You Can Own a UK Business. The Law Changed in 2020.

December 2020: The Restriction Was Removed

Under the old Tier 2 (General) visa, holders were restricted to owning no more than 10% of a UK company. When the Skilled Worker visa replaced Tier 2 in December 2020, this restriction was not carried over.

There is no restriction in the Skilled Worker visa conditions on owning shares in, or being a director of, a UK limited company.

This position has been confirmed by multiple immigration law firms including Lewis Silkin LLP, Gherson Immigration, OTS Solicitors, and Richmond Chambers. The key condition is that ownership must remain passive — you cannot work in your own company while employed on a Skilled Worker visa.

The Ideal Sector for Visa-Holding Owners

• 1
  CQC Requires a Registered Manager — The regulatory structure already separates ownership from operations. You own it; someone qualified manages it. This aligns perfectly with passive ownership.
• 2
  No Premises for Dom Care — Domiciliary care does not require you to rent or buy property. Carers visit service users in their homes. Lower startup cost means lower risk.
• 3
  Ageing Population = Growing Demand — The UK's 65+ population is growing by 350,000 per year. Local authorities are actively commissioning new care providers because demand outstrips supply.
• 4
  Sponsor Licence Pathway — A CQC-registered care company can apply for a Sponsor Licence, giving you a long-term route to self-sponsorship and eventually settlement.
• 5
  Recurring Revenue — Care contracts provide weekly recurring revenue. Once you have clients, income is predictable and ongoing.

Start Up Loans Are Available Regardless of Visa Status

The UK Government-backed Start Up Loan scheme is available to anyone legally resident in the UK with the right to work — including Skilled Worker and Health & Care visa holders. A £5,000 loan at 6% fixed interest repays at approximately £97/month over 5 years.

Both ventures include a business plan and financial projections specifically formatted for Start Up Loan assessors. Many of our buyers have been approved on their first application.

Request Your Free Information Pack

Tell us a bit about yourself and we will send you the full information pack for the venture(s) you are interested in. Your visa conditions are not affected by making an enquiry.