Chinese business professionals discussing relocation to the UK

Relocate Chinese Business to the UK | Reduce US and EU Tariffs

Relocate Your Chinese Business to the UK to Avoid Tariffs

In an era of escalating global trade tensions, Chinese businesses are grappling with steep tariffs—up to 25% in the US and 20% in Europe—making it harder to stay competitive. Relocating to the UK offers a compelling solution. With tariffs at just 10%, a stable business environment, and strategic access to both European and US markets, the UK is an ideal base for Chinese companies looking to cut costs and expand globally. At NA Law Solicitors, we provide specialised immigration and legal services to make this transition seamless, helping your business thrive in a tariff-challenged world.

Benefits of Relocating to the UK for Chinese Clients

Avoid High US and European Tariffs

The tariff disparity is a game-changer. By setting up operations in the UK, Chinese businesses can:

  • Reduce US Tariff Impact: Goods manufactured in the UK may qualify for better terms under UK-US trade agreements, sidestepping the 25% tariffs imposed on Chinese exports.
  • Lower European Tariffs: Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), UK-produced goods meeting rules of origin can enter Europe with minimal or no tariffs—far better than the 20% levied on direct exports from China.
  • Cost Savings: With UK tariffs at 10%, you save significantly compared to Europe’s 20%, making the UK a cost-effective hub for manufacturing and exporting.

Access to Key Global Markets

The UK’s strategic position enhances market reach:

  • Europe at Your Doorstep: Proximity and favorable trade terms with the EU open doors to a 450-million-strong consumer base.
  • Gateway to the US: Leverage UK-US trade relationships to access the world’s largest economy without the punitive tariffs faced by China-based firms.
  • Global Expansion: Establish a foothold in a globally respected market, boosting your brand’s international credibility.

Stable and Business-Friendly Environment

The UK offers:

  • Legal Stability: A robust legal framework ensures predictable operations and protects investments.
  • Economic Incentives: Located near Brentford’s “Golden Mile”—home to giants like GSK and Sky—the UK provides a thriving ecosystem for businesses of all sizes.
  • Talent Pool: Access skilled workers and retain key staff through immigration pathways, supporting long-term growth.

Immigration Services to Support Your Relocation

Relocating to the UK involves moving key personnel and establishing a legal presence. NA Law Solicitors offers tailored immigration solutions:

Sponsor Licences

  • What It Is: A must-have for hiring or transferring overseas workers to the UK.
  • Benefits: Enables access to Global Business Mobility and Skilled Worker Visas, critical for staffing your UK operations.
  • Our Support: We handle applications  and provide ongoing compliance support, ensuring you avoid Home Office penalties.

UK Expansion Worker Visa

  • What It Is: Allows up to five senior managers or specialists to set up a UK branch, with a £48,500 minimum salary and no English test required.
  • Benefits: Perfect for companies new to the UK, offering a fast track to establish operations and avoid tariffs.
  • Our Support: We manage the process end-to-end, bundling with Sponsor Licences for a smooth start.

Global Business Mobility (GBM) Visa – Senior or Specialist Worker

  • What It Is: Transfers key staff to an existing UK entity, requiring a £48,500 salary.
  • Benefits: Ensures business continuity without language barriers, supporting tariff-avoidance strategies.
  • Our Support: We streamline applications and offer retainers for compliance.

Skilled Worker Visa

  • What It Is: Hire additional talent with a £38,700 minimum salary, leading to settlement after 5 years.
  • Benefits: Build a long-term workforce to sustain your UK operations.
  • Our Support: We assist with visas and Indefinite Leave to Remain, securing your team’s future.

Assistance with Company Formation and Employment Contracts

Beyond immigration, we provide comprehensive support to establish and grow your UK presence:

Company Formation

  • What It Is: Register a UK entity, a prerequisite for operations and visa sponsorship.
  • Benefits: Legally anchor your business in the UK for tariff advantages.
  • Our Support: Fast, compliant registration.

Employment Contracts

  • What It Is: Draft contracts with clawback clauses for visa costs.
  • Benefits: Protect your investment in staff amidst rising visa fees.
  • Our Support: Tailored agreements.

Why Choose NA Law Solicitors?

  • Specialised Expertise: We understand the tariff-driven needs of Chinese businesses and excel in UK immigration law.
  • Cost Certainty: Fixed fees and retainers keep your budget predictable.
  • Local Insight: Based in Brentford, we connect you to West London’s dynamic business community.
  • End-to-End Service: From visas to leases, we’re your one-stop partner.

Relocating to the UK is a strategic move for Chinese businesses to bypass high US and European tariffs, tap into new markets, and secure a competitive edge. With NA Law Solicitors, you gain a trusted ally to navigate immigration, legal setup, and beyond. Let us help you turn tariff challenges into growth opportunities.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is ideal for Chinese businesses planning to establish a UK branch. It allows up to five senior or specialist employees to come to the UK and set up operations. This visa does not require an English test and is suited for companies not yet trading in the UK.

A Sponsor Licence is required for any UK-based business wishing to sponsor overseas staff under the UK’s visa system. Chinese companies setting up a UK entity must obtain a Sponsor Licence before applying for Expansion Worker or Skilled Worker visas. NA Law Solicitors can assist with the full application process and ongoing compliance.

Yes. The Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa enables the transfer of experienced staff from your Chinese headquarters to a UK branch. This visa is suitable for established UK entities and supports strategic expansion without English language requirements.

 What are the salary requirements for UK business visas?

  • UK Expansion Worker Visa: Minimum salary of £48,500
  • Global Business Mobility Visa: Minimum salary of £48,500
  • Skilled Worker Visa: Minimum salary of £38,700 (subject to specific occupation codes)

Visa processing times vary, but with complete documentation and proper legal support, most applications are processed within 3 to 8 weeks. NA Law Solicitors provides end-to-end visa support to reduce delays and ensure compliance.

  • Skilled Worker Visa holders may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
  • Expansion Worker and GBM visas are generally temporary, but may be part of a longer-term strategy leading to ILR through other routes.

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