Representative of an overseas Business

The Representative of an Overseas Business visa category is for an individual who is the sole representative of an overseas business to come to the UK to set up a registered branch or a wholly owned subsidiary of that overseas business (‘parent company’).

This visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement).

Initial Application

You can apply for a UK visa under the Representative of an Overseas Business category if you meet the following requirements:

  • You are the sole representative of an overseas company planning to establish and operate a registered branch or a wholly owned subsidiary in the UK for an overseas parent company

  • You must be recruited and taken on as an employee outside the UK of that overseas business

  • You are not a majority shareholder in that overseas business

  • You are a senior employee of that overseas business and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf

  • You intend to be employed full time as a representative of that overseas business

  • The overseas business has its headquarter and principal place of business outside the United Kingdom

  • You have passed an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening. Please refer to the Approved English Tests Providers List.

  • You can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants adequately without assistance from UK public funds

 

Extension application

You can extend your stay in the UK under this visa if you meet the following requirements:

  • You must have entered the UK under a valid Representative of an Overseas Business visa

  • The headquarter and principal place of business of the overseas business remains outside the UK

  • You are employed full time as a representative of that overseas business and has established and is in charge of its registered branch or wholly owned subsidiary

  • You are still required for the employment in question

  • You have been receiving salary from your employer since your last grant of leave

  • You have generated business, principally with firms in the UK, on behalf of your employer since your last grant of leave

  • You can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants adequately without assistance from UK public funds

 

Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)

You will be given 3 years for your first application. Your visa can then be extended for 2 years.

You may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) once you have been in the UK for 5 years and you have an ongoing employment with the same company. You may apply for UK citizenship 1 year later.

 

You are most welcome to contact us at +44 (0)20 3371 0606 for answers to your questions.

 

Representative of an Overseas business FAQs

 

Can my family come with me to the UK?

Yes, your husband, wife, partner or children under 18 can come with you under this visa. They will be your ‘dependants’ and you need to provide evidence that you can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without help from UK public funds.