Standard Visitor — BusinessVerified 2026-04-19UK Business Visa (Standard Visitor — Business)
The UK Standard Visitor visa (Business) covers permitted business activities — attending meetings/conferences, negotiating deals, site visits, trade fairs, short training. You cannot take paid work for a UK company. Apply online at GOV.UK, £135, decision in 3 weeks.
Processing
Decision usually within 3 weeks of providing your documents and biometrics
Stay Duration
Up to 6 months per visit
Starting Fee
£135
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL United Kingdom visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Apply online at GOV.UK — the earliest you can apply is 3 months before travel.
- 2Passport must be valid for the whole of your stay. Renew if expiring soon.
- 3UK now issues digital eVisas — no sticker in your passport. Create a UKVI account after approval to access your eVisa.
- 4TB test is MANDATORY for Indian applicants visiting for more than 6 months — use an IOM-approved clinic in India. Certificate valid 6 months.
- 5You must prove you will LEAVE the UK at the end of your visit — strong ties to India (employment, family, property) are critical.
- 6You must support yourself and dependants during the trip (or have a sponsor funding you).
- 7Living in the UK for extended periods through frequent/successive visits is NOT allowed on Standard Visitor visa — UKVI may refuse or cancel for pattern abuse.
- 8You cannot work for a UK company, claim benefits, marry, or give notice of marriage on a Standard Visitor visa. Different visa categories exist for these purposes.
- 9At your VFS appointment: fingerprints + facial photo are taken. Passport is returned same day; other documents may be retained during processing.
Who Can Apply
- Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, seminars, trade fairs in the UK
- Indian business owners negotiating deals, signing contracts, site inspections
- Indian employees attending short training at UK offices (not available in India)
- Overseas professionals delivering knowledge-share / training to UK staff
- Lawyers representing clients (case-specific activities)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Anyone taking paid employment with a UK company (need Skills in Demand/Skilled Worker visa)
- Activities selling directly to the UK public
- Stays beyond 6 months per visit
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa — up to 6 months | £135 |
| Standard Visitor visa — Medical reasons (up to 11 months) | £234 |
| Standard Visitor visa — Academic (up to 12 months) | £234 |
| 2-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £506 |
| 5-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £903 |
| 10-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £1,128 |
| Biometrics / VFS service fee | ₹1,500–2,500 |
All UK visa fees are set in GBP by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and paid online during the GOV.UK application. The INR amount depends on the GBP/INR exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: biometrics and VFS service charges at the Visa Application Centre, optional priority/super-priority services, TB test (if required), and document translation fees. Non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !Valid passport
- !One passport-style photograph
45 × 35 mm, white background.
- !Cover letter explaining business purpose
Meetings scheduled, duration, UK company being visited.
Business Documents
- !Letter from Indian employer
Confirms role, salary, approved leave, purpose of UK visit, bearer of costs.
- !Invitation letter from UK company
On UK company letterhead with company registration number (Companies House), contact details, purpose, duration, who bears costs.
- ○Conference/trade fair registration (if applicable)
- ○For self-employed: GST certificate, company registration, financials
- ○Business cards (applicant + UK contact)
Proof of Funds
- !Personal bank statements (6 months)
- ○Company bank statements (if employer sponsoring)
- !Income Tax Returns (last 3 years)
Travel & Stay
- !Return flight booking
- !Hotel reservation
- ○Detailed meeting/activity schedule
Supports genuine business purpose.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Check visa requirement on GOV.UK
gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Complete online application at GOV.UK
Select Standard Visitor visa → Business purpose. Fill form accurately; incorrect classification causes refusal.
Upload business documents
Indian employer letter, UK invitation letter, meeting schedule, bank statements, ITRs, flights, hotels.
Pay £135 online
International credit/debit card.
Biometrics at VFS Global India
Nearest VFS UK centre.
Wait for decision (~3 weeks)
Email notification when ready.
Collect passport + access digital eVisa
Create UKVI account to access your eVisa.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
GOV.UK — Standard Visitor Visa Application
Primary online application portal for UK visit visas. Complete the online form, pay, book biometrics at VFS.
UKVI — Check if you need a UK visa
Interactive tool — tells you which UK visa category fits your purpose and nationality.
