Sole Representative Visa

The Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa allows a senior employee of an overseas company to come to the UK to set up and run a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary. This is an important route for international businesses looking to expand into the UK market. Kings Court Law has extensive experience advising both businesses and individual applicants on this route.

Eligibility Requirements

• The overseas business must be a genuine, active company with its headquarters outside the UK
• The applicant must be a senior employee (not the owner or majority shareholder) of the overseas company
• The applicant must have full authority to negotiate and take operational decisions
• The UK branch or subsidiary must not yet be established (or must be newly established)
• The applicant must intend to be employed full-time by the overseas company
• The applicant must not intend to take secondary employment or run their own business in the UK

Common Pitfalls

• Ownership issues: Owners and majority shareholders cannot use this route — they must consider the Innovator Founder or other entrepreneur routes
• Existing UK presence: If the UK branch is already well-established, the route may not be available
• Multiple representatives: Only one sole representative is permitted per overseas business at any time
• Change of employment: You cannot change employer while on this visa
• Genuine business test: The Home Office will scrutinise whether the overseas business is genuine and active

Settlement & Extensions

The Sole Representative Visa is initially granted for 3 years, with the option to extend for a further 2 years. After 5 years of continuous leave in this category, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

How We Can Help

• Assessing the eligibility of both the overseas business and the individual applicant
• Advising on the documentation required to evidence the overseas business
• Preparing a comprehensive business plan and supporting letter
• Preparing and submitting the visa application
• Advising on extensions and the pathway to settlement
• Advising on the transition to other visa categories if circumstances change
• Handling complex cases including ownership structure issues