Sole representative visa
Introduction
This category is for an overseas company wishing to open a new branch or subsidiary in the UK. The company may nominate a senior employee, who can apply to come to the UK and work full-time running the UK branch as a "sole representative".
Does my company qualify to send a Sole Representative to the UK?
Your company should be well established and trading overseas, normally for at least one year. The purpose of this visa is to provide for a company wishing to expand its operations into the UK. It it is not, for example, intended to allow a company to relocate its main business or main operation to the UK.
Who can apply to come to the UK as a Sole Representative?
The sole representative must be a senior employee of your company recruited outside the UK. Ideally they should have been employed by you for some time and be fully aware of your business processes and procedures. If the person has been hired specifically to fulfil the role you should show that they have relevant previous working experience. They should not hold a majority shareholding in the overseas company. The applicant must have passed an English language test.
If a Sole Representative visa would not be appropriate you should consider othe immigration categories, such as Entrepreneur or Investor.
What about the spouse / children of the Sole Representative?
The candidate's spouse and children can apply to accompany them to the UK as their dependants.
How can a UK Sole Representative visa be Extended?
The visa will normally be issued for a period of three years. After that the sole representative may apply for a leave extension if they are still working as a sole representative for the company. A sole representative may eventually qualify for indefinite leave to remain and/or British citizenship.
