Starting my own company

[Qwerty-UK]

Hi. I hope someone can help me on this. I'm currently under a Tier 2 visa. I've read through the rules and I know I can't work for someone other than my sponsor for more than 20 hours per week and I can't own more than 10% shares in my sponsor's company. However, I can't find any information on starting my own company.

Ideally I'd like to start my own company to create a separate revenue stream. I definitely don't want to risk my chances of being denied ILR so if I want to play it safe, I can start a company in my wife's name and then buy it off her later.

Just to clarify, I want to remain as Tier 2 (for now) and register my own company (without any employees).

I will really appreciate any advice from someone who knows more about it.

Thanks

[Lucapooka]

There is nothing to prevent you owning a business in the UK. You can do that under any immigration status. Being employed by that business is another matter.

[Qwerty-UK]

Thanks for that. Yes, I won't employ myself. Best way to do it will be to pay myself dividends

[geriatrix]

Reading this topic may be relevant.

[tush1822]

Hi. I hope someone can help me on this. I'm currently under a Tier 2 visa. I've read through the rules and I know I can't work for someone other than my sponsor for more than 20 hours per week and I can't own more than 10% shares in my sponsor's company. However, I can't find any information on starting my own company.

Ideally I'd like to start my own company to create a separate revenue stream. I definitely don't want to risk my chances of being denied ILR so if I want to play it safe, I can start a company in my wife's name and then buy it off her later.

Just to clarify, I want to remain as Tier 2 (for now) and register my own company (without any employees).

I will really appreciate any advice from someone who knows more about it.

Thanks

Hi Mate,

I am also in the same Dilemma. I will appreciate your experience and understanding so far.
Cheers
Tushar

[Qwerty-UK]

Hi. I had incorporated a company but in my wife's name. I read the fine print, you're specifically not allowed to be a director of a company (FYI this was more than 4 years ago, may be different now).

However, I didn't have any income in my company until after I got my ILR. No issues having started the company which I still run.