Sole Representative of Overseas Business Visa

Establish a commercial presence in the UK by appointing a senior employee as a representative. With expert UK immigration law advice, Rove Legal take the complexity out of securing the visas required for your representatives.

Sole Representative Visa For Overseas Businesses​

Our Clients:

UPDATE FOR NEW APPLICANTS

Extend Your Visa or Apply for ILR

Extend Your Visa or Apply for ILR​

Currently, this route is closed for new main applicants. However, businesses that intend to send senior managers or specialist employees to the UK to start a commercial presence can consider the Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker Visa as a viable option. This shift aims to adapt to the evolving needs of global businesses and the UK economy, ensuring that immigration pathways remain aligned with market demands and business growth strategies.

Eligibility Requirements

The applicant must:

  • Be currently employed in a senior role outside the UK by the company.
  • Have the necessary authority to make decisions on behalf of the company.
  • Focus solely on the company’s business activities in the UK, without engaging in business elsewhere or starting a new business.
  • Not have majority ownership or control over the company.
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR Level A1 for speaking and listening.
  • Prove financial ability to support themselves and any dependants without public funds.
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The business must:

  • Be active and trading, with plans to open a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the same business area.
  • The company’s main headquarters must operate outside the UK, without existing branches or representatives within the UK.
  • This visa is not a pathway for individuals to facilitate their own or others’ migration but is intended for those genuinely representing an overseas business with the intention to expand to the UK while keeping its primary operations abroad.

    Given the specific and varied requirements, consulting with an immigration lawyer is recommended as they can provide tailored advice and ensure compliance with all necessary criteria.

If you’re looking to apply for a Sole Representative Visa, there are several documents that you and your employer will need to provide. Our legal team is available to help you collect these necessary documents and answer any queries that may arise from the Home Office.

When applying for an Overseas business Visa, it is important to have the following documents ready:

  • Your passport and any other valid travel documents.
  • Bank statements or other documentation showing that you have the means to support yourself and any dependents.
  • Information about where you will be staying in the UK.
  • Evidence of your English language proficiency.
  • If required for your country of origin, results of a tuberculosis test.
  • A comprehensive overview of your organisation, including its activities, assets, liabilities, and financial accounts.
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  • A letter from the company confirming its intention to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary or branch office in the UK.
  • Your job description, salary details, and proof that you have the authority to make independent decisions on behalf of the company.
  • Verification of your employment status with the company, demonstrating that you are not merely an agent.
  • Proof that you are currently employed outside the UK and that you will continue to work for the sending organization upon arrival in the country.

Once your Sole Representative Visa application is approved, you can enter the United Kingdom and stay for an initial period of 3 years, during which you can grow your business in the country. If you want to extend your stay, you can apply for leave to remain, which will provide you with an additional 2 years in the UK. After working as a senior employee for an Indian business in the UK for a total of 5 years, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which will enable you to settle down permanently in the UK.

EXTENSIONS

Extending Sole Representative of Overseas Business Visa

Extending Sole Representative of Overseas Business Visa

Individuals in the UK under a Sole Representative Visa have the opportunity to extend their stay, initially granted for three years, by a further two years. This extension is pivotal for those aiming to establish a longer-term presence in the UK for their overseas business.

For a successful application for extension, specific criteria must be met, ensuring ongoing compliance with the visa’s intentions and requirements:

Company Operations

The parent company must continue to have its headquarters and principal business activities outside the UK, reaffirming its international base.

The visa holder must be engaged full-time in their role as the overseas business’s representative. Their presence and activities in the UK should be essential to the business, with a focus on managing the UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary.

Evidence must be provided that the representative has actively contributed to the business’s growth in the UK, primarily through engagements with UK-based businesses. This underscores the representative’s role in expanding the company’s commercial footprint within the UK market.

The representative, along with any dependants, must be able to support themselves without needing public funds. This requirement ensures that the visa holder and their family can maintain a suitable standard of living while contributing to the UK economy.

Navigating Complex Regulations

Navigating Complex Regulations

The application process for extending a Sole Representative Visa involves navigating through a complex array of strict regulations and requirements. 

Our Solution: We offer expert guidance to simplify these complexities. Our team stays abreast of the latest regulations and provides bespoke advice to ensure your application meets all criteria, reducing the likelihood of delays or rejections.

Documentation and Compliance

Documentation and Compliance

Compiling the necessary documentation and ensuring it complies with Home Office standards is a critical challenge in the application process.

Our Solution: Our service includes a comprehensive review of your documentation to ensure it is complete, accurate, and compliant. We assist in preparing a compelling business plan, gathering financial proofs, and ensuring the representative’s role and responsibilities are clearly outlined and aligned with visa requirements.

Why Choose Our Services for Sole Representative Visa

Why Choose Our Services for Sole Representative Visa

Our team of skilled immigration lawyers specialises in the Sole Representative Visa route, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of UK immigration regulations. This expertise is critical in navigating the complexities of the application process and meeting the stringent requirements set by the Home Office.

Personalised Assistance

Providing expert advice and support tailored to the unique needs of clients. Our approach involves understanding your business objectives, assessing the eligibility of your chosen representative, and crafting a strong application that highlights the merits of your case.

99% Success Rate

We have a proven track record of effectively aiding businesses in their Sole Representative Visa applications, demonstrating our expertise and commitment. Our approach adeptly handles the stricter regulations and heavier evidence requirements, thereby improving the chances of a positive result.

Comprehensive Support

From eligibility checks during your consultation to post-visa approval, we offer comprehensive support. This includes assistance with documentation, representation in communications with the Home Office, and guidance on establishing your business in the UK post-visa approval.

Post-Visa Assistance

Comprehensive Support for
Sole Representative Visa

Comprehensive Support for Sole Representative Visa

Once your Sole Representative Visa is granted, the journey to establishing your business in the UK begins. We at Lexus Law offer extensive support to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible.

1. Setting Up Operations

Assistance with the practical aspects of setting up your UK branch or subsidiary, including legal compliance, registration processes, and local networking.

2. Ongoing Legal Advice

Providing continuous legal support to navigate UK business laws, employment regulations, and any other legal requirements that arise.

3. Immigration Compliance

Regular check-ups and advice to ensure ongoing compliance with immigration laws for your representative and any subsequent employees.

Success Stories

Success Stories

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Our Testimonials

Our Testimonials

YOU MAY WONDER...

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to extend the visa?

The current cost to extend this visa is £719, when applying from within the UK. Dependents applying to extend their visa from outside the UK will pay £625 per applicant.

 

Your initial visa will allow you to remain in the UK for up to three years. When your visa is due to expire, you can apply for an extension which will grant you a further two years in the country.

You can add your spouse or partner along with children under the age of 18 as dependents in your application if you are eligible. However, it’s important to note that as per the Immigration Rules, your spouse or partner cannot have a controlling stake or majority ownership in the overseas business, regardless of the type of arrangement, including shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship, or any other arrangement.

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