Updated: December 2025
Reading Time: 8 minutes
Reading Time: 8 minutes
This article is part of our English for Immigration series by SmallTalk2Me – an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform designed to help you train English fluency through real-life conversation simulations.
Why Business English Matters for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Launching a startup in a new country is an ambitious adventure, but navigating legal requirements and bureaucratic procedures can be daunting if you aren't familiar with the specific terminology. Knowing the correct English phrases to register your company, discuss tax liabilities, and hire employees can make the difference between a successful launch and a paperwork nightmare.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential vocabulary for business structures, key questions to ask advisors, practical dialogues to practice before your meetings, and tips for confidently managing your new enterprise.
Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential vocabulary for business structures, key questions to ask advisors, practical dialogues to practice before your meetings, and tips for confidently managing your new enterprise.
Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide
Business Startup Vocabulary in English
Before you visit a business support center or meet with an accountant, make sure you understand these common terms used in legal and commercial conversations.
Types of Business Structures
Key Documents & Procedures
Financial & Legal Terms
People You'll Meet
Types of Business Structures
- Sole trader – You run the business as an individual. You keep the profits but are personally responsible for losses.
- Limited company – A business where finances are separate from your personal finances (requires more reporting).
- Partnership – A structure where 2 or more people run a business together and share responsibility for debts.
- Self-employed – Working for yourself rather than for an employer.
- Freelancer – An independent professional who sells services to different clients.
Key Documents & Procedures
- Business Plan – A written document describing your business goals and how you will achieve them.
- Permit / License – Official permission to operate a specific type of business (e.g., selling food or alcohol).
- Payroll – The list of employees and the amount of money they are to be paid.
- VAT (Value Added Tax) – A consumption tax placed on a product whenever value is added at each stage of the supply chain.
- Insurance – Financial protection against potential risks (e.g., liability insurance).
Financial & Legal Terms
- Turnover – The total amount of money your business receives from the sale of goods or services.
- Profit – The financial gain (money left after expenses are paid).
- Liability – Being responsible for something, especially by law (e.g., debts).
- Tax return – A form filed with a taxing authority that reports income, expenses, and other tax information.
- National Insurance – A system of mandatory contributions paid by workers and employers (specific to the UK, but similar concepts exist elsewhere like Social Security).
People You'll Meet
- Business Support Advisor – A professional who guides you through the startup process.
- Accountant – A professional who keeps or inspects financial accounts.
- Investor – A person or organization that puts money into financial schemes with the expectation of achieving a profit.
Useful Phrases for Starting a Business
Memorize these expressions to sound professional and confident when speaking with government officials, banks, or business consultants.
Stating Your Intentions
Describing Your Role
Asking for Specific Advice
Stating Your Intentions
- "I’m planning to start my own business."
- "I’m going to set up a limited company."
- "I’d like to register as a sole trader."
- "I want to apply for a business license."
Describing Your Role
- "I’m in charge of operations/marketing."
- "My responsibilities include managing the payroll and accounts."
- "I am the founder and CEO."
Asking for Specific Advice
- "I need some advice on writing a business plan."
- "Could you help me with the tax registration process?"
- "I need regional help with exporting goods."
- "Where can I find information on local regulations?"
- "What should I do next?"
- "What records do I need to keep?"
- "Do I need to take out insurance immediately?"
15 Questions to Ask a Business Advisor
When meeting with a Business Support Helpline (BSH) adviser or an accountant, use these questions to clarify your legal obligations and path forward.
- What are the legal requirements for my specific industry?
- Should I register as a sole trader or a limited company?
- How long does the registration process usually take?
- What are the initial costs for setting up this type of company?
- Do I need a specific permit to operate in this city?
- How do I register for VAT / tax?
- What insurance policies are mandatory for my business?
- What represent my responsibilities if I hire employees?
- Do I need to provide a workplace pension?
- Is there any financial help or grants available for new startups?
- How does importing/exporting affect my tax status?
- Can I use my home address as my registered business address?
- What records do I need to keep for the tax authorities?
- Is there a digital platform where I can manage these applications?
- Where can I find a template for a business plan?
Practice Dialogue 1: Choosing a Business Structure
BSH Adviser: Hello. How can I help you today?
Applicant: Hello. I need some advice on starting my own business here. I’m a graphic designer.
BSH Adviser: I’ll be happy to help. Have you decided on a business structure yet?
Applicant: Not really. I was wondering, what is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?
BSH Adviser: Well, if you’re a sole trader, you run your business as an individual. You keep all the profits after tax, but you are personally responsible for any losses or debts.
Applicant: I see. And a limited company?
BSH Adviser: If you form a limited company, its finances are separate from your personal finances. This offers more protection, but there are more reporting and management responsibilities.
Applicant: That sounds a bit complicated for me right now.
BSH Adviser: There is also a partnership, which is the simplest way for two or more people to run a business together.
Applicant: No, it's just me. I think I should start as a sole trader for now.
BSH Adviser: That’s a very common choice for freelancers. You can always change to a limited company later as you grow.
Applicant: That’s good to know. Thank you!
Applicant: Hello. I need some advice on starting my own business here. I’m a graphic designer.
BSH Adviser: I’ll be happy to help. Have you decided on a business structure yet?
Applicant: Not really. I was wondering, what is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?
BSH Adviser: Well, if you’re a sole trader, you run your business as an individual. You keep all the profits after tax, but you are personally responsible for any losses or debts.
Applicant: I see. And a limited company?
BSH Adviser: If you form a limited company, its finances are separate from your personal finances. This offers more protection, but there are more reporting and management responsibilities.
Applicant: That sounds a bit complicated for me right now.
