Starting a branch of your business in the UK

If you are from outside of the European Union, and a business owner, who would like to start a branch of your business in the UK, then that is great news and could be a very successful move for you.

The UK is one of the biggest markets in the world and setting up a branch of your business there would allow you to test the water in a country which plays host to 65+ million people and is one of the fastest and most developed economic countries. But, like all things, there is also a process behind making this happen, and there are certain rules you must follow and a few hurdles you must jump through before this becomes a reality.

So what does it take to start a branch of my business in the UK? You may ask

Well, if you are from outside of the EU then you have a very clear option and that is to apply for a sole representative of an overseas business visa which has been created exactly for those persons who want to establish a branch of their business in the UK.

For this, you must be able to prove that:

• You have a company that is a genuine trading business

• You do not already have a branch, subsidiary or other representatives in the UK;

• You aim is to establish a branch in the UK that operates in the same business area as the overseas business;

• You are intending to maintain the centre of operations of the company overseas.

After that, you will have to prove that:

• You are a senior employee in the business overseas;

• You were recruited outside of the UK;

• You can make operational decisions on behalf of the business;

• You hold no more than 50% of the shares;

• You will not take additional employment in the UK;

• You meet the English language requirements and are at least CEFR Level A1

• You can maintain yourself financially in the UK

The great thing about this particular visa type is that it is valid for 3 years, after which you can apply to extend it to stay for an extra 2 years. After completing 5 years on this particular visa route you can then apply for indefinite leave to remain which means permanent residence in the UK which can then lead to British Citizenship. You are also allowed to bring your family with you if you are successful in getting this visa which is also an additional huge added benefit.

When going through the process to apply for the sole representative of an overseas business visa, you will have to provide a lot of additional documentation as proof to support your application. For more information on what exactly is needed, you should contact a reliable team of immigration solicitors who can assist you with further details. They can also advise you on family applications for this visa route and how a sole representative can organise this alongside renew their application or apply for indefinite leave to remain.

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