UK Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

Our team of business immigration lawyers have extensive experience in helping companies and partnerships expand their business in the UK.

This route now closed to new applicants. However, those who currently have permission to stay as a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business may apply for an extension of stay or indefinite leave to remain. Senior managers or those who are categorised as specialist employees intending to establish a branch of an overseas business in the UK for the first time can apply for a Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker Visa instead. Dependent partners and children of Sole Representatives are still eligible to apply for the Sole Representative route.

UK Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

You can apply for a Representative of an Overseas Business Visa (Sole Representative Visa) if you are coming to the UK to set up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company.

You must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be recruited and employed outside the UK by a company whose business and headquarters are outside the UK
  • Must have extensive related experience and knowledge
  • Must hold a senior position within the company
  • Must not be a majority shareholder in the company
  • Must establish the company’s first commercial presence in the UK
  • Must have enough money to support yourself and dependents without help from public funds
  • Must meet the English language requirement

Your spouse and children under the age of 18 can apply as dependants.

You will be initially granted leave for 3 years which can then be extended for another 2 years and after 5 years you could be eligible to apply for settlement.