UK BUSINESS VISIT VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The Business Visit Visa is available to residents of Switzerland who wish to visit the UK to conduct permitted short-term business activities.

This visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, which allows visits to the UK for up to 6 months. It does not provide a path to settlement in the UK.

Do Swiss (Or EU) Citizens Need a UK Visit Visa?

Under UK immigration law, Swiss (and EU) citizens are non-visa nationals. This means that most citizens of Switzerland (and the EU) who are visiting the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term business activities in the UK do not need to apply for a UK Visit Visa in advance of travelling. Swiss (and EU) nationals can simply enter the UK using the ePassport gates and will automatically receive 6 months permission to enter as a Visitor.

However, all Swiss (and EU) citizens visiting the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term business activities in the UK must still satisfy the UK Visitor Visa eligibility requirements (set out below) and may be asked to prove that these requirements are met at the UK Border.

If you are a citizen of Switzerland (or the EU) and you are planning to enter the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term business activities in the UK, you should ensure that you understand the eligibility requirements for a short stay visit and can prove that you satisfy these requirements if asked to do so.

When Should a Swiss (Or EU) Citizen Apply for a UK Visit Visa?

Although not required under UK immigration law, some Swiss (and EU) citizens may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for permitted short-term business activities in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

The main reasons for Swiss (and EU) citizens to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for the purpose of permitted short-term business activities in the UK are as follows:

To Avoid Potential Issues at the UK Border: Applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can provide Swiss (and EU) citizens a level of certainty and reduce the risk of being denied entry upon arrival. Border officers have the discretion to refuse entry if they have doubts about your intentions or your ability to support yourself.

Previous Travel History Concerns: If you have previously had issues with UK immigration or have an irregular travel history, including having previously been refused entry into the UK or overstayed your permission for any reason, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any concerns proactively.

Having a Criminal Record: If you have a criminal record, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any potential issues. As part of your UK Visit Visa application you can provide necessary documentation and explanations, ensuring that any concerns are dealt with before travel rather than at the UK border.

Complex Travel Plans: If your travel plans are complex, involving multiple countries or tight schedules, having a UK Visit Visa could help ensure that there are no unexpected complications.

Do Swiss (or EU) Citizens Need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)?

From 2 April 2025, Swiss citizens (and EU nationals) visiting the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, even if they do not require a visa. This additional requirement applies to all short visits, including those for family visits, tourism, work-related training, business and permitted paid engagements.

Do Other Residents of Switzerland Need a UK Visit Visa?

If you are a visa national under UK immigration law residing in Switzerland, you must apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling.

A visa national is someone who needs a visa to enter the UK as a visitor due to their nationality. The Home Office provides a list of nationalities that require a Visit Visa before travel. Some exceptions allow certain visa nationals to seek entry on arrival.

Non-visa nationals residing in Switzerland can seek entry upon arrival without a Visit Visa but must still satisfy the entry requirements, including explaining the purpose of their visit and their arrangements for accommodation and return travel. Although not required, non-visa nationals may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for permitted short-term business activities in the UK in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

Eligibility Requirements for a UK Business Visit Visa from Switzerland

To qualify for a Business Visit Visa from Switzerland, you must meet the following criteria:

• Genuine Visit: You must intend to visit the UK for purposes allowed under the visitor route.

• No Prohibited Activities: You must not engage in any activities that are not permitted under this visa.

• Financial Stability: You must have sufficient funds to cover your travel, maintenance, and accommodation without working or accessing public funds.

• Intent to Leave: You must plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit and within 6 months.

• Non-Residency: You should not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.

• General Grounds for Refusal: Your application should not be subject to refusal based on general grounds.

  
  

Specific requirements may vary based on your circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended for personalised advice.

Permitted Business Activities for Swiss Residents

Holders of the UK Business Visit Visa can visit the UK for up to 6 months to engage in various permitted business activities:

• General Business Activities: Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, interviews; give talks or speeches (non-commercial); negotiate and sign deals and contracts; attend trade fairs (promotion only); conduct site visits and inspections; gather information; be briefed on UK customer requirements.

• Intra-corporate Activities: Employees of overseas companies may advise, consult, troubleshoot, provide training, and share skills with UK employees of the same corporate group. Internal auditors can perform audits at UK branches.

• Manufacture and Supply of Goods: Employees of overseas companies can install, dismantle, repair, service, or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, provided there is a contract with a UK company or organisation.

• Clients of UK Export Companies: Clients can oversee the requirements for goods and services provided by UK companies under contract.

• Specific Overseas Roles: Activities include translating and interpreting, supporting overseas business persons, acting as tour group couriers, gathering information as journalists, participating in archaeological excavations, accompanying students as professors, conducting market research, and driving on international routes.

The Home Office will evaluate whether the duration of the requested stay is reasonable based on the activities planned.

As a visitor, you cannot work for a UK company or as a self-employed person or sell directly to the public or provide goods and services, unless you’re coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement. If you’re doing a permitted paid engagement, you must do it within one month of arriving. You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months, but cannot do any paid engagements after the first month.

You’ll need to apply for a work visa if you want to do any other paid or unpaid work that is not included in the list of permitted business activities.

Intention to Leave the UK and Return to Switzerland

You must prove to the Home Office that you will leave the UK and return to Switzerland at the end of your visit. Factors considered include:

• Previous immigration history

• Financial circumstances and background

• Personal and economic ties to your home country

The Home Office may doubt your intentions if you have few ties to your home country or if discrepancies are found in your application.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

You need enough funds to cover your visit costs without working or using public funds. These funds should be in a permitted financial institution. A third party, with a genuine relationship with you, can cover your expenses if they comply with immigration laws.

No English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

There is no English language requirement for this visa.

UK Business Visit Visa Validity

You can apply for a visa valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. Multiple entries are allowed within the validity period, but each visit must not exceed 6 months.

Right to Work

Business visitors cannot work in the UK. This includes employment, self-employment, business activities, work placements, and selling goods or services. However, remote work is allowed if it is not the primary purpose of the visit. Business visitors can also come to the UK to seek employment or attend job interviews but must leave the UK to apply for the appropriate entry clearance if successful.

UK Visit Visa Application Fees in Switzerland

The application fees are:

• 6 months: £115

• 2 years: £432

• 5 years: £771

• 10 years: £963

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced UK immigration lawyers assist businesspeople throughout Switzerland in securing UK visas for short-term business activities. We provide advice on business visa applications, help prepare applications, and offer legal representation to challenge refusals.

Our team is dedicated to delivering clear, reliable immigration advice to individuals throughout Switzerland in a professional and friendly manner.

For expert UK visa advice and assistance, contact our UK Visit Visa lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.