UK Sole Representative Visa
The Sole Rep visa is a fairly unknown entity, largely overshadowed by the popularity of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. However after the demise of the Entrepreneur option, a serious contender and a viable alternative has emerged in the shape of the sole rep visa.
In summary the sole rep visa allows a senior representative (employee) of an overseas business to enter the UK for the purposes of creating a UK branch. The individual must be able to make decisions on the company’s behalf and have the authority to establish and operate a registered branch.
If successful the initial visa is for 3 years with the ability to extend for a further two years whilst in the UK. The representative can apply for settlement after 5 years.
A major attraction of the sole rep visa is that Investment funds is not a prerequisite for entry as with the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. In other words the overseas business is not required to demonstrate accessibility to a certain level of investment funds before they venture to the UK to establish their commercial presence.
Understandably the overseas business must show their business activity including assets and accounts. A detailed business plan should be submitted in support of the application.
In the current climate and with the recent introduction of the onerous start up and innovator route the sole rep visa appears to be a sensible and practical option for overseas businesses wanting to expand in the UK.
The Sole Rep visa is a fairly unknown entity, largely overshadowed by the popularity of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. However after the demise of the Entrepreneur option, a serious contender and a viable alternative has emerged in the shape of the sole rep visa.
In summary the sole rep visa allows a senior representative (employee) of an overseas business to enter the UK for the purposes of creating a UK branch. The individual must be able to make decisions on the company’s behalf and have the authority to establish and operate a registered branch.
If successful the initial visa is for 3 years with the ability to extend for a further two years whilst in the UK. The representative can apply for settlement after 5 years.
A major attraction of the sole rep visa is that Investment funds is not a prerequisite for entry as with the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. In other words the overseas business is not required to demonstrate accessibility to a certain level of investment funds before they venture to the UK to establish their commercial presence.
Understandably the overseas business must show their business activity including assets and accounts. A detailed business plan should be submitted in support of the application.
In the current climate and with the recent introduction of the onerous start up and innovator route the sole rep visa appears to be a sensible and practical option for overseas businesses wanting to expand in the UK.
Who can be granted a sole representative visa?
If you would like to apply for a sole representative visa, you must:
At the same time, your employer must:
- have been recruited and employed outside the UK;
- intend to work full-time for your current employer once you are in the UK;
- be a senior employee of the overseas business; and
- Have full authority to make operational decisions on behalf of the business.
- intend to undertake any other employment;
- be a majority shareholder of your employer’s business;
At the same time, your employer must:
- have its business headquarters and principal place of business outside of the UK;
- have no active branch, subsidiary or other representative of the business in the UK;
- intend to establish and operate a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of thatoverseas business;
- Intend for the registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary to operate in the same kindof business activity as the overseas business.
Newspaper, news agency or broadcast employees
As an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation, you can come to the UK if you’re being posted here on a long-term assignment.
Family members
You family members (dependant’s) can come to the UK with you. They will be granted visa in line with the main applicant, who has been granted leave under this category.
However, the family members are required to meet the maintenance requirement.
However, the family members are required to meet the maintenance requirement.
Knowledge of English
You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.
You can prove your knowledge of English by either:
You can prove your knowledge of English by either:
- passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level A1 in speaking andlistening
- having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UKNARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD
How long will it take?
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
Benefits of applying for Sole Representative Visa
- Free primary and secondary education Access to
- Free medical care in the UK
- British Citizenship within 5 years with no investment funds
