Representatives of an Overseas Business Visa

What is the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa?

The Representative of an Overseas Business Visa (sometimes called the “Sole Representative Visa”) was a UK immigration route that allowed senior employees of overseas companies to come to the UK to establish a commercial presence, such as a registered branch or subsidiary.

While this visa has now largely been replaced by the UK Expansion Worker Visa under the Global Business Mobility scheme, there are still individuals in the UK who hold this visa or have extended it.

Who Could Apply?

This visa route was primarily aimed at:

• Senior employees of an overseas company, sent to the UK to establish the first branch or subsidiary.
• Employees who were not majority shareholders in the overseas business.
• Media employees (for example, journalists on long-term assignments in the UK).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants needed to show:

• They were a senior employee of an overseas company with authority to make decisions.
• The business had no active UK branch or subsidiary.
• They held sufficient English language ability (CEFR level A1 or higher).
• Proof of personal funds to support themselves and their family members in the UK.

Length of Stay and Extensions

• The visa was usually granted for 3 years initially.
• It could be extended for an additional 2 years.
• After 5 years, holders could apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Dependants

Spouses/partners and children under 18 could apply to join the main visa holder in the UK.

Transition to UK Expansion Worker Visa

Since April 2022, new applicants are no longer able to apply for this visa. Instead, overseas companies seeking to establish a UK presence must use the UK Expansion Worker Visa, which falls under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. However:

• Existing Representative Visa holders can continue to extend their visas.
• They may still be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years in the UK.

How Miya Solicitors Can Help

At Miya Solicitors, our Immigration Law experts provide support for:

• Existing Representative of an Overseas Business Visa holders.
• Visa extensions and settlement (ILR) applications.
• Advising businesses on transitioning to the new UK Expansion Worker Visa route.
• Guidance for dependants and family members joining the visa holder.

Contact Us

If you currently hold a Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, or if your business is considering setting up operations in the UK under the new rules, we can help.

📞 Call Miya Solicitors today on 0203 7504445 for expert legal advice.