Sole Representative
WHAT IS AN OVERSEAS OR SOLE REPRESENTATIVE VISA?
The overseas representative visa, also known as the sole representative visa, allows a senior representative of an already established company who do not have an existing U.K presence to come to the U.K to set up a U.K presence in the form of a branch or a subsidiary.
This visa category allows the senior representative to travel to the U.K to register the company in the UK, conducting business matters, opening offices and acting as the sole representative of the company.
What are the requirements?
To be eligible for the visa the applicant must:
- apply from outside the EEA
- have sufficient funds to maintain themselves without the need of access to public funds
- meet the English language requirements
What is meant by a sole representative?
A sole representative must meet a range of criteria that must be considered by the individual and company at the time of applications.
The individual must be employed and recruited by the company they represent and the company must be based and have their main place of business outside of the U.K.
The representative must have both substantial experience in setting up branches for companies as well as relevant industry knowledge and experience.
As such the sole representative is required to have a senior position within the company that allows them the authority to make decisions on behalf of the company they are representing.
The company must be able to show that its ability to expand and grow within the U.K is demonstrable.
Suitable Company
This is a very attractive route for companies that have potential to grow and have expansion strategies, have no presence in the UK but have intention to enter into the UK market.
There is no investment requirement, it is regarded as more flexible option than the Entrepreneur visa, suited to SMEs who are looking to expand into the U.K who do not want to invest a lump sum of capital into the business nor have to fulfil other requirements under other similar business visa categories such as employing a certain number of employees.
Sole Representative Visa Extension
The overseas representative visa lasts for a period of three years and can be extended after the initial grant of three years for another tow years, at the end of the five years period, the holder may apply for an indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
At Worldwide Law, we will simplify the process for you, assist you with professional, quality and sound legal advice to navigate this route and get your visa fast. Call us for a no obligation advice.