VFS Global UK India
Where Indian applicants book biometrics appointments, pay VFS service fee, and receive their decision.
UK TB Test Clinics (IOM-approved)
If visiting for 6+ months, TB test at an IOM-approved clinic is mandatory before applying.
VFS Application Centres
Schengen Business Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 questions focused on business visa criteria. Business applications face different scrutiny — the embassy wants clear purpose, genuine business relationships, and verifiable host.
Who is inviting you to Denmark / the Schengen country?
What form will the invitation take?
How long have you had a business relationship with the Danish host?
How long is your business trip?
What's your role in your Indian company?
What's your Indian company's annual turnover?
Helps establish legitimacy of the business case.
How often do you travel internationally for business?
Have you used a Schengen visa before?
Any previous visa refusals (business or otherwise)?
Your return-to-India anchor?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Complete the GOV.UK online application — do not go to VFS first. Pay the visa fee online, then book your VFS biometrics appointment.
- Documents to upload/carry: passport bio page, photograph (45×35mm, white background), cover letter, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements (6 months), ITRs (3 years), employment letter with leave approval, proof of ties to India.
- Long-term Standard Visitor (2/5/10 year) is excellent value for frequent UK travellers — business visits, conferences, family visits. Request with justification.
- The UK doesn't require an invitation letter from a UK host, but if visiting friends/family, a simple letter from them (with passport copy + UK address proof) strengthens the case.
- Common refusal reasons: weak funds, pattern of long UK stays, thin travel history, unclear purpose. Address these upfront in the cover letter.
- Use Super Priority service (£1,000+ extra) for urgent applications — next-working-day decision after biometrics.
- Once in the UK: carry your decision letter/eVisa screenshot. UK Border Force may ask questions on arrival about purpose and duration.
- For frequent UK business travellers, request a 2/5/10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa with justification — saves re-applying every time.
- The UK invitation letter should clearly state the UK company's registration number (verifiable on Companies House), purpose, duration, and cost responsibility.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Weak or missing UK invitation letter (no Companies House number, vague purpose)
- 2.Indian employer letter not confirming leave approval and return-to-work
- 3.Pattern of long UK stays on previous business visits
- 4.Mismatch between stated business purpose and applicant's profession
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take paid work in the UK on a Business visa?+
What's the difference between Tourist and Business Standard Visitor?+
Can I attend a conference and also do tourism?+
Do I need a permitted paid engagement visa?+
Should I get a long-term visa?+
Let us prepare your UK Business Visa — (Standard Visitor — Business) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other United Kingdom Visa Types
UK Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor — Tourism)
Short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, holidays, or to see family and friends. Usually up to 6 months. £135.
UK Short-Term Study Visa (Visit to Study up to 6 months)
For Indian students taking a course up to 6 months at an accredited UK institution. Includes English language courses, short research, and PLAB/OSCE test visits. £135 Standard Visitor OR £200 Short-term English 6–11 months.
UK Academic Visa (Standard Visitor — Academic up to 12 months)
For Indian scientists, researchers, senior doctors/dentists, and academics visiting the UK for research, formal exchanges, or short teaching. Up to 12 months. £234.
UK Medical Treatment Visa (Standard Visitor — Medical up to 11 months)
For Indian patients visiting the UK for private medical treatment, NHS treatment under reciprocal agreements, or organ donation. £234 for up to 11 months. Extendable in-country.
UK Marriage Visitor Visa (Up to 6 months)
For Indian citizens visiting the UK to marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months. Does NOT allow staying in the UK after the ceremony — spouse visa is separate. £135.
UK Transit Visa (Visitor in Transit / Direct Airside Transit)
For Indian travellers passing through the UK to a third country. DATV (£35) for airside-only transit; Visitor in Transit (£74.50) if you need to leave the airport for up to 48 hours.
UK Student Visa (Long-term — Licensed Sponsors) — Informational
For full-time study on courses longer than 6 months at UK licensed sponsors (universities, recognised colleges). £524 offshore + IHS (£776/year) + living costs evidence. Complex — requires specialist guidance.
UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker / Global Talent) — Informational
Informational overview of UK work visa routes. Requires UK employer sponsorship + Certificate of Sponsorship. SureshotVisa does not process work visas — refer to OISC consultants.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United Kingdom website and Embassy of United Kingdom. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.