OVERSEAS BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE VISA

OVERVIEW

Overseas Business Representative Visa / Sole Representative Visa

If you are a non-UK citizen and looking for a business visa then an Overseas Business Representative Visa or Sole Representative Visa might be an option for you. Let’s read in detail about what is this visa route and if you are eligible for it or not.

What is an Overseas Businesses Representative Visa / Sole Representative Visa?

If you are a representative of a business and looking forward to setting up a branch or a whole new business setup, you apply through an Overseas Business Representative Visa. This visa allows you to stay, work and establish your business in the UK.

Requirements of a Sole Representative Visa?

Would you like to apply for this unique visa category? If yes, then you will first qualify and satisfy the UK immigration authorities which will ensure your parent company existing status as listed below:

  • Your Company is a genuine trading business adding to exports and imports.
  • It should not have any branch or other representatives in the UK.
  • The aim is to establish a branch in the UK which will operate in the same manner as your overseas business.
  • You aim to maintain the department of operations of the overseas company in the UK.
KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH
CEFR Level A1

What is the Cost of a Sole Representative Visa?

The Home Office application fee for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa is currently £610.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Sole Representative Visa?

To get a sole representative visa you have to give documented proof that

  • You were hired outside the UK. This proofs that the business belongs to a non-UK person or organization.
  • Proof that you are pro to handle the business based on which you are applying. Also, you have all the required skill set, expertise, and
    needed experience to run the business.
  • You have a senior and authoritative position in business meaning and can take and control business decisions within the organization.
  • The business has no other existing branch in the UK.
  • You can switch from one sole representative business visa to another if the previous business is not fully set up or functional yet.

How long would it take?

It will take three weeks in receiving the decision. However, the whole process will take up to three months. Once you apply to the home department, wait for three weeks to get a decision on that. If you are already in the UK, it will take up to 8 weeks to get a reply on your application status.

Can a Sole Representative Bring His/her Family?

Yes, a Sole Representative can easily bring his spouse and children under 18 years old. However, siblings and parents are not included in this list.

Indefinite Leave to Remain and Overseas Business Visa?

This visa will let you stay in the UK for three-year period and can be extended for the next two years. For extension, you must prove that you are still employed in the same business and are successfully running the branch or subsidiary. If you meet these requirements, your visa will be extended for a further two-year period. If you want to qualify ILR period for Sole Representative Visa, following two conditions are to be met.

  • Once you have completed five years on this visa you can apply for permanent residence.
  • You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days you have to live in the UK for five years
    residence.

Documents needed for Sole Representative Visa

Are you applying for being a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business?
If Yes, then you must produce the following documents to apply for Sole Representative Visa:

  • Proof of your identity along with your passport.
  • A genuine Business plan is needed that shows the objectives and goals of parent company and also the reason why the company needs a representative office in the United Kingdom.
  • A contract of employment between the Sole Representative and the employing company.
  • You will provide an evidence that the Sole Representative has worked abroad for 12 months.
  • A letter of appointment is mandatory to explain why the Representative is being sent to the UK.
  • All accounts of the parent company has to be presented to show that it is a genuine company which is operational abroad.
  • Financial statements which prove that you can bear expenses for this travel and setup.
  • Proof of English proficiency test.
  • Details of your stay 
  • Medical Fitness Certificate
  • Submit document proof if the business will run under the parent company or you are going to set up a new branch.
  • The business must not deviate from its current operations.
  • A guarantee that the person applying for sole business representative is eligible for it and has the power to make decisions on behalf of a business.
  • Documents proving that applicant owns less than 50% shares of the business and will remain dedicated to business activities.

Once applied, the applicant will have to set up an appointment with UK Visa and Citizenship application services to provide his biometric information. This includes photos and fingerprints. If a person is applying from within the UK, he must not travel outside the UK until he gets the decision. The application will be rejected if an applicant is outside the UK at the time of hearing or interview.

Also, if your documents are on point and accurate, there is no point that your visa application will be rejected. However, if your documents are missing or don’t provide full information, it might lead to a visa rejection.

What benefits Does a Sole Representative Visa offer?

Are you applying for being a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business?
If Yes, then you must produce the following documents to apply for Sole Representative Visa:

  • A Sole Representative Visa allows you to work in the UK for 5 years and after that, you can apply for permanent residence.
  • You can also sponsor your Dependents to come and live in the UK with you.
  • One must keep in mind that the applicant can’t work for another employer or outside the business. Also if you are on another visa, you can’t switch to an overseas business representative visa. Once the contract of sole representation for your business ends with your employer, your visa status is dismissed. A person can stay on this visa for up to 5 years but will not be eligible to get social funds until he gets permanent residence.

Why Choose UK Residency for Sole Representative Visa?

Established in 2017, our firm enjoys the reputation of being the best immigration consultancy firm in the UK. We are equipped with best immigration lawyers of UK and UAE and up to date with all new UK visa categories including the Start-Up and Innovator Visas and will be able to guide you with confidence through your application process.

Success Story at UK Residency

Company Master key rent a car is a global car rental company with its parent company based in Dubai, UAE. They have branches in several other countries. The owner of Company reached out to us and asked for our immigration advice. We advised the Owner to set up a branch office in the United Kingdom and become a Sole Representative. We have guided him throughout his Visa Application. Company Master Key found United kingdom as the best place for carrying out its business operations . To start the Business Plan for Master key Car rentals, the owner got his company registered in the UK. They tried to find out the suitable candidate for UK Representative but they could not make it. Due to the procrastination in the whole process, the company could not find any suitable office. They were looking for experienced individuals to manage its subsidiary in the UK. They established but has not yet started their business operations in the UK. After recruitment, Master Key Rent a Car identified a senior member who had previous experience in establishing a business in the Middle East Office.

Master key rent a car

Recommendation

Master key Rent a Car approached us for advice. The company was applying for sponsor license for expanding Business operations in the UK which was not an easy process. Our Team reviewed the background of the company, the business status, the financial statements, and initial investment needed for the application.

After analyzing, we advised them to make an application for sole representative of an overseas business, as they satisfied all the requirements of this visa category. We made them a genuine and viable business plan which got approved and now the company has established its Branch Office in the UK which is an achievement for them as well for us.

Advice of UK Residency Pleases Clients and Saves time

If Master key Rent a Car had not visited us for advice, they would have made an application for sponsor license of their UK business, which was a lengthy process which could further delay their business expansion plans in the UK market. Hence, the company and his CEO saved his time and money by choosing our immigration services.

For Any Questions or Queries about Applying for Sole Representative Visa of an Overseas Business Visa, kindly get in touch with our Immigration Experts