BSH Adviser: There is also a partnership, which is the simplest way for two or more people to run a business together.
Applicant: No, it's just me. I think I should start as a sole trader for now.
BSH Adviser: That’s a very common choice for freelancers. You can always change to a limited company later as you grow.
Applicant: That’s good to know. Thank you!
Practice Dialogue 2: Discussing Responsibilities and Next Steps
This dialogue demonstrates a conversation about the administrative side of running a business, such as hiring and taxes.
BSH Adviser: So, now that you've decided on your structure, do you have questions about operations? Applicant: Yes. Could you tell me please what responsibilities I’ll have if I take on people to help? I might need an assistant soon.
BSH Adviser: There are several things you’ll need to do if you become an employer. You’ll have to run payroll, pay their National Insurance, and potentially provide a workplace pension.
Applicant: I see. That sounds like a lot of paperwork.
BSH Adviser: It can be. Many people hire an accountant to handle payroll. Now, regarding your next steps—have you checked if you need a license?
Applicant: Not yet. What should I do next?
BSH Adviser: First, choose the name you want to trade under. Then, register for tax online. You'll need to keep strict records of all your sales and expenses.
Applicant: Can I do all of that online?
BSH Adviser: Yes, most of these operations are digital now. On our official website, you can find detailed information on licenses, permits, and data protection rules.
Applicant: Great. I’ll check the website tonight. Thanks a lot for your help.
BSH Adviser: You are welcome. Good luck with your new business!
BSH Adviser: So, now that you've decided on your structure, do you have questions about operations? Applicant: Yes. Could you tell me please what responsibilities I’ll have if I take on people to help? I might need an assistant soon.
BSH Adviser: There are several things you’ll need to do if you become an employer. You’ll have to run payroll, pay their National Insurance, and potentially provide a workplace pension.
Applicant: I see. That sounds like a lot of paperwork.
BSH Adviser: It can be. Many people hire an accountant to handle payroll. Now, regarding your next steps—have you checked if you need a license?
Applicant: Not yet. What should I do next?
BSH Adviser: First, choose the name you want to trade under. Then, register for tax online. You'll need to keep strict records of all your sales and expenses.
Applicant: Can I do all of that online?
BSH Adviser: Yes, most of these operations are digital now. On our official website, you can find detailed information on licenses, permits, and data protection rules.
Applicant: Great. I’ll check the website tonight. Thanks a lot for your help.
BSH Adviser: You are welcome. Good luck with your new business!
Tips for Successful Business Conversations
Before the Meeting
During the Meeting
After the Meeting
- Research your industry: Know if your specific job requires a license (e.g., food, construction, medicine).
- Prepare your documents: Have your ID, visa status, and a rough business plan ready.
- Write down questions: Business meetings can be fast-paced; having a list ensures you don't forget anything.
During the Meeting
- Take notes: Write down the names of specific forms or website URLs the advisor mentions.
- Ask for clarification: If you don't understand a legal term (like "liability" or "turnover"), ask: "Could you explain what that means in simple English?"
- Verify deadlines: Always ask when specific forms must be submitted to avoid fines.
After the Meeting
- Review the vocabulary: Look up any words you didn't understand.
- Send a follow-up email: If you have the advisor's contact info, send a thank you note summarizing what you agreed upon to confirm you understood correctly.
Disclaimer: Options & requirements depend on the country where you are going to operate. All information on this website is given to practice English only. All legal information should be checked on relevant official government websites.
Ready to Practice Your Airport English?
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Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play lost luggage conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. Practice describing your luggage, asking questions to airline staff, and build confidence before your real trip.
Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play lost luggage conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. Practice describing your luggage, asking questions to airline staff, and build confidence before your real trip.
More Articles in the English for Immigration Series
This article is part of our comprehensive English for Immigration series. Explore other essential topics to prepare for life abroad:
📖 For a complete overview of all immigration topics, visit our English for Immigration Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering English in real-life immigration situations.
- English for Immigration: Useful Phrases and Tips for Border Control – Navigate airport security and customs with confidence
- English for Immigration: Renting or Buying a Home – Master housing vocabulary and conversations
- English for Immigration: Vocabulary and Phrases for Banking – Open accounts and manage your finances
- English for Immigration: At the Doctor's – Describe symptoms and understand medical advice
- English for Immigration: Renting a Car or Bicycle – Get around your new city easily
- English for Immigration: Vocabulary and Phrases for Lost Luggage – Know what to say if your bags don't arrive
📖 For a complete overview of all immigration topics, visit our English for Immigration Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering English in real-life immigration situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What English phrases should I use to say I want to start a business?
Key phrases include: "I’m planning to start my own business," "I’d like to register as a sole trader/limited company," "I want to apply for a business permit," and "I need advice on writing a business plan."
What is the difference between a "Sole Trader" and a "Limited Company"?
A Sole Trader is an individual who runs a business personally; you keep the profits but are personally liable for debts. A Limited Company is a separate legal entity; its finances are separate from yours, offering more protection but requiring more paperwork.
What questions should I ask a business advisor?
Important questions include: "What permits do I need?" "How do I register for tax/VAT?" "What are my responsibilities if I hire staff?" "Do I need specific business insurance?" and "Can I run this business from my home?"
What is a "Business Plan"?
A Business Plan is a written document that describes your business objectives and strategies. You might hear advisors say: "You need to submit a business plan" or "Does your business plan include financial projections?"
How can I improve my English for business meetings?
Practice with AI-powered conversation simulators like SmallTalk2Me, study business vocabulary lists, read government guidance websites in English, and role-play common dialogues before your visit. The more you practice speaking, the more confident you'll feel discussing legal and financial matters.
