Sole Representative Visa

The Sole Representative of an Overseas business visa is targeted at businesses that are looking to set up a wholly owned subsidiary or branch office in the UK for the first time. The visa category allows a senior manager, with operational power to be granted permission to set up operations in the UK.-

At GB Immigration our expert team understand you want to start the next chapter in your life quickly and with minimal disruption and expense.

Applying for a sole representative visa

The sole representative visa category is favourable for those companies who wish to grow a presence in the UK. As there is no investment requirement, it is a more flexible and less risky option than the Tier 1 entrepreneur visa for those companies that wish to tap into the UK market by establishing their first commercial presence in the UK without having to invest a specified sum of capital.

It is important that the person that is selected as the Sole Representative of the company must:

• be recruited and employed outside the UK by a company whose headquarters and principal place of business are outside the UK
• hold a senior position within the company (but not be a major shareholder) and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf
• have extensive related industry experience and knowledge

You may also be eligible if the company has a legal entity in the UK that does not employ staff or transact business. If your company has been working to establish a UK branch or subsidiary, but it is not yet set up, you can replace a previous sole representative.

You are required to provide evidence that you are proficient in English language. And you must demonstrate that you have sufficient maintenance to support yourself and any dependants during your stay.

In making your initial entry to the UK as a Sole Representative of an overseas company, you will be granted a 3 year and 4 month visa. You shall be able to apply to extend this visa at the end of the period for a further 2 years.