Sole Representatives:

A sole representative visa allows an individual to enter the UK for an overseas company if the company does not have a presence in the UK. The purpose of the visit must be for the representative to establish the company and build their reputation in the UK or to register a branch within the UK.

They are not permitted to enter the UK for personal gain. The business the individual is representing must genuinely exist and ordinarily must have been actively trading for over a year. Companies wishing to take advantage of this category must completely understand that it is only for the expansion of their business; companies who wish to move their overseas operations to the UK will be refused. The sole representative visa is designed to help an overseas company establish/expand its business in the UK. However, the majority of trading must continue in the company’s established country. An overseas company is not allowed to send more than one person to act as a sole representative in the UK; any additional staff members must apply under the relevant tier for a work visa. If the application is successful, an initial three-year period of leave is usually granted. Extensions lasting two years are available. After five successive years in the UK, the individual may apply for indefinite leave to remain.

The dependents of a sole representative may enter the UK under the same visa. During the representative’s stay, they will not be granted access to any public funds and must register with the police where necessary. If the individual has been in the UK for at least two years and the company’s circumstances change, they may continue to remain in the country as a sole representative employee, even if the company appoints a new superior. To be eligible for this category of visa, evidence must be provided that:The individual has been employed by the parent company for a certain period of time and in a senior position, with the authority to make operational decisions without consulting the company;The individual intends to work full time as a representative of the company in the UK and was recruited outside of the UK;The individual is employed directly by the company;The individual is not a majority shareholder in the company; and the individual possesses the required level of competence in English. 

For further information contact Leon Isaacson of Global Migration Group on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., website is www.globalimsa.com