You can come to the UK on a Sole Representative visa if you plan to set up a branch or subsidiary of an overseas business. Our immigration solicitors can advise on what documents you need for your visa. We’ll also prepare your visa application to ensure you can come to the UK without any issues.
The Home Office have strict requirements for a Sole Representative visa and can reject applications that don’t meet their standards. We have the detailed expertise to ensure you meet every requirement so your application is as strong as possible. If the Home Office unfairly rejects your application we can challenge their decision at an administrative review.
Once you have your visa you can live and work in the UK, but you’re only allowed to work for the branch or subsidiary you set up in the UK. Our team can help you with your initial application, but also advise on how to continue to meet the requirements of your visa once you’re in the UK.
Contact us online to start your Sole Representative visa application or call us on 0808 271 2602 to discuss your situation.
Who Can Apply For A Sole Representative Visa?
To apply for a Sole Representative visa, you must:
- Have been recruited and employed by an overseas business whose headquarters are outside the UK
- Have a senior position in the overseas business
- Have the authority to make decisions for the business
- Not be a majority shareholder of the overseas business
- Have relevant industry experience to establish the business’ first commercial presence in the UK.
Our immigration solicitors work with many senior executives and directors applying for this visa. Part of our service is to examine your application in detail and make sure there are no weak points. If there are, we’ll advise on how to strengthen your application so it has the best possible chance of success.
How Long Does The Application Take?
Once you’ve applied, it can take up to eight weeks for the Home Office to make a decision.
Depending on what country you’re applying from, there may be a fast-track option for an extra cost. This will give you a decision within five working days.
If you have family that you want to bring to the UK with you, we can help with their visas too. We’ll look at the most suitable visa options for them such as a spouse or a dependant visa and prepare their applications with yours.
Why Choose Irwin Mitchell?
Coming to a new country to start a new branch or subsidiary of a business is a big step. There’ll already be a lot on your mind, so we’ll help minimize any disruption to your business operations at this crucial stage. We have decades of experience with Sole Representative visas and we understand the detail the Home Office requires. We’ll work efficiently with you to ensure your application goes through as smoothly as possible.
Moving to a new country isn’t just about visas. As a full service law firm, we have expert teams that can support you as you settle in the UK. Our tax, trust and estate team can help you manage your international assets and comply with the UK’s complicated tax system.
We also have a range of business legal services that could help your business prosper in the UK. Our real estate team can advise on renting or building your business premises and our employment team can help with any employment concerns you have. We also have an expert commercial team who can help you draft contracts and supply chain agreements and give industry specific advice.
Our team are rated by independent legal guides like Chambers & Partners as being highly skilled at dealing with complex immigration issues for high net worth individuals. No matter where you’re based or how complicated your situation, we’ll give you practical advice that suits your situation.
Contact Us
Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can help you – call us on 0808 271 2602 or get in touch online.
