Representative Of An Overseas Business 


The Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa category is for those who want to establish a branch or subsidiary of their overseas headquartered firm / business in the UK.


Non-European Economic Area (EEA)/non-Swiss national employees of overseas businesses may apply for immigration permission to enter the UK as either a sole representative of an overseas business or an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation.


We can assist with all stages of the transfer to the UK, from the initial planning of the transfer to the UK by your sole representative to preparing the necessary supporting documentation to support the application and ultimately assisting with the filing of the visa application abroad.


Our services include:


Providing you with expert assistance advising you on the procedure, requirements and what it takes to make the application to the relevant overseas post.

Making the necessary representations in support of your application to ensure you are able to begin the process of relocating your business to the UK.

Essentially this visa allows a senior employee of an overseas business to come to the UK to set up and run a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary of the overseas parent company.As overseas businesses look to grow, it is vital that key employees can quickly obtain permission to work in the UK to support expansion.


If your application for a sole representative visa is approved, you will be given permission to enter and remain in the UK for up to 3 years initially. Beyond this, you will need to submit a further application for leave to remain, which would be valid for 2 years. After 5 years in the UK in the sole representative visa category, you may be granted permission to remain in the UK permanently. This is on the condition that you have remained in the UK as a senior employee of the same business throughout the 5 years.


To qualify for this application and be granted the extension you will need to:


Show that you have met an English language requirement. If you are a national of a majority English speaking country or already hold a qualifying degree, you will, subject to providing the necessary evidence, fulfil this requirement. If this is not the case, you will need to pass an approved English language test prior to applying for a sole representative visa.

If you are a senior employee of an overseas business and would like to come to the UK to set up and run a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of that business, you may be able to make an application for a sole representative of an overseas business visa.

Your Dependants: 


It is possible to bring dependents, such as a spouse and/or child under the age of 18, with you to the UK. However, you will need to show that you have enough money to maintain and accommodate yourselves in the UK without recourse to public funds.Subject to some restrictions, dependants may work and study in the UK.


After 1 year of holding Indefinite Leave to Remain, you may qualify for UK citizenship as long as you have not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the 5 years preceding your application and you have no criminal convictions or questionable circumstances.


Our lawyers have substantial experience and broad knowledge of the complex rules regarding representatives of an overseas business and we assist clients from the planning phase through to employee’s arrival in the UK. Accordingly, please do not hesitate to get in touch for expert advice if you require assistance and if you would like to apply.

How to Apply for a Sole Representative Visa in the UK


If you're a non-UK business owner looking to expand your company to the UK, you may be eligible for a sole representative visa. This visa allows you to send a senior employee to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary of your company. Here's what you need to know about the application process.


Understand the Eligibility Criteria.


Before applying for a sole representative visa in the UK, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, you must be a senior employee of a non-UK company that intends to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. You must also have extensive knowledge and experience in your company's industry and be able to make decisions on behalf of the company. Additionally, you must not own more than 50% of the company's shares and the company must have no other presence in the UK.


Gather the Required Documents.


Once you have determined your eligibility for a sole representative visa in the UK, the next step is to gather all the required documents for your application. These documents include a valid passport or travel document, a completed application form, a tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable), proof of your knowledge and experience in your company's industry, proof of your employment with the company, and evidence of the company's intention to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. It's important to ensure that all documents are in English or accompanied by a certified translation.


Choose the Right Type of Sole Representative Visa.


Before applying for a sole representative visa in the UK, it's important to determine which type of visa is right for you. There are two types of sole representative visas: one for overseas companies that are planning to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK, and one for overseas newspapers, news agencies, and broadcasting organizations that are sending a representative to the UK. Make sure you choose the correct type of visa for your situation to avoid any delays or complications in the application process.


Submit Your Application and Pay the Fees.


Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and completed the application form, it's time to submit your application and pay the fees. You can either submit your application online or by post, depending on your preference. The current fee for a sole representative visa is £610 for applications made outside the UK and £704 for applications made within the UK. Make sure to pay the correct fee and include all necessary documents to avoid any delays in processing your application.


Attend Your Biometric Appointment and Wait for a Decision.


After submitting your application and paying the fees, you will need to attend a biometric appointment. This appointment involves providing your fingerprints and a photograph. You will receive a letter with details of your appointment after submitting your application. After attending your appointment, you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. The processing time for a sole representative visa is usually around 3 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the volume of applications. Once you receive a decision, you will be notified of the outcome and any next steps you need to take.