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The Representative of an Overseas Business visa is designed for senior employees of an overseas business planning to set up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company. This visa is also applicable to employees of overseas newspapers, news agencies, or broadcasting organizations posted on a long-term assignment to the UK. The main purpose of this visa route is to allow non-EEA nationals to establish a commercial presence for their company in the UK, facilitating international business and cultural exchange.
Representative
The Representative of an Overseas Business visa is designed for senior employees of an overseas business planning to set up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company. This visa is also applicable to employees of overseas newspapers, news agencies, or broadcasting organizations posted on a long-term assignment to the UK. The main purpose of this visa route is to allow non-EEA nationals to establish a commercial presence for their company in the UK, facilitating international business and cultural exchange.
The applicant must be recruited and employed outside the UK by a company whose headquarters and principal place of business are outside the UK. The company must not have any branch, subsidiary, or other representative in the UK. The applicant should be employed in a role that is critical to the company's operations and expansion plans.
The applicant must intend to work full-time for the organization in the UK. This means dedicating their entire professional time to the business activities of the overseas company in the UK. Part-time or freelance work is not permitted under this visa route.
The applicant must hold a senior position within the company but must not be a majority shareholder. They should have full authority to make decisions on behalf of the company regarding its UK operations. This ensures the applicant can effectively establish and manage the company's UK presence.
The applicant must intend to establish the company’s first commercial presence in the UK, either as a registered branch or a wholly owned subsidiary. This should be the company’s initial step in entering the UK market.
The applicant must have a valid passport or travel document. This document must be valid for the duration of the stay in the UK and should have at least one blank page for the visa.
The applicant must provide evidence of their employment and role within the company. This includes a detailed job description, employment contract, and any relevant correspondence confirming their role and responsibilities.
The applicant must provide financial statements of the overseas company to demonstrate its viability and capability to support the UK expansion. This includes audited accounts, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets.
There is no minimum salary requirement for this visa route. However, the applicant must demonstrate that they will be adequately maintained and accommodated in the UK without recourse to public funds.
The applicant must show they have enough funds to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in the UK. This can be demonstrated through personal bank statements or a letter from the employer confirming financial support.
The applicant must meet the English language requirement, which can be demonstrated by passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening, or by holding a degree taught in English.
Applicants from certain countries must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if they are coming to the UK for more than 6 months. The test must be conducted at a clinic approved by the Home Office.
The applicant must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This is to ensure the applicant does not have a serious criminal history.
The applicant must demonstrate their intention to leave the UK once their role in establishing the company’s UK presence is complete. This can be shown through a letter from the employer outlining the temporary nature of the assignment.
Disclaimer: We are not immigration advisors. For professional immigration advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or OISC-registered advisor.
8-12 weeks weeks