Introducing the Representative of an Overseas Business visa
The Representative of an Overseas Business visa route is designed for businesses wishing to establish a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary by deploying a senior employee to the UK.
Holders of the Representative of an Overseas Business visa are allowed to bring their family to the UK and apply to settle after five years of continuous residence. They are, however, unable to work for themselves or any business other than their original company or remain in the UK if the sole representative arrangement is ended by their employer.
A Representative of an Overseas Business visa can be extended for up to 2 years after the original visa duration of 3 years.
Representative of an Overseas Business visa requirements
The route is open to sole representatives of international businesses planning to set up a UK operation. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:
- Have sufficient financial means to support themselves and any family members once in the UK
- Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language (nationals of certain countries are exempt)
Further, applicants must:
- Be employed outside the UK by an actively operating business
- Have the skills and expertise required for the role
- Hold a senior position within the business without having a majority shareholding or a controlling interest and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf
- Seek to set up the overseas business’s first UK operation
Application process
Candidates for this visa will need to apply online and provide the following documents:
- A complete description of the parent business’s activity
- An official letter confirming the overseas business will set up a wholly owned subsidiary or register a branch in the UK in the same field of businesses
- The applicant’s job description, employment contract and salary details
- An official letter confirming the applicant’s knowledge of the business and decision-making power in relation to it
Applicants are also required to provide evidence that they:
- Are directly employed by the business and receive a salary
- Were recruited outside the UK
- Hold a senior position in the business with commensurate decision-making power
- Will be working full time for the business
- Do not own or control a majority of the overseas business
Fees and processing time
For applications made outside the UK, the fee is £610. Most application will be processed within 15 working days.
For applications made inside the UK, the fee is £704. A decision is usually made within 8 weeks.
In both cases, applicants can purchase a priority service and reduce the standard processing times to 5 working days.
Quick Consultation Form
Would you like to learn more about this visa or find out which UK immigration route best suits your needs? Speak to us at +44 (0) 020 808 73583 or fill out our Quick Consultation form.
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