Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa – Establish Your UK Branch
The Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa is designed for executives or senior managers of an international company who wish to enter the UK to establish the organization’s first office, branch, or subsidiary.
Key points:
- The applicant cannot own more than 50% of the parent company.
- The parent business must remain based outside the UK.
- The UK branch must operate in the same sector as the overseas business.
- The overseas parent company should typically be larger than the proposed UK branch.
What Is a Sole Representative Visa?
The visa allows a representative to set up a commercial presence in the UK without needing to bring investment funds or present a new business idea. The representative acts on behalf of the overseas parent company to establish and manage the UK branch or subsidiary.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the Sole Representative Visa, applicants must:
- Apply from outside the EEA
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds
- Meet the English language requirement (minimum CEFR A1 in speaking and listening)
- Hold a qualification recognized by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
Employment Requirements
The applicant must:
- Be employed by the overseas parent company prior to entering the UK
- Possess extensive relevant industry experience
- Hold a senior managerial position with full authority to make decisions
- Not be the majority shareholder (cannot own more than 50% of shares)
- Work for a UK entity that is newly established and does not yet employ staff or trade commercially
Requirements for the Company
The overseas parent company must:
- Be registered and actively trading outside the UK
- Operate a UK branch or subsidiary in the same line of business as the parent company
- Not already have an existing UK branch or representative
- Maintain the principal business location outside the UK
Visa Extensions and Settlement
- Initial visa is typically granted for up to 3 years, with the option to extend for an additional 2 years.
- Applicants can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, provided they continue to work for the same company and are actively establishing the UK presence.
Dependents
- Dependents (spouse/partner and children under 18) can accompany the main applicant
- Proof of genuine relationship is required (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
Fees
- Visa application fee: $610 per applicant
- Healthcare surcharge: applicable
- Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photo): £19.20
Using a Solicitor or Agent
- Legal representation must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), unless exempt
- Visa decisions are typically communicated to the registered representative.
