Representative of an Overseas Business
What is Representative of an Overseas Business Visa?
You can apply through the representative of an overseas business visa if you are either:
- the sole representative of an overseas company planning to set up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company
- an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK
This category provides a good opportunity for both the representative and the company to develop their business in the UK. The initial visa duration is 3 years and it is possible to extend the visa for up to 2 further years if you meet the eligibility requirements. The representative can bring their family with them to the UK as well.
Key points
- route for those recruited and employed outside the UK to come to the UK and set up a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary of an overseas parent company (sole representative); or as an employee of an overseas media company posted on long term assignment to the UK
- can bring family
- must pass an approved English language test with at least CEF A1 level in speaking and listening (a beginner level)
- must meet maintenance requirements
- visa valid for 3 years
- possible to extend for 2 years
- this route can lead to settlement
How do you establish eligibility for this visa?
As a sole representative of a company that wants to extend their business to the UK, you must:
- be genuinely recruited and employed outside the UK by an active and trading business, whose headquarters and principal place of business are, and will remain outside the UK
- have the skills, experience and knowledge of the business necessary to undertake that role
- hold a senior position within the business (but do not own or control the majority of it) and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf
- intend to establish the company’s first commercial presence in the UK, either a registered branch or a wholly owned subsidiary
- must meet the basic standard in English language (Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) level A1 in speaking and listening)
- tuberculosis test results are required if you are from a designated country
Ref:https://www.gov.uk/representative-overseas-business
To give your case the best chance of success, get in touch
To give your visa the best chance of success, and to reduce your stress, please contact our immigration experts.
If you wish to speak directly with one of our immigration specialists to get advice about business and personal immigration, or education in the UK and other visa issues, then please contact our Glasgow Head Office on Phone T: +44 (0)141 212 3355 or request a call back by completing the Online Form. You can also email us at enquiries@lattainternational.com. More information can be found from Contact Us.
*Disclaimer: The above information is for general reference only. Specialist legal advice should be sought.
Latest update: July 2021