UK Information
What you need to know about the United Kingdom
About United Kingdom Residency
The United Kingdom (UK), comprising England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, is one of the world's most influential nations, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and economic strength. Positioned off the northwestern coast of continental Europe, the UK provides easy access to key global markets in Europe, North America, and beyond.
- Passport Rank 6
- Processing Time 2 to 6
- Investment Amount 0.00 €
- Visa-Free/Access 186 countries
UK Residency Program
London, the capital, is a renowned global financial hub and a key player in international business, making the UK an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations internationally. The country’s extensive transportation network connects it to major cities worldwide, offering excellent access to Europe within just two hours and North America in less than six hours.
With a modern economy, global influence, and strong infrastructure, the UK remains a prime destination for professionals and businesses alike.
What is the UK Sole Representative Visa?
The UK Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, commonly known as the Sole Representative Visa, provides foreign companies with a unique opportunity to send a senior employee or executive to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary. This visa allows the individual to live and work in the UK while representing their foreign company.
The Sole Representative Visa is designed for business development, allowing the visa holder to build a presence in the UK market. Additionally, the visa holder’s family (spouse and children under 18) can join them in the UK.
Benefits of UK Residency
Key Benefits of the UK Sole Representative Visa
- Residency for You and Your Family: The visa holder and their dependents can live in the UK, gaining access to its world-class healthcare, education, and quality of life.
- Business Expansion: The visa allows the individual to establish a UK branch or subsidiary, providing the company with a foothold in one of the world’s most important economies.
- Path to Permanent Residency: After five years of residency, the visa holder and their family can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), offering permanent residency status in the UK.
- No Need for Initial Sponsorship: The Sole Representative Visa allows you to establish your company’s presence without the need for an initial UK-based sponsor.
Requirements for the Representative of an Overseas Business (Sole Representative) Visa
- The parent company of the applicant must be headquartered and be operating entirely outside the United Kingdom.
- The applicant must have a senior position (but not be a majority shareholder) in the company and have the power to make decisions on the company’s behalf.
- The applicant is also required to prove they have the relevant industry experience, skills, and knowledge necessary to run and manage the UK branch of their company.
- The applicant must work for their company full-time and not hold employment with any other company.
- The applicant must have the intention of establishing the parent company’s first business presence in the United Kingdom.
- The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support himself/herself and his/her family during the entire duration of stay, without the help of public funds.
- The applicant must demonstrate a minimum level of A1 (Common European Framework- CEFR) in English (speaking and listening).
- A business plan is not mandatory but is recommended, as it shows the legitimacy of the company and the applicant’s role in said company.
Applying for a Representative of an Overseas Business (Sole Representative) Visa
Prospective representatives can expect to spend approximately 4–8 weeks collecting all the necessary documents, opening a branch of their company in the UK, and preparing the application. Once everything has been prepared and the application submitted, it will take approximately 3 weeks to get a decision from the British government. The “Sole Representative” visa is initially given for 3 years and can be extended for another 2 years.
After 5 years the representative can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status if these 5 years have been spent as the sole representative of an overseas business. The representative must show that he/she has been running the overseas business successfully in the UK and plans to continue doing so in the future. The representative must not spend more than 180 days’ in any 12 calendar months outside of the UK during the 5 years before applying for the ILR. All dependents may be included on the application for the ILR, even children over 18 if they are still relying on the representative for financial support. The representative applying for the ILR must also prove that he/she and all adult dependents hold an English speaking and listening qualification of at least level B1, and that he/she and all adult dependents have passed a test on life in the UK. Once the application is submitted, a decision can be expected in approximately 1-2 months.
UK Residency Application Process
1.Initial Consultation and Signing Client Agreement
Our experts will evaluate the interested party’s situation and provide him/her with detailed information about the Sole Representative Visa requirements. The consultation can be given in person in World Gate’s offices or remotely. World Gate requires a scanned copy of the applicant’s passport and his/her address in order to prepare the client agreement.
2.Preparation and Submission of Documents
All the supporting documentation will be drafted, checked and prepared in accordance with British immigration rules. World Gate will also complete all application and other forms and submit them on the client’s behalf. Additionally, World Gate will write a cover letter to reflect the client’s circumstances in order to show that they fulfil all the requirements for the Sole Representative visa.
3.Granting of Visa and Arrival to the United Kingdom
The British Home Office usually makes its decision within 3 weeks of the application being submitted. Once the visa is granted the documents will be sent to the client who can then make the first entry to the UK. World Gate can assist the client with property search, looking for schools for your children, opening bank accounts and sorting out other matters for the client and his/her family.
4.Apply for a Sole Representative Visa Extension
World Gate will check if the client is eligible and in compliance with all the requirements for extension. World Gate will make sure that all documents are carefully drafted, translated, certified and legalized as required by British immigration rules.
5.Apply for Permanent Residence
The client can apply for permanent residence (ILR) 5 years after his/her first entry to the UK, providing he/she meets all requirements.
6.Obtain a British Passport
The client and his/her dependents can apply for British citizenship 12 months after he/she has been granted ILR. To be eligible, the client must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the previous 5 years and not more than 90 days outside the UK during the 12 months prior to applying for citizenship. World Gate will prepare and submit the naturalization application. Once it is approved, World Gate will book the citizenship ceremony where the client and dependents will receive the certificate(s) of naturalization. Then World Gate will apply for the client’s British passport.