Owner Operator Program for Businessmen, Entrepreneurs and Students
Owner Operator Program for Businessmen, Entrepreneurs and Students
For many foreign investors, the journey to Permanent Residency in the United Kingdom is divided
into two stages, starting with a skilled worker visa leading to a Permanent right to remain.
Under this policy, the foreign investor can receive a work permit following the sale and transfer
abroad of a majority of the shares of an existing profitable UK business.
Once a work permit is issued, applicants can later apply for permanent right to remain in the United
Kingdom through the Skilled Worker Program.
What is Owner-Operator Program?
There is no fixed number of work permit that can be issued under the owner-operator program.
What makes Owner Operator program more attractive option for Foreign Investors?
What are the requirements for Owner Operator Program?
To be qualified as an owner-operator, the applicant must have:
❖ Verifiable, transferable management experience or Business Skills. ∙ Funds to purchase the
targeted business in the United Kingdom.
❖ Required language proficiency in English that allows for active work as a manager the
business. IELTS score of 4.5 in each.
Process for applying for Owner Operator Program
The following are the three simple steps to get a temporary work permit under the Owner Operator
Program:
Step 1: The Applicant identifies a business in the United Kingdom to purchase
Step 2: The applicant buys the business.
Step 3: The business applies for a license as a sponsor and sponsors the applicant.
Requirements:
❖ A binding business purchase agreement with at least 25000 GBP payment made as a deposit;
❖ An Qualification and experience to be employed in that business
How can Mlegal help?
❖ Guide the client through the entire process, including, but not limited to, forms, documents
and procedural formalities at different stages.
❖ Profile review and assessment of client qualifications, experience, and net worth. ∙ Our
business specialists will interview the client and understand the area, in which they are
interested, the reasons for choosing the area and the type of business they want to invest in.
❖ Presentation of the broker/consultant/ advisor in the sector (s) chosen.
❖ Conduct research and provide at least three lists of operating businesses for the client’s
review.
❖ Ensure the required coordination with the pre-selected vendor and, if appropriate to both
parties, make a formal introduction.
❖ If necessary, facilitate the preparation and exchange of critical documents such as a purchase
contract prior to the client's departure for an exploratory visit to The United Kingdom.
❖ Plan an exploratory visit (optional) – 5-10 days to The United Kingdom - to meet the owners
of pre-qualified firms, business consultants/brokers, accountants, tax advisors.
❖ When the professional purchase is finalized, draft the purchase and initial deposit agreements
according to mutually agreed terms and supervise the completion of the related formalities,
including the payment of the down payment.
❖ Preparation of a business plan/business concept that will take into account the current state
of affairs with the possibilities after the inclusion of the client as an investor.
❖ Ensure the required coordination with the business owner for the issuance of the letter of
offer of employment
❖ Facilitate the conclusion of the purchase and payment agreement between the customer and
the seller - before or after the client's landing on a work permit and according to the client's
instructions and the purchase contract.
❖ Apply for sponsors license for the business
❖ File the work permit application with the local consulate and guide the client through the
process.
Basic Requirement of docs and info for assessment.
❖ All educational documents of the Applicant and spouse.
❖ Your last 3-year ITRs of Self and Business.
❖ For proof of funds all your Bank Statement for last 6 months, FDRs if any, any other investment
with all your property documents.
Professional Fees
In consideration for the provision of services, the party will pay to the Consultant: GBP 25,000.00,
which is payable as follows:
1. At the signing of the agreement: GBP 10,000.00
2. At the time the business is purchased: GBP 5,000.00
3. Before filing the sponsorship application: GBP 5,000.00
4. Before filing of the work permit application: GBP 5000.00
TIMELINE (approx. 6-8 months for issuance of the work permit)
Here is a step-by-step plan for the owner operator application:
Step1: Prospective business listings are provided to the client for review and finalisation.
Step 2: After client finalises the business and the offer is accepted, the business financial documents
are released for client’s review. Upon satisfaction, an offer is made and client pays a security deposit
to the seller.
Step 3: Preparing the business plan, client to transfer funds for purchase of business to the seller in
the United Kingdom.
Step 4: Submission of sponsorship application.
Step 5: After the sponsorship application is approved the skilled worker application will be filed.
In addition to above
The Client shall be responsible for:
a) Incur the cost of drafting, preparing a business plan at an approximate cost of GBP 2000;
b) Hire independent legal counsel to provide legal services for the purchase and sale of a
business - approximately GBP 2000)
c) Conduct due diligence regarding the performance of the business being purchased
Above fee does not include
❖ Government fee for sponsors License, health surcharge and visa fees.
❖ Travel, boarding and lodging expenses during trips to The United Kingdom to meet various
procedural requirements.
Transition to Permanent Residence
The skilled worker candidates are often in a strong position to get permanent right to remain in the
United Kingdom, should they wish to do so.
Refund Policy at Various Stages: -
1) After signing of the agreement. No refund if client is not interested for further process
2) Payments after signing the purchase agreement with down payment: Only Refund of down
payment in case further sponsorship license is not approved.
3) After issuing an approved COS for the client, no refund can be claimed.
Upon receipt of your retaining fee, we will immediately schedule a conference call to discuss
the process and take any questions that you may have.
Thereafter, we will forward to you a detailed list of required documentation and further
instructions to be communicated in writing and to be outlined in detail during the call. We
would ensure regular communications to update and exchange information and clarifications.