Establish Your Company'sUK Presence
Senior executive visa guidance with 98%+ success rate. Set up your company's first UK office and settle in just 5 years with full family work rights.
£769 application fee for 3+2 years. NO UK company presence required. Full decision-making authority. Settlement in 5 years with ILR and British citizenship after 6 years total.
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.
Free Sole Representative Assessment
Expert business visa advice • Same-day callback • Completely confidential
What is the Sole Representative Visa?
The UK Sole Representative Visa allows senior employees of overseas companies to establish their company's FIRST UK branch or subsidiary. This unique visa offers a path to settlement and is perfect for international businesses expanding into the UK market.
First UK Office Setup
For overseas companies with ZERO UK presence establishing their FIRST UK branch, subsidiary, or representative office.
Senior Employee Status
You must be senior employee with full decision-making authority. Cannot own more than 50% of the company.
5 Years to Settlement
Initial 3-year visa, extend 2 years, then ILR after 5 years total. British citizenship after 6 years.
Must Apply from Outside UK
Cannot switch from inside UK. Must apply from overseas (except very limited exceptions for Representatives of Overseas Business).
Family Work Rights
Bring partner and children with FULL work rights from day one. They can work any job, any hours, unrestricted.
Work Only for Sponsor
Can ONLY work for the overseas company sending you. No second jobs, no other employment allowed during visa.
Perfect for Senior Executives of Overseas Companies
The Sole Representative Visa is designed for established international companies sending a senior employee to set up their FIRST UK presence. This visa requires NO UK sponsor licence and NO existing UK entity - your overseas company remains headquartered abroad while you establish and manage UK operations. You must be a genuine employee (not owner of 51%+) with full authority to make operational decisions, negotiate contracts, and hire staff. Unlike entrepreneur visas, this route doesn't require investment funds or endorsement. It's ideal for multinational corporations, successful SMEs, and international trading companies expanding into the lucrative UK market. After 5 years of establishing and running the UK operations, you can apply for settlement and bring your entire family permanently to the UK.
Who Can Apply?
Senior employee of overseas company with full decision-making authority
Company has ZERO existing UK presence (no branch, subsidiary, or previous representatives)
You own 50% or LESS of the overseas company (cannot be majority shareholder)
Overseas company remains headquartered outside UK and continues trading abroad
English at A1 level initially (IELTS 3.0 or equivalent - basic conversational English)
£1,270 maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days (unless exempt)
Visa Benefits
3 years initial visa, extendable for 2 more years (total 5 years)
Apply for ILR (permanent residence) after 5 years continuous residence
British citizenship possible after 6 years total (ILR + 1 year)
Bring partner and children under 18 with full work and study rights
NO UK sponsor licence required from overseas company (major advantage)
Full authority to set up UK branch, hire staff, sign contracts, make decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the Sole Representative Visa for overseas company expansion.
Speak to Sole Representative Specialist
Get expert advice about UK presence requirements, ownership limits, and settlement planning for overseas companies.
Call 0121 271 0499Free consultation • Same-day callback • Business visa experts
Free Company Eligibility Check
Check if your company qualifies (zero UK presence check) and if you meet the senior employee criteria.
Completely confidential • No obligation • Expert reviewed
98%+ Success Rate for Sole Representative Visas
Our specialist knowledge of Sole Representative visa requirements has helped over 1,650 senior executives successfully establish UK operations for overseas companies with Loading... requirements. We guide you from zero UK presence to permanent settlement in 5 years.
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Satisfied With Outcome
"Sole Representative visa approved so I could launch our UK branch."
"My family joined as dependants within 6 weeks of my visa grant."
"Expert advice on shareholding rules kept my application on track."
Outstanding Client Satisfaction – 4.7/5 Rating
Trusted by clients worldwide with 251 verified Google reviews. BSB-regulated immigration specialists helping thousands achieve their UK visa goals.
Google Maps - 4.7 Rating with 251 Google reviews →Dated: 04 April 2025
Meet the Specialists Behind Your Success
Our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate the UK visa process with confidence.
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Malik Ansar
Immigration Consultant
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Admin
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Legal Assistant
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Immigration Consultant
With decades of combined experience, our team has successfully helped thousands of families reunite in the UK.
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