Turkish Worker/Businessperson
What is the Turkish Worker/Businessperson route?
The Turkish Worker route enables Turkish nationals who have lawfully worked in the UK for at least 12 months to switch into this route and continue working in the UK. The Turkish Businessperson route enables Turkish nationals to either start a new enterprise in the UK or come to the UK to help run an established business.
Both routes are available based upon provisions of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA). Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and since 1 January 2021, new applications under both these categories are no longer accepted and individuals must instead meet the requirements of the post-Brexit immigration system. Extension and settlement applications under the Turkish Worker and Turkish Businessperson categories, however, continue to be accepted.
Key features
- Work: individuals under the Turkish Worker route may undertake employment without the requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship (subject to meeting certain conditions). Turkish Businesspersons can start a new business or join an existing business in the UK with an active role in running the business.
- Settlement: Turkish Worker/Businessperson migrants may apply for settlement after five years’ continuous residence in the UK.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for Turkish Worker/Businessperson applications typically range between £8,500 – £12,500 plus VAT and disbursements depending upon the issues, urgencies and complexities involved.
Disbursements
You can expect the main disbursements to include:
- Home Office filing fees (click here for the government’s visa/entry clearance fee calculator and here for a list of all Home Office fees);
- Optional premium service fees for in-country and out-of-country applications; and
- other ancillary disbursements such as biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Dependants
For dependant application fees, please refer to our Dependants section. Dependants typically incur the same disbursements as main applicants.
Latest Insights
20 August 2026
LexisNexis UK publishes practice note ‘Who can pay the fees in Skilled Worker applications—FAQs’ by Zeena Luchowa and Ellie Herman
LexisNexis UK has published a new Practice Note by Zeena Luchowa and Ellie Herman regarding who can pay the fees in Skilled Worker applications.
11 August 2026
I overstayed my visa in the UK. What do I do now?
Sometimes life does not go to plan. You may have had to deal with serious illness, caring for a loved one, or there has just been too much going on…
31 July 2026
Natasha Chell writes for SME Today on the impact of right to work changes on SMEs
Natasha Chell writes for SME Today on the impact of right to work changes on SMEs
