Turkish nationals
This section explains how Turkish nationals can apply to enter or stay in the UK if they want to establish themselves in business, and the residency rights of Turkish workers who are already here.
If you want to establish yourself in business here
Under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) with Turkey, you have certain rights if:
- you are a Turkish national; and
- you want to apply to establish yourself in business in the UK.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply to enter the UK in the Turkish ECAA business category, or to switch into this category if you are already here legally in a different category. We will consider your application under the business provisions that were in place in 1973.
To find out how you can apply to become a Turkish ECAA businessperson, and how to extend your stay or settle in the UK in this category, see the Establishing yourself in business section.
If you are already working here legally
A decision by the Association Council of the ECAA gives certain rights to Turkish nationals who are already working legally in the UK. For more information, see the Turkish nationals with permission to work in the UK section.