The sole representative visa has been abolished for new applicants from 11 April 2022. A new representative from an overseas company needs to apply for a visa to the UK as a global expansion worker. However, if you have already entered the UK as a sole representative of an overseas business, you are allowed to live and work in the UK.

Most successful applicants are granted three years of leave upon their initial application, which may then be extended by a further two years upon request. After which, the individual will have spent sufficient time in the United Kingdom (five years) to be eligible for indefinite leave to remain, assuming all requirements have been satisfied.

Requirements for a Sole Representative Visa Extension

In order to be considered eligible for an extension, the Sole Rep visa holder must meet the following requirements:

The applicant:

• The applicant initially entered the UK legally as a representative of an overseas business, a foreign broadcasting organization, news agency or newspaper.
• The applicant should be employed full-time as a senior employee with the authority to make operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business to represent it in the UK and is its only representative in the UK
• Proof showing that you are in receipt of a salary from your employer by providing evidence of a salary paid in the previous 12 months, and show the remuneration package (basic salary, commission, number of hours worked etc.)
• The applicant is able to provide evidence of sufficient maintenance to finance their extended stay and support any dependants included in their application.

The headquarters

• The headquarters’ principal place of business is outside the UK and has no intention of relocating to or opening further branches in the UK
• Be a genuine commercial enterprise, be prepared to show its turnover
• Has the same type of business as the UK business
• Is able to formally declare that the sole representative is still necessary and the project is ongoing.

The UK Business

• Established and is in charge of its registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary
• Provide either a certificate of registration (for a branch) or a certificate of incorporation (for a subsidiary) from Companies House
• If it is a “wholly-owned” subsidiary, rather than a branch, provide either a share register or a letter from the company’s accountant, confirming that all shares are held by the parent company
• Make sure the UK subsidiary/branch is in the same “type” of business activity as the overseas company.
• The activity or project that necessitated the Sole Rep’s entry to the UK is still active and will remain active.
• Should be able to provide evidence to show that the UK business branch or subsidiary generated business (principally with UK firms) on behalf of the headquarter through company accounts, invoices and letters from firms with which you’ve done business, including the value of the transactions.

Can my family member extend their visa in the UK?

Yes. Family members can extend their dependant visa at the same time in line with the main Sole Representative applicant. 

If family members did not join the main applicant, dependants of Sole Representatives can still make visa applications to join a main Sole Representative visa holder who is already in the UK even after 11 April 2022.

Can I settle in the UK?

If your application is successful, your permission to leave will be extended by up to two years. So, by the end of the extension period, you’ll have stayed in the country for five years. Therefore, you may be eligible to apply for UK settlement or indefinite leave to remain if you want to stay longer in the country. 

We help sole representative visa holders achieve their business expansion in the UK through our hassle-free sole representative visa extension services. If you need the advice to extend your visa, please contact us.