When expanding or starting a business in the UK, immigration is a key factor you can't afford
to ignore. For Polish entrepreneurs, in particular, navigating the post-Brexit landscape brings
new challenges—but also great opportunities. Let's dive into what you need to know.
A Long-Standing Partnership Between Poland and the UK
Poland and the UK have maintained strong economic ties for centuries, dating back to
Bolesław the Brave in the 11th century. Today, the UK remains an attractive destination for
Polish businesses and start-ups, with Polish nationals making up the second-largest foreign-
born community in the country. The UK’s position as the second-largest economy in Europe
only adds to its appeal for Polish companies looking to expand their market.
The New Reality Post-Brexit: What You Should Know
While the UK still has a thriving Polish community, the business environment has changed
since Brexit. Polish entrepreneurs must now navigate new immigration and visa
requirements to set up or expand their businesses. Proper long-term business planning is
essential to comply with these regulations and avoid unnecessary hurdles.
The UK’s Evolving Immigration Landscape
Immigration is a hot topic in UK politics. While the Labour government aims to tie
immigration policy to economic growth, they also remain committed to managing migrant
numbers. Entry to the UK is possible, but it requires thoughtful preparation to ensure
success.
First Steps: Fact-Finding and Visitor Visas
If you're in the early stages of exploring the UK as a business destination, a Visitor visa
might be your first step. This allows you to visit the UK for short stays to attend meetings,
sign contracts, promote your business at trade fairs, and more. However, be mindful of the
rules: while you can conduct business discussions, selling directly is not allowed.
Although Polish nationals don’t need a Visitor visa before arriving, from April 2025, they will
need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. The ETA system will screen
travellers, making it more important than ever to comply with immigration laws.
Innovator Founder Visa: For Big Ideas
For Polish entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, the Innovator Founder visa could
be the right choice. This visa is designed for those with an innovative, scalable, and viable
business idea, endorsed by a UK body. You'll need to actively manage and grow your
business, but the visa allows for residence up to three years and can be extended or lead to
permanent settlement. This option also works for entrepreneurial teams, not just solo founders, making it flexible for partnerships or joint ventures.
UK Expansion Worker Visa: Setting Up a Branch
If your business is already established abroad and you're ready to expand into the UK, the
UK Expansion Worker visa might suit your needs. This visa allows senior managers or
specialists from the parent company to set up a UK branch. While it offers a two-year
residency, it can transition into a Skilled Worker visa, leading to longer-term opportunities in
the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa: Bringing in Talent
Once your UK business is operational, you may need to bring skilled workers from Poland or
elsewhere. The Skilled Worker visa allows UK-based businesses to hire non-British staff, but
first, you’ll need to obtain a sponsor licence. This ensures the business complies with
immigration regulations, such as record-keeping and reporting.
The Skilled Worker visa ties the employee to the company and specific role, offering up to
five years of residency with the potential for permanent settlement.
Planning for Long-Term Success
As you plan your business strategy, it's crucial to factor in the rising costs of UK immigration.
After the substantial increase in immigration costs in April 2024, finding a cost-effective
solution that meets your business needs is crucial. Whether you're in the early planning
stages or ready to expand, understanding UK immigration requirements is key to your
success.
In short, while the UK's post-Brexit immigration landscape presents challenges, it also offers
numerous avenues for Polish businesses to grow and thrive. With careful planning, the UK
can be the perfect destination to take your business to the next level.
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Article prepared by Kasia Pasternak, Senior Manager and immigration lawyer at Fragomen.
Kasia specialises in advising companies and individuals on all aspects of immigration law.
Contact Kasia: on +44 (0) 7715 056
