UK Sole Representative Visa

The Sole Representative visa is designed to allow companies to expand their business and set up operations in the United Kingdom. An overseas company is permitted to send one representative to the UK on a Sole Representative visa to set up a branch or subsidiary office, carry out market research, register the company in the UK and negotiate with suppliers and customers.

The nominated representative must have the authority to make day-to-day decisions in the UK, but cannot be a director or major shareholder in the company.

Employers seeking to sponsor or hire foreign workers can sign up for UK Corporate Immigration Services.

Sole Representative Visa Requirements

To qualify for a Sole Representative visa, the overseas company must have its main office outside of the UK without any representation in the UK. Sole Representative visa applicants must:

• Have been recruited and employed by the company outside of the UK
• Be employed full time as a representative of the overseas company;
• Be a senior employee with authority to make decisions on behalf of the overseas company with respect to setting up the branch in the UK;
• Not be a majority shareholder in the overseas company; and
• Have access to sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate themselves (and any dependants) without recourse to public funds; and

Sole Representative visa applicants may also be required to meet certain English language, health and character requirements.

Sole Representative Visa Entitlements

A Sole Representative visa entitles the holder to live and work full-time in the UK for their employer. A Sole Representative visa is usually granted for an initial period of three (3) years and extensions may be granted.

Spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age may be included on the visa application to accompany their spouse or parent to the UK.

The Sole Representative visa may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which entitles individuals to permanent residency in the UK.

Sole Representative Visa Processing Time and Costs

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* The reduced fee will be applicable when the dependent applies at the same time with the main applicant.