United Kingdom · Visitor Visas

Permitted business activities

Comprehensive guidance on what business visitors are legally permitted to do in the UK on a visitor visa or ETA without requiring a sponsored work permit.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

International executives, sales managers, consultants, and corporate travelers.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Attending conferences, meetings, trade fairs, and negotiations
  • Signing contracts and inspecting sites
  • Intra-corporate training and advice for multinational staff
  • No direct sales to UK public or providing direct services to UK clients
Process

How the process works

  1. Travel on Standard Visitor visa or ETA
  2. Carry letter from employer detailing meeting schedule
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Company letter explaining business purpose, meeting invitations, return tickets
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Recent rules permit remote work (checking emails, taking calls) provided it is incidental to your business visit.

Official source: GOV.UK — Business visitor guidance. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Is Permitted business activities the right route for you?

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