Eligibility Requirements
- Invitation letter from a UK company or business partner
- Proof of business activities in Bangladesh (trade license, company registration)
- Sufficient funds to cover the trip independently (you cannot receive payment from a UK company)
- Genuine business purpose: meetings, conferences, training, or negotiations
- Strong ties to Bangladesh ensuring return after the business visit
- You must NOT carry out paid work for a UK company during your visit
Required Documents
5 mandatory documents ยท 0 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredPassport valid for the duration of stay, plus all previous passports.
UK Business Invitation Letter
RequiredFormal letter from the UK company/contact on company letterhead, stating the purpose of your visit, dates, and confirming they will not pay you for work performed.
Your Company Registration Documents
RequiredBangladesh trade license, company incorporation certificate, or employer letter proving your legitimate business role.
Business Bank Statements
RequiredCompany and personal bank statements for last 6 months showing business activity and sufficient funds.
Flight and Accommodation Bookings
RequiredConfirmed or provisional flight bookings and hotel reservations or host company accommodation arrangements.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Obtain UK Business Invitation
Request a formal invitation letter from your UK business partner or the event organizer. The letter should be on official letterhead, specify the purpose and dates, and confirm you will not be paid for any work.
Gather Business Documents
Compile your Bangladesh business credentials, bank statements, and any event/conference materials. Write a cover letter explaining your business relationship with the UK and your purpose of visit.
Apply Online at gov.uk
Complete the Standard Visitor Visa application online. Select business as your primary purpose. Pay GBP 115 visa fee online. Long-term multi-entry business visas (2, 5, 10 years) are also available.
Attend VFS Appointment
Book and attend a biometric appointment at VFS Global Dhaka. Submit all original documents and your application confirmation.
Await Decision and Travel
Processing takes 3 weeks standard. Once approved, travel to the UK for your business meetings. Keep all invitation letters and business documents with you at the border.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change โ confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months) | เงณ 13,500 |
| Long-term Business Visitor (2 years) | เงณ 50,000 |
| Long-term Business Visitor (5 years) | เงณ 78,000 |
| VFS Service Charge | เงณ 4,000 |
| Priority Service (optional) | เงณ 29,000 |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
Standard processing is 3 weeks. Priority service (GBP 250) processes in 5 working days. For frequent business travelers, a long-term 2-year or 5-year visa offers better value and convenience.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Apply through VFS Global Dhaka, same process as tourist visa. The Standard Visitor Visa covers both tourism and business activities - there is no separate business visa category in the UK.
Interview Tips
Business visa applicants may face more scrutiny on the purpose of their UK visit. Be clear about what business activities you will conduct. Remember: you can attend meetings, conferences, sign contracts, and negotiate deals, but you CANNOT do hands-on work for a UK employer or receive payment from a UK source.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- Unclear business purpose or vague invitation letter
- Invitation letter from a UK company that cannot be verified
- Evidence of intending to work (rather than conduct legitimate business activities)
- Insufficient funds to cover the business trip independently
- Weak ties to Bangladesh
- Previous immigration violations
Frequently Asked Questions โ United Kingdom Business Visa
Q1. Can I work for a UK company on a Business Visitor visa?
No. The Standard Visitor Visa for business does not permit you to do hands-on work for a UK employer or receive payment from a UK source. You can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but productive work (coding, manufacturing, etc.) must not take place. For actual employment, you need a Skilled Worker visa.
Q2. Is there a separate UK business visa?
No. The UK uses a Standard Visitor Visa for both tourism and business purposes. You select your primary purpose (tourism or business/personal) during the application and provide appropriate supporting documents.
Q3. Can I apply for a long-term UK business visa?
Yes. If you travel to the UK regularly for business, a 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year long-term visitor visa is available. These allow multiple entries and are more cost-effective for frequent travelers.
Related Visa Guides
Other United Kingdom Visas
Business Visa for Other Countries
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