Overseas businesses seeking to establish their first presence in the UK can send one senior employee on a Sole Representative visa. This visa allows the representative’s spouse and children under 18 to join them as dependants.

To qualify, the business must have been trading for at least 12 months and intend to establish its first UK branch or subsidiary without moving its headquarters. The business must also grant the Sole Representative full authority to make operational decisions and submit a business plan and financial statements for the UK expansion.

The representative must be employed outside the UK, be a senior employee, and work full-time without seeking other employment. They cannot be a majority shareholder and must demonstrate they can support themselves and their dependants financially while meeting the English language requirement (CEFR A1 – speaking and listening).

The visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended for two more. To qualify for an extension, the UK business must be registered, actively trading, and its headquarters must remain overseas. The Sole Representative must still be needed in their role and continue to receive a salary.

After five years in the UK, a Sole Representative (and their dependants) may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and later for UK citizenship.

Interested in obtaining a Sole Representative visa? Contact us today for more information.