EC-Turkey Association Agreement
The EC-Turkey Association Agreement (also known as the 'Ankara Agreement') does not give workers the right to come to the United Kingdom. However, it does provide rights of continued residence to Turkish workers who have already been allowed to come to the United Kingdom and work. It also provides rights for Turkish nationals to come to the United Kingdom to be self-employed.
If you are a Turkish citizen legally employed in the United Kingdom because you have a visa that gives you permission to work, you may:
- apply for further permission to stay in the United Kingdom after working here for one year, so that you can continue to work for the same employer, if a job is available;
- change employers after working here for three years, provided you continue to work in the same type of job and your employer tried to hire a European Community citizen to do the job but was not able to do so; and
- work in any type of job for any employer after four years.
If you are already legally in the United Kingdom in some other capacity, such as another business category or as a visitor or student, you may apply to switch to the Turkish-ECAA category if you meet the requirements for proving that you will be genuinely establishing in business. You can also apply for a visa from Turkey to enter the UK in this capacity.
You must show that:
- you are bringing money of your own to put into the business;
- you will be able to bear your share of the costs of running the business (its liabilities); and
- your share of the profits will be enough to support you and any dependants you have without you needing to find other employment for which a work permit would normally be required.
If you wish to join an existing partnership or company you will also need to show that:
- you will have an active part in running the business; and
- there is a genuine need for your services and investment.
You will also have to provide accounts for the business for previous years.
If you meet all the requirements you will be given permission to stay in the United Kingdom for 12 months, but will not be allowed to work except as a businessperson.
If you have previously been given permission to stay in the United Kingdom for 12 months as a businessperson in this category, you can apply to have your stay extended towards the end of this time.
