Owning shares in a business on a Unmarried Partners Visa?

[Dean_A]

Hi there,

Hoping someone can help me.

I am currently sponsored by my employer to live and work in the UK, however, I have been given an opportunity to join a start-up where I would become a co-founder.

My understanding is it would be very difficult for me to transfer my sponsorship to a start-up + under a sponsorship visa I am only entitled to own 10% of the business.

I have lived with my partner close to 2 years now and am considering applying for an unmarried partner visa - before I spend the money on this I want to be sure that I am entitled run my own business on this visa or that I can own more than 10% of the business as if I'm not I'm better to wait and continue in my current role until the start-up is more established then transfer my sponsorship to the start-up?

Appreciate any help/thoughts on the matter.

Best,
Dean

[CR001]

Yes, on an unmarried partner visa you can do any work or own a business, there is no restriction.

It is mandatory to have lived together for 2 years in a realationship akin to marriage and have the documentary evidence to apply for the UP visa.