Penn Legal - Ankara Applications

Ankara Applications

What is an Ankara Application?

The European Community Association Agreement with Turkey, commonly referred to as the “Ankara Agreement”, allows Turkish nationals to establish themselves in business. Nationals of Turkey wishing to come to the UK to start their own business have the opportunity to do if they make an application under the Ankara Agreement.

The Requirements

To qualify under the Ankara Agreement you will have to show that:

You are a Turkish National

You will work solely in the business and not engage in work that is not related to it. You can trade using a limited company or as an individual or in partnership. The business can be of any size and may even employ just one worker, who can be the owner of the business. The business may be of any type. You will need to provide a detailed business plan together with your application.

You should have controlling interest in the business unless you are self-employed or have a partner. In the UK those who are self-employed or in partnership who are in effect trading as individuals rather than as a corporate entity do not have to be registered. It should be noted that citizens of Slovenia may only come under the EC Association Agreement if they trade as a limited company.

You have adequate funds available maintain you and your dependants until your business begin generating a profit. This is likely to be at least £2,000.

If your application is granted you will initially receive a visa valid for a period of 2 years.

Your Family

If your application is successful your spouse and children can accompany you to the UK as your dependants, or if they are already in the UK they can remain with you. Your family have the right receive health care provided by the National Health Service and your children are entitled to receive education in the UK.

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