Business permitted activities

Get in touch with our immigration lawyers in the UK to learn more about permitted activities (PA7), and call us on 03301070106 to arrange a free no-obligation call or request a free quote.

When planning a business visit to the UK, it is important to understand the rules surrounding Permitted Activities (PA7) and Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE). These options allow certain activities without a visa, provided specific conditions are met. Here is an overview:

1. Permitted Activities (PA7)

Permitted Activities allow individuals to carry out defined tasks in the UK without requiring a visa, as long as the visit is short-term and conditions are met.

Examples of Permitted Activities:

• Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, or interviews.
• Negotiating and signing contracts.
• Conducting site visits and inspections.
• Participating in educational exchanges or volunteering.
• Performing remote tasks related to overseas employment (if this is not the primary reason for the visit).

PA7 (Specialised Tasks): PA7 covers employees of overseas companies visiting the UK to perform certain activities related to machinery, equipment, or technology under a contract with a UK-based organisation. Activities include:

• Installing, dismantling, repairing, or servicing machinery or equipment.
• Training UK-based staff on machinery or software.
• Providing after-sales services specified in a warranty or service agreement.

Example Scenarios: 

1. A company based in France manufactures and supplies machinery to a UK business. In accordance with PA7, a technician employed by the French company may travel to the UK to install or service the machinery as part of the contractual agreement.
2. A company in Poland, being part of a larger corporate group, supplies machinery or equipment to the UK-based business. The service, installation or repair can be carried out by employees of another company within the same corporate group if this arrangement was clear at the time when the contract of supply was concluded.
3. A UK-based company enters into a contract with a German manufacturer for the purchase and installation of industrial machinery. At the time the contract is concluded, it is clearly stated that while the German manufacturer will supply the machinery, the installation and maintenance will be subcontracted to a third-party company based in Croatia. This means that employees of the Croatian business can travel to the UK to perform installation and maintenance here.

Eligibility Notes:

• Nationals from visa-exempt countries (for example, EU countries, United States, Canada, Australia) can engage in these activities for up to six months without a visa. It is important to be aware that the longer the intended stay, the greater the scrutiny that may be applied by UK Border Force officials upon entry.
• Entry into the UK is not guaranteed. Border officials have the discretion to refuse entry based on factors such as your criminal record or previous immigration history.
• Border officials may request documents such as:
  • Invitation letters from UK companies.
  • Copies of contracts or service agreements.
  • Evidence of return travel and funds.

2. Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE)

PPE allows individuals to visit the UK for short-term paid work for up to 30 days under defined conditions.

Examples of PPE Activities:

• An academic delivering a lecture at a university.
• An artist performing in a theatre.
• A lawyer attending an arbitration hearing.
• A journalist covering an event.

PPE Requirements:

• The engagement must be pre-arranged and relate to the individual’s professional expertise.
• Documents such as an invitation letter from the UK-based organisation must be provided.

Example Scenario: A university in the UK invites a professor from Canada to deliver a lecture. The professor is paid for the engagement and stays in the UK for three days, qualifying under PPE.

Eligibility Notes:

• Nationals from visa-exempt countries may not need a visa but must present documentation confirming the short-term, professional nature of their visit.
• Nationals from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a visitor visa and include details of planned activities.

3. Comparison of PA and PPE

4. Important Points to Remember

• Visa Exemption: Nationals from non-visa countries may not need to apply for a visitor visa to undertake PA or PPE. However, documentation and compliance with rules remain necessary.
• Preparation: Supporting documents such as invitation letters, proof of return travel, and details of professional engagements or contracts are required.
• Compliance: Exceeding the scope of PA or PPE can result in denial of entry or visa refusal.

5. Professional Support

Permitted Activities and Permitted Paid Engagements provide opportunities for short-term business visits to the UK. If you are unsure about eligibility for PA or PPE, or if your planned activities do not clearly fit into one category, seeking advice from an immigration professional is recommended. Non-compliance can result in entry refusal, causing disruptions to your plans.

How can IMD Corporate help?

As a law firm specialising in UK immigration and cross-border business matters, we can offer the following services:

• Consultation and advice on whether the planned activities (for example, installation, servicing, maintenance) fall within the scope of the UK’s visitor immigration rules, including Permitted activities (PA7)PA7 and Appendix V. We will also address any specific questions you may have in this regard.

The fee for an initial consultation of up to one hour starts at £495 (plus VAT, if applicable), depending on the length and complexity of any documents we are required to review prior to providing advice.

Following an initial assessment of your needs, we can provide a tailored proposal for any further assistance required.

• Review of contractual documentation to assess whether the arrangements comply with UK immigration requirements and are suitable for the business visitor route. 
• Drafting of invitation letters for employees of overseas contractors or group companies, outlining the arrangement, purpose, scope, and duration of their visit to support border entry.
• Preparation of detailed instructions and guidance for travelling employees, including how to apply for ETA and what to expect at the UK border and the documents they should carry.
• Real-time support and communication at the time of border crossing (subject to prior agreement and availability), to assist with any queries or issues that may arise.
• Ongoing immigration compliance support to ensure that your business and its contractors operate within the legal framework and avoid potential enforcement risks.

Listen our podcast on PA7. In this second episode, Jarmila Entezari and Alicja Bielawska discuss the Permitted Activities and Permitted Paid Engagements. Whether you’re an HR professional, business owner, or interested in how immigration and employment law intersect, this guide will provide practical information.

Our podcast is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this podcast was published.

Call us now to discuss your case 03301070106 or email us at business@imd.co.uk.