A number of East European countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia and Latvia have signed "Association Agreements" with the European Union which permits citizens of those countries to enter the United Kingdom and manage undertakings on a self-employed basis. 

This can be done either as a sole-trader, in partnership or through means of a limited company. 

A comprehensive business plan must be prepared to persuade the immigration authorities that the business is viable. This must include a narrative description of the business, including the results of any market research, and a projected profit and loss account for at least the first 12 months. 

The immigration authorities will need to be satisfied that the applicant will have sufficient revenue from his or her business to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds.

The Association Agreements have formed the basis of considerable legal debate. At present a number of cases have been referred to the European Court of Justice on the issue of whether nationals from these countries have a directly effective right of establishment in European Law regardless of the British Immigration Rules. Judgment is expected next year.

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DJ Webb Immigration Solicitors 

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Tel +44 171 253 2400  Fax +44 171 253 2800

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