Representative of an Overseas Business

What is a Representative of an Overseas Business visa

The Representative of an Overseas Business route is designed for the sole representative of an overseas business to set up either a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary in the UK, or an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment in the UK. This page will mainly focus on the more common first limb of this route, which is often referred to as the Sole Representative visa.

The Sole Representative Visa is a highly specialised visa explicitly designed to allow companies from abroad access to the UK to set up and manage the commercial branch of their business. The sole representative is a single senior individual sent in by the overseas company and will be responsible to oversee and handle the foundations of a UK office, branch or expansion of the overseas company in the UK.

General requirements

In order to qualify for a Sole Representative visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration the following requirements:

The overseas business:

• Is active and trading overseas;
• Has its headquarters and principal place of business outside the UK;
• Has no other active branch, subsidiary or representative in the UK;
• Intends to establish a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK that will actively trade in the same business activity as the overseas business;
• The overseas business will not be established or the sole representative appointed mainly for the purpose of facilitating the entry or stay of the sole representative; 
• Intends to maintain the centre of its operations overseas.

The individual:

• Is a genuine Representative of an Overseas Business;
• Is an existing senior employee of the overseas business;
• Has been recruited and taken on as an employee of the overseas business outside of the UK;
• Has the skills, experience and knowledge of the business necessary to undertake the role of sole representative of the overseas business in the UK;
• Has full authority to negotiate and take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business;
• Intends to work full-time as a representative of the overseas business;
• Does not intend to engage in business of his/her own or work for any other business; 
• Does not have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, a majority of the overseas business, whether that ownership or control is by means of a shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement;
• Can show English language ability to at least CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening);
• Can show s/he can adequately maintain and accommodate his/herself and dependants in the UK, without recourse to public funds.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

How long can you stay in the UK

If successful, you will be granted a 3-year visa, during which period you are expected to set up the branch of the overseas company and help the business expand in the UK. 

At the end of your initial visa. you may apply for an extension which will be granted for a further 2-year leave.

After completing 5-years continuous residence in the UK on this route, you may be able to apply for settlement in the UK.

Dependants

Your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) can come with you. They will need to apply for a Dependant visa and if successful, will be granted a visa in line with yours.

Processing time and application fees 

For applications made from outside of the UK, the current visa application fee is £625. The application will usually be processed within 3 weeks.

For applications made from within the UK, the current visa application fee is £719. The application will usually be processed within 8 weeks.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, set at £624 per year (or £470 per year for Student / Youth Mobility Scheme / applicant under 18). 

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.