In this article we have covered these important points:

Introduction: UK Sole Representative Visa

The Representative of an Overseas Business Visa UK, also known as a UK Sole Representative Visa, is an immigration route viable for many modern businesses in India. In the era of profit maximisation, businesses have one significant element that they focus on when framing effective business strategies i.e. business expansion. Having a global presence doesn’t only build on a business’ identity but also increases its market value.

UK Sole Representative Visa is permanently closed down and is replaced by the UK Expansion Worker Visa under the Global Business Mobility Visa UK in April 2022.

The UK has impeccable opportunities for business expansion in various fields like advanced manufacturing, automotive, food and drink manufacturing, life sciences, space technology, communications, electronics, IT hardware, asset management, nuclear, financial technology and many more.

If you have an ongoing business in one such field and intend to mark a global presence, then the UK holds immense potential in terms of your profit maximisation goals like:

  • You get access to a fresh base of customers;
  • Technological ease and potential for development of innovations and products;
  • Comfortable access to European Union member countries for better trade opportunities.

How do you set up your business branch in the UK?

You have a business plan in place, you have funds available at your disposal and you have the motivation to make your presence in the UK. But, do you know the best visa route for your requirements? We do. It is Representative of Oversea business or UK Sole Representative Visa.

In a Sole Representative Visa UK, you as a business or a company can send an employee of your organisation to the UK to expand your business. This employee is someone who:

  • Works at a senior level in the organisation;
  • Is not a majority shareholder; and
  • Has extensive knowledge and experience in the organisation’s domain

Another requirement to apply for a UK Sole Representative Visa for the business, among other things, is that the company’s main headquarter should be outside the UK. The business cannot move its main operations to the UK but only create a branch or a wholly owned subsidiary.

Validity and extension of UK Sole Representative Visa

The employee who is going on a UK Sole Representative Visa gets entry clearance for an initial period of 2.5 years. In this period, the representative has the liberty and opportunity to set up a branch or a wholly owned subsidiary in the UK and test waters in the best interest of the organisation.

The Representative, at the end of 2.5 years can then apply for an extension for the visa for another 2 years to remain in the UK.

All the time that the employee is residing in the UK on a Sole Representative Visa UK, is for the expansion of the company on the global level, in turn, bringing you the kind of exposure and profits your business intends to earn.

How can The SmartMove2UK assist you with your UK Business Visa application?

  • To know more about the UK Sole Representative Visa, visit our UK Sole Representative Visa page.
  • Get accurate legal advice and completed assistance with starting a UK Business Visa From India.
  • Our UK Visa Expert will guide you through several UK Business Visas such as, UK Start-Up Visa (now closed down), UK Innovator Founder Visa & UK Expansion Worker Visa under the Global Business Mobility Visa UK.
  • If you have any other queries about legal immigration to the UK, fill out your details and one of our associates will be in touch with you shortly.

Always stay a step ahead with our latest UK immigration News Updates

Subscribe to our blogs and newsletter

I am interested in

We're committed to your privacy. The SmartMove2UK uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, browse through our privacy policy.