Business visitors vs. permitted paid engagements: what’s the difference? Help to understand which option suits your professional plans
If you are planning to visit the UK for business or work-related reasons, it’s important to understand what you are allowed to do, and perhaps more importantly, what you are not allowed to do, while in the country as a visitor.
There are two visitor categories that often cause confusion in practice: business visitors and visiting for a permitted paid engagement. While both fall under the UK visitor rules (Appendix Visitor to the Immigration Rules) they are not the same. Getting this wrong in your application, or engaging in prohibited activities while on your visit, can lead to a refusal or immigration breach, which may cause problems with future visits and visa applications.
Here are the key differences you need to know.
Business visitors: Unpaid activities only
Most people travelling to the UK for business purposes do so as business visitors. A business visitor can engage in certain business-related activities provided that:
- They remain employed and paid outside the UK
- They do not undertake paid work for a UK organisation
- They do not fill a role in the UK labour market
Typical activities for a business visitor include attending meetings or conferences, negotiating contracts or deals, visiting UK offices, and gathering relevant information for their business.
Regardless of the duration of the visit, a business visitor must not be paid by a UK company in the form of a fee or salary. Covering travel expenses such as flights, train tickets, and accommodation is generally accepted, provided it is not received as a salary or fee.
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Permitted Paid Engagements: Paid work but for limited situations
Visitors coming to the UK on a Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visa are allowed to be paid by a UK company, but only in specific circumstances.
This option is intended for visitors coming to the UK for a one-off, short-term paid engagement that has been arranged in advance of their travel.
To qualify under this category, the visit and engagement must generally meet the following criteria:
- Work and travel plans must be pre-arranged before travel
- The visitor must have an invitation from a UK organisation
- The visitor must be highly skilled, experienced, or recognised in their field
- The activity must relate to the visitor’s profession
- The activity must normally be completed within 30 days of arrival
Examples include academics giving a lecture, lawyers advocating in the UK, artists or entertainers performing at a specific event, or sports professionals attending a one-off engagement.
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Conclusion
If you are unsure which category your visit falls under, a business visitor generally carries out activities linked to their professional work overseas for which they will not be paid. A Permitted Paid Engagement typically involves short-term, pre-arranged, paid work for a UK organisation.
It’s important to understand this distinction for work-related visits, especially if you will receive any payment from a UK organisation, and to comply with the conditions of your visa type. Failure to do so can lead to immigration breaches, visa refusals, and other issues for any future visit.
If you are unsure which category applies to your upcoming visit and want to ensure compliance with the Rules and conditions, please reach out to us through our contact details below and we can arrange for a free initial discussion, we’ll be happy to help.
Navigating UK Business Visitor Rules with Latitude Law
The distinction between "permitted activities" and "prohibited work" in the UK is often subtle, and getting it wrong can lead to serious immigration consequences. At Latitude Law, our specialist solicitors provide the clarity needed to navigate these complex requirements, ensuring that your professional activities align strictly with Home Office guidance to protect your future travel and immigration status.
Get in touch with Latitude Law today by calling 0300 131 6767 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you.