Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa UK

If you’re part of an overseas business looking to expand into the UK, you may have come across the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa. Though this visa route officially closed to new applicants in April 2022, it’s still relevant for those who already hold this visa or are considering legacy options. This updated guide covers everything from historical criteria to extension and settlement options, and compares legacy and new visa pathways.

What Was the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa?

The Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa was designed for senior employees of overseas companies who were sent to the UK to establish a wholly-owned UK branch or subsidiary. This route allowed companies to build a UK presence through a single, authorised individual, while offering a pathway to settlement for the representative and their family.

Key Features of the Sole Representative Visa (Before Closure)

• Set up and run a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary
• Work full-time for the overseas employer
• Bring dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18)
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

Is the Sole Representative Visa Still Valid?

No, the route officially closed to new applicants in April 2022. However:

• Existing visa holders can apply for extensions
• Eligible applicants can apply for ILR
• Dependants of Sole Representatives can still apply to join them in the UK

Eligibility Requirements (Legacy Cases)

Company Requirements:

• Must be an active and trading business headquartered outside the UK
• No existing branch, subsidiary or representative in the UK
• Must intend to establish a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the same line of business
• The UK branch must not become the main centre of operations

Individual Requirements:

• Senior employee employed and recruited outside the UK
• Not own or control more than 50% of the business
• Full authority to negotiate and make operational decisions
• Work full-time for the overseas business
• Must meet English language (CEFR A1+) and financial maintenance requirements

Centre of Operations Test

The Home Office assesses whether the main business operations will remain overseas. Applications may be refused if it appears that the UK operation will become the company’s primary base, or if the applicant is seen as the driving force behind the entire business.

Shareholding and Ownership Rules

Applicants can be shareholders, but must not have majority ownership or control of the overseas business. This includes:

• Shareholding (above 50%)
• Control via partnerships, directorships, or management structures

Any reduction in shareholding must be genuine and long-standing. The Home Office often examines the company’s ownership history over the previous 12 months.

Extension Requirements (Post-Closure)

If you were granted a Sole Representative Visa before April 2022, you can apply for an extension. You must show:

• Ongoing full-time employment with the overseas company
• The UK branch/subsidiary is operational and trading
• Proof of business activity: accounts, contracts, UK address, employee records
• Continued compliance with original visa conditions

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Route

After 5 continuous years in the UK:

• Apply for ILR if you’ve met all visa conditions
• Show proof of residence, business activity, and financial independence
• Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet B1 English requirement
• Once ILR is granted, applicants can apply for British Citizenship after 12 months

Terms of Employment

The Sole Representative must:

• Be genuinely employed full-time by the overseas company
• Have a role and compensation package appropriate for a senior employee
• Not engage in any personal business or represent other companies

Dependant Applications

Dependants (partner and children under 18) can:

• Join or remain with the main applicant
• Work and study in the UK
• Apply for ILR in line with the main applicant after 5 years

Sole Representative Visa vs UK Expansion Worker Visa

Feature	Sole Representative Visa	UK Expansion Worker Visa
Status	Closed to new applicants	Open (Global Business Mobility Route)
Sponsorship	Not required	Required (via Sponsor Licence)
Number of Workers	One	Multiple employees
Route to ILR	Yes	No direct route to ILR
Ownership Rules	No majority ownership allowed	More flexible

What Replaced the Sole Representative Visa?

The visa has been replaced by the UK Expansion Worker Visa, part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) route. Key features include:

• Certificate of Sponsorship from the overseas business
• Permission to send multiple employees
• No direct settlement path (must switch to another route for ILR)

While more flexible in team-building, the Expansion Worker route is less attractive for businesses seeking a path to permanent residency for their representative.

Other Alternatives to Consider

• Skilled Worker Visa via Self-Sponsorship: If you own or manage a UK-based business and wish to sponsor yourself
• Innovator Founder Visa: For those launching innovative businesses with high growth potential

Common Questions (FAQs)

Can I still apply for a Sole Representative Visa in 2025?

No. The route closed in April 2022. Only extensions and ILR applications are allowed.

Is it possible to extend my Sole Representative Visa in 2025?

Yes, provided you meet all requirements as an existing visa holder.

Can I still bring family members under this visa?

Yes, dependant family members are still eligible.

Can I switch to another visa route from the Sole Rep route?

Yes, if you no longer meet the Sole Rep requirements, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, or other route.

What happens if I have majority ownership of the business?

You must reduce your stake below 50% well in advance of applying or extending. Ownership history is scrutinised.

The Sole Representative Visa was a valuable route for businesses entering the UK market through a single senior employee. Although now closed to new applicants, those already on this route still have viable options to extend their stay and secure permanent residence.

If you’re seeking to expand your overseas business in the UK, the new UK Expansion Worker Visa offers an alternative, albeit without a direct path to settlement.

Get Help Today

If you’re currently on the Sole Representative Visa and unsure about next steps, or looking into new UK business visa options, our immigration solicitors are here to help.

Call 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for free, straightforward legal advice.

We at solicitors in Manchester offer:

• Free 5-minute legal advice via Live Chat (WhatsApp)
• Call back request form
• Phone & email consultations

Let us help you make the right move for your business and your future in the UK.