The Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa permits a senior employee of an international company to come to the UK to establish and manage a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of the overseas parent company. Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can be obtained after five years in this visa category.

To be eligible for a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that your overseas company:

- Is an active and trading business outside the UK;

- Has its headquarters and principal place of business outside the United Kingdom;

- Has no other active branch, subsidiary, or representative in the UK;

- Plans to set up a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK that will actively trade in the same business activity as the overseas business;

- Is not primarily established, nor the sole representative appointed, to facilitate the entry or stay of the sole representative;

- Will maintain the central operations overseas.

Additionally, you must prove that you:

- Are a genuine representative of an overseas business;

- Are a senior employee of the overseas business;

- Were recruited and employed by the overseas business outside of the UK;

- Possess the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to undertake the role of sole representative in the UK;

- Have full authority to negotiate and make operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business;

- Intend to work full-time as a representative of the overseas business;

- Do not plan to engage in your own business or work for any other business;

- Do not hold a majority stake in or control the overseas business through any means such as shareholding, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other arrangements;

- Can demonstrate English language proficiency to at least CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening);

- Can adequately support and accommodate yourself and your dependents in the UK without relying on public funds.

The specific requirements you need to meet will depend on your individual circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer for expert advice may be beneficial.

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Conditions of Stay for a Sole Representative

Like all immigration rules, a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa holder must adhere to specific conditions of stay. The key condition is that Sole Representatives can only be employed by the company that sent them to the UK. They cannot have any other business interests or undertake any part-time or consulting work in the UK alongside their employment for the business.

Can a Sole Representative Bring Family Members to the UK?

A Sole Representative of an Overseas Business can bring or be joined by their spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner, and any children under 18. However, Sole Representatives cannot bring parents, siblings, or other extended family members under most immigration categories.

If a spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner is accompanying or joining a Sole Representative, that partner must not have a majority stake in, or control, the overseas business.