Firm fee

[YouKTier]

Hi, just a quick doubt might sound silly to some but please answer if you dont mind: I am going to use a certain firm for T1E extension application, is it fine to pay their fees through my business bank account? Will it be considered as a business expense or personal?

[Mrchaany]

This is not bad question
But common sense need to be implement
Visa fee is for business purposes of the main applicant which is technically business expenses but from accounting point of view need discussion

[zimba]

Your visa is a personal matter. You cannot pay the fees from your business account.

[seasky]

My firm pays visa costs. It is in my contract. Logic is I am an expat coming to the UK for the purpose and value of my compnay (that fact I am the founder does not derogate from this) it is for the benefit of the company and its shareholders.

Does not directly matter but many T1 ent first and foremost want to come to the UK scan the different visas available and choose T1 ent. I wanted to develop my technology in the UK because it is the best place (existing knowhow, great market etc) and chose a visa that allowed me to do this.

Saying that none of the £200k went to visa cost simply because much more has been invested.

[YouKTier]

Thanks guys, I asked an accountant who said its fine to pay through business account as the visa is for business without which business wont exist

[whiteroses]

A company is a separate legal entity and, technically, it can continue with someone else as director/shareholder/etc. From that point of view, I don't see how you can pay from the business account. But then again, you can put it in your contract like someone on this page did.