Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK

Bringing your loved ones to the UK can make all the difference when you are working hard to grow your business. The Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK allows family members of Turkish nationals who are already in the UK under the Turkish Businessperson visa to join or stay with them.

This visa route, originally created under the Ankara Agreement, has helped many Turkish entrepreneurs build a life in the UK with their families. Although the route closed to new main applicants at the end of 2020, family members of those who already hold a valid Turkish Businessperson visa may still apply for extensions or settlement if they meet the requirements.

In this guide, we break down who can apply, what documents you need, how to apply, and what rights dependants have in the UK.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

If you are a Turkish national in the UK on a valid Turkish Businessperson visa, your immediate family members may apply to join or remain with you as dependants.

Eligible Family Members

• Your husband, wife, or civil partner
• An unmarried partner who has lived with you for at least two years in a relationship like marriage
• Children under 18 years old
• Children over 18, but only if they are already in the UK as your dependant and remain financially reliant on you

Family unity is at the heart of the Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK, allowing you to continue your business ambitions while keeping your closest relatives by your side.

Requirements for Turkish Businessperson Dependants

Before you apply, make sure you and your family members meet the specific requirements. These are in place to ensure the relationship is genuine and that dependants are supported during their stay.

Here’s what you need:

• The main visa holder must have a valid Turkish Businessperson visa
• Dependants must apply either at the same time as the main applicant or later if the main applicant already has valid leave
• For spouses or partners, you must show proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship. This can include photos together, shared bills, or tenancy agreements
• Children must live with their parents and not be married or leading an independent life
• You must have enough funds to support your family without needing public funds, unless your income or savings already demonstrate this

Meeting these requirements is essential to give your loved ones the best chance of being granted leave to join you in the UK.

How to Apply as a Dependant

Applying for the Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK involves several steps. Doing it right helps avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.

Application Process

• Complete the online application form through the official UK Government website
• Upload the required documents (see list below)
• Pay any applicable fees, including biometric enrolment and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if required
• Attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph
• Wait for a decision. ECAA applications like this can take up to six months, although some are processed sooner

Taking care to fill out every section correctly and submit high-quality documents will make the process much smoother.

Required Documents

Every applicant must provide documents that prove their identity, relationship to the main visa holder, and ability to support themselves. This usually includes:

• A valid passport
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate for spouses, or proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners (such as utility bills or joint bank statements)
• Birth certificates for children
• Financial documents like recent bank statements or payslips showing you can support your dependants without public assistance
• Evidence of the main visa holder’s valid Turkish Businessperson visa

It’s a good idea to prepare these documents early and double-check that everything is up to date before applying.

Visa Fees, Duration & Processing Times

One of the advantages of the Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK is that it often doesn’t have the same standard application fees as other routes. However, some costs still apply.

• Application Fee: Usually free for extensions under the Ankara Agreement, although you should always check the latest guidance as fees can change
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Dependants applying for extensions typically need to pay around £1,035 per year per person to access NHS services
• Processing Time: Applications generally take up to six months, although many cases are processed in less time
• Visa Duration: Matches the main visa holder’s leave to remain. If your partner’s visa is extended for two years, for example, your visa will also extend for the same period

Understanding the fees and timescales helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary stress.

Rights of Dependants in the UK

One of the main benefits of holding a Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK is the wide range of rights it grants you while you live in the UK.

What Dependants Can Do

Work in almost any job, including full-time employment, self-employment, or voluntary work 

• Study at any level, from primary school to university 
• Use NHS services after paying the IHS 
• Travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa period

What Dependants Cannot Do

• Claim public funds such as benefits or tax credits 
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach without specific permission

These rights give families stability and independence, allowing them to make the most of their time in the UK.

Can Turkish Businessperson Dependants Apply for ILR?

Yes, dependants on the Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after living continuously in the UK for five years.

Requirements for ILR

• Dependants must have lived in the UK with the main visa holder for at least five years
• Must show that the relationship with the main visa holder has continued throughout this time
• For adults over 18, must pass an approved English language test at B1 level or higher
• Must pass the Life in the UK test to show knowledge of British culture and society
• Dependants should not have spent long periods outside the UK that break their continuous residence

Securing ILR means you and your family can live in the UK permanently, free from immigration restrictions, and eventually apply for British citizenship if you wish.

FAQs – Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK

Can I bring my family to the UK on a Turkish Businessperson visa?

Yes, if you are in the UK on a valid Turkish Businessperson visa, your eligible partner and children can apply to join or remain with you.

Can dependants work in the UK?

Yes, dependants are free to work full-time in most jobs without needing a separate work visa.

How long can dependants stay in the UK?

Dependants’ visas are valid for the same period as the main visa holder’s leave to remain.

Can Turkish Businessperson dependants apply for ILR?

Yes, after five years of continuous residence, dependants can apply for ILR if they meet all the requirements.

The Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK is a vital route for keeping families together while Turkish entrepreneurs grow their businesses in the UK. Although the Ankara Agreement closed to new main applicants after 31 December 2020, existing visa holders and their families can still extend their stay or apply for settlement, provided they meet the conditions.

Bringing your family to the UK can give you peace of mind and help you build a successful life and business. By understanding the requirements and rights of this visa, you can make confident decisions that protect your loved ones’ future.

Need Help Extending Your Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK or Applying for ILR?

If you’re a dependant of a Turkish businessperson already in the UK under the Ankara Agreement route, it’s important to understand your options — especially when it comes to extending your stay or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

At solicitors in Manchester, we specialise in supporting families of Turkish entrepreneurs through every stage of the visa extension and settlement process. Whether you’re looking to renew your Turkish Businessperson Dependant Visa UK or take the next step toward permanent residency, our experienced immigration team offers personalised legal advice tailored to your circumstances.

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for free initial guidance. We make sure your application meets all Home Office requirements,  so you can focus on building your future here in the UK with confidence.

Let our friendly team guide you and your family through each step of the journey.