BUSINESS VISAS TO THE UK

SOLE REPRESENTATIVE VISA TO THE UK

This visa type is perfect for companies wanting to expand their business abroad and set up in the UK. An overseas company is allowed to send one representative to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary. This includes carrying out market research, registering the company in the UK and negotiating with suppliers and customers.

Although the nominated representative must have the authority to make day-to-day decisions in the UK they cannot be a director or major shareholder in the company. In most cases entry clearance is granted for two years.

Leave to remain in this category can be extended up to a total of 3 years.

DO I QUALIFY FOR A SOLE REPRESENTATIVE VISA TO THE UK?

Our Free Sole Representative Visa Eligibility Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to live and work in the UK.

• UK VISA ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT

YOUR UK VISA PREFERENCE	YOUR STATUS
TITLE Select Title Mr. Mrs. Miss. Ms. Dr. Prof. GIVEN NAME / FIRST NAME FAMILY NAME / LAST NAME	EMAIL NOMINATE A PASSWORD CONFIRM PASSWORD
I have reviewed and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Migration Expert.

SOLE REPRESENTATIVE VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for a Sole Representative Visa you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have been recruited and taken on as an employee outside the UK as a representative of a company which has its main office outside of the UK without a branch, subsidiary or other representative in the UK.
• You must be a senior employee with authority for decision making on behalf of the overseas company with respects to setting up the branch in the UK.
• You must be employed full time as a representative of the overseas firm.
• You are not a majority shareholder in the overseas firm.
• You must not take up any employment other than that relating to your work for the overseas firm.
• You must be able to financially maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds.
• You must obtain entry clearance as a Sole Representative before entering the UK.

SOLE REPRESENTATIVE VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Applicants applying for a Business Visa will be granted leave up to a maximum period of two years. Subject to meeting certain criteria the Home Office may extend the applicant's stay for up to a further three years to make a total of five years. This category may lead to permanent residence and British Nationality.

Dependants such as your married partner or civil partner and/or children under the age of 18 may be able to accompany you on your application. They may also be able to work without any restrictions. You can work full time only in the business interest/company for which permission to enter the UK was sought.

SOLE REPRESENTATIVE VISA PROCESSING TIME AND COSTS

SOLE REPRESENTATIVE	OUTSIDE THE UK (ENTRY CLEARANCE)	INSIDE THE UK (FLR)
Government Application Fee	£200	£395
Advanced Migration Service	£199
Premium Migration Service	£999
PROCESSING TIMES	1-12 weeks	4-14 weeks
ADVANCED MIGRATION SERVICE Apply for this visa with help from a registered Migration Consultant. PREMIUM MIGRATION SERVICE Let a Migration Consultant manage your visa application for you.