in breach of the UK’s immigration or criminality rules.
Spouse/Partner: Must complete their five-year qualifying period for ILR.
Children: Can apply at the same time as the main applicant; no qualifying period applies.
How to Apply
You must submit your Turkish Businessperson visa extension or ILR application online and from within the UK. Applications should always be made before your current leave to remain expires to avoid overstaying and to ensure your rights remain protected while waiting for a decision.
Language and Life in the UK Requirements
For ILR applications, you must meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirements by:
- Passing the Life in the UK test; and
- Achieving a B1 English level through an approved test, nationality or relevant degree.
Applicants under 18 and over 65 are exempt from the KoLL requirement. There is no KoLL requirement for an extension of stay application.
Costs and Fees
- Extension (Further Leave to Remain): Free of charge for the main applicants and their dependants, if the principal applicant is still in the ECAA Route.
- ILR: Application fees apply. Please check the UK Visa Fees page for up-to-date pricing information.
- Dependants: Once the main applicant obtains ILR, dependants extending to complete their five-year qualifying period must pay the relevant fee for Leave To Remain. Please check the UK Visa Fees page for up-to-date pricing information.
All fees are paid when submitting the online application. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) does not apply to ECAA categories.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the Home Office workload. The official maximum processing time is six months. Historically, the average waiting time is between 2 and 4 months. There is no priority processing service in this category.
If you hold an ECAA visa, you can bring family members to the UK:
- Spouse/Partner: Must meet the same requirements as a Spouse Visa application under Appendix FM.
- Children: Applications are considered under ECAA regulations.
Dependants can extend their stay and apply for ILR.
As IAA-regulated immigration lawyers, we guide and support you through every step of your application, making the process smoother and more manageable. Our experienced advisers will:
- Review your documents and confirm eligibility.
- Organise your supporting documents.
- Complete and submit your application and supporting evidence file.
- Provide clear guidance on fees and timelines to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Prepare a legal representation to highlight eligibility and explain case-specific circumstances as needed.
- Keep you updated throughout the process.
We also offer post-visa support to ensure you fully understand your visa conditions and responsibilities.
Beyond your application, we provide ongoing consultancy services to help you while you continue to achieve new heights in your UK business. With over 15 years of experience navigating complex immigration rules and managing applications from start to finish, we provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. With our in-house business consultants, our team supports you in both business and immigration-related inquiries, guiding you in the right direction with step-by-step guidance.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Immigration Connection today and let our immigration lawyers guide you through every stage of your Turkish Businessperson Visa and other UK Visa categories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Turkish Businessperson visa extension application cost?
There is no fee to apply for an extension. However, for the dependants on a journey to complete their five-year qualifying period after their ECAA migrant spouse obtains ILR or Naturalisation, an application fee and usually an IHS fee will need to be paid.
What are the waiting times for ECAA Turkish Businessperson Visa extension and ILR applications?
After you submit your extension or ILR application form, a decision is typically made within six months. You must remain in the Common Travel Area (CTA) while your application is pending, or it will be withdrawn. Historically, the average waiting time is between 2 and 4 months.
What happens if my extension application is refused?
If refused, UKVI will notify you by email. There is no right of appeal, but you can request an administrative review if you believe a casework error occurred. This review will re-examine your case and correct any mistakes where necessary. Our specialist advisers are authorised to guide you in your decision-making after refusals and submit an Administrative Review on your behalf. In certain circumstances, it may be a better option to submit a new application. We recommend that you seek immigration advice from an authorised lawyer to evaluate your chances and make an informed decision.
Does the Turkish Businessperson visa lead to ILR or British citizenship?
Yes. After five years of lawful residence in the UK under this visa, you may apply for ILR. After holding ILR for at least 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship if you meet the full requirements, including the KoLL tests. If your spouse is British, you do not need to wait for a 12-month qualifying period to proceed with your Naturalisation application to become a British Citizen.
