Sole Representative Visa
The UK Representative of an Overseas Business Visa allows overseas workers, usually senior employees, to establish and run a UK branch office or expand their business for their overseas parent company in the UK.
However, this route is no longer open to new applicants and has been replaced by the Global Business Mobility visa. Those already have permission may apply for an extension of stay or ILR.
Under the Sole Representative Visa UK, applicants can claim work, live, and acquire Permanent residency in the UK. They can also bring along their dependents (if any) under the Sole Representative Visa route. The UK is regarded as one of the fifth-largest reputable business industries. Overseas business persons under the SOL REP visa category can make the most of the UK’s market without relying on the overhead cost of setting up a Branch office or hiring an employer. Therefore, before applying, it is essential for sole representative visa holders to ‘test the water’ to ensure they show full-time dedication to any economic and market prospects available in Britain. Moreover, after five years of qualifying, one can apply to settle permanently in the UK via the ILR route.
Who can apply for a Sole Representative Visa UK?
To apply for the Sole Representative Visa UK category, the applicants (Sole Representatives) must be:
- Overseas business employees are planning to come to the UK to establish either a ‘wholly-owned subsidiary’ or a branch in the UK.
- Senior members of the international company (not an owner) with suitable skill sets to make informed business decisions on behalf of the parent company.
- Employee(s) of an international newspaper/news agency/broadcasting organisation contracted for ‘long-term’ business tasks in the UK.
Sole Representative Visa UK eligibility requirements
Remembering the vital eligibility criteria before applying for the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business is essential. Some of these include the following:
- Recruited/hired by the international company (Parent company) planning to establish either a branch office/operate a subsidiary in the UK.
- Efficient in trading overseas business to ensure the smooth running of International headquarters based ‘outside’ the UK.
- Exceptional skills with vast knowledge and experience concerning overseas organisation and their collaborative industry.
- A senior member of the parent company, without being the direct owner, can make autonomous and operational decisions on the parent company’s behalf.
- Does not control/own the business nor is a shareholder of the international parent company, i.e. through sole rep ownership or partnership agreement.
- Strong command of English language proficiency.
- Sufficient funds/resources during the right to remain/leave to support their living finances, including airfare, etc., to support themselves and dependents, if any.
Sole Rep Visa UK supporting documents
It is worth bearing in mind that you (employee), as well as your employer (overseas company owner), have to attach the following supporting evidence to apply for a successful Sol Rep visa:
- Documentary proof of your offer letter detailing that you are an employee, not a sales agent/stakeholder/shareholder of the international business company.
- Details of the job description, salary payroll, and evidence detailing your independent decision-making skills on behalf of an overseas organisation.
- A support letter provided by your parent company proving the plans to secure a branch office or a subsidiary in the UK.
- Travel documents include a valid passport ID and previous travel history (visas).
- Documentary proof of your parent company details covering the type of business it is running, including any associated accounts, assets, and liabilities.
- Evidence of accommodation adequacy for your stay in the UK.
- Proof of standard English requirement passed from an approved SELT (Secure English Language Test) centre, i.e. at least CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level A1 in speaking and listening.
- Results of medical tests such as TB/Hepatitis and other chronic anomalies prevailing in your home country.
- Statement of finance proving that you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependent accompanying you without access to public funds.
- Biometric Information (fingerprints/photographs/dates of birth, etc.).
Sole Representative (Overseas Business) Visa UK Fees
As an overseas applicant, it is essential to gather all the information well ahead of time, including the cost of applying for the UK Sole Representative visa. This ensures the timely submission and approval of your SOL REP UK application. You should be able to pay the following:
- Sole Rep Visa — £704 per applicant (if ‘inside’ the UK).
- Representative of an Overseas Business Visa – £610 per applicant (if ‘outside’ the UK).
- Biometric information — £19.20.
- Immigration Health Surcharge— (GBP) £624/per annum/ per person.
- Immigration Health Surcharge— For each child under 18 years of age (GBP), £470 per annum.
Application Processing Time for Representative of an Overseas Business Visa UK
Before applying, review the published guidelines: Representative of an Overseas Business guidance. As with other business immigration routes, the average application processing time is generally around 4-8 weeks, depending on your circumstances. However, the application process can get complicated in the following cases:
- If you must attend a face-face interview to satisfy the Home office regarding the missing evidence.
- Your application is suspended due to the criminal violation/ previous conviction, failing to meet the Good character requirement.
- Your case is still on the waiting list to be reviewed/reassessed/verified.
- It is advisable to apply 3 months ahead of your business travel to the UK. This can potentially alleviate the risks of delays if you have an urgent meeting/appointment/business conference in the UK.
If you would like to expedite the decision process of your Representative of an Overseas Business Visa application, we offer untimed advice sessions. Furthermore, our time-efficient high-quality Immigration services (superfast track priority services) can help accelerate your decision process on your behalf without affecting the overall standards and merits of your SOL REP Visa application portfolio.
Duration of Stay as a Sole Representative
As a representative of an overseas business (Sole Representative), you are entitled to work and stay for up to 3 years, the minimum initial qualifying period. After this, you can apply for an extension under the Representative of an Overseas Business UK, which grants Leave to Remain an additional 2 years.
Impact Of Brexit On Sole Representative Visa
Brexit has significantly impacted the regional dynamics of the UK immigration system, particularly regarding work rights for non-UK citizens. However, the Sole Representative Visa has remained relatively unchanged, which is good news for businesses looking to expand their operations to the UK.
STEM professionals can benefit from this positive revolution as well. They can come to the UK, test the market prospects, and apply for permanent settlement after spending a qualifying residency period of five years while abiding by UK immigration policy.
Despite the changes brought about by Brexit, the UK remains a top destination for businesses looking to expand globally. With the Sole Representative Visa, businesses can establish a UK branch office or expand their business for their overseas parent company in the UK with relative ease.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with your application, we are here to help. Our team of experienced immigration advisors can guide you through the process, ensuring that your application is completed correctly and promptly.
