How to expand my business to the UK?” is the million-dollar question for any entrepreneur, ergo the UK government has acknowledged this concern and designed a business immigration route in the form of “ Representative of an Overseas Business Visa.” With the vision of stimulating growth and employment opportunities in the UK, this new visa is primarily designed to entice an increasing number of non-European individuals to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary or register a UK branch for an overseas parent company.
Setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary anywhere in the world takes resolution, grit, and marketable ideas, however, certain countries make it a little bit easier to get off the ground. The UK is one of the countries that offer a combination of political stability, generous policies to promote entrepreneurship, and easier visa norms that make it an incredible destination for access to global markets.
However, there is a set of frequently asked questions that get entrepreneurs in a state of fluster.
Am I eligible for UK Settlement?
A major consideration with this immigration route is that the migrant must be recruited outside the UK whose principal place of business is not in the UK. So if you are holding a senior position at an overseas business, and have full authority to make dominant or operational decisions on behalf of the business you are partially eligible for the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa. To effectuate the eligibility criteria, it also includes
- To provide evidence to establish the company’s first commercial presence in the UK.
- To demonstrate that the company has no branch, subsidiary, or other representatives in the UK.
- To declare that you do not intend to take employment in the UK, except for the overseas company.
- Maintenance requirement
- English Language Requirements
What financial requirements do I need to meet?
Rightly said by Tim Berry, “Good Business planning is 9 parts execution for every 1 part of the strategy.” Whenever you are planning to bootstrap your business presence in the UK, you should consider financial requirements, considering the global nature of competition among entrepreneurs. The overseas business does not need to provide any strong financial standings to a Sole Representative Visa application for any of their senior personnel, neither the applicant needs to evidence any financial resources for establishing the UK branch. However, the sole rep must provide pieces of evidence to prove his or her financial ability and other general maintenance requirements.
How to Extend my Sole Representative Visa?
The qualifying period for the Representative of an Overseas Business Visa is 5 Years. However, business needs every ounce of energy, strength and time to get the same recognition in a foreign land. Therefore, if you are intending to extend your stay as a sole representative, you must be psyched up with the following:
- You must continue to work for the same employer in the same job as the entry clearance was granted.
- You must intend to work full-time for the employer as a representative of an overseas business.
- Your employer’s place of business must continue to be outside the UK.
- You must meet the maintenance requirement.
- You must provide supporting documents that prove that you still continue as a senior employee with full authority to take operational decisions.
- You still continue to take the helm of the branch or subsidiary in the same type of activity as the parent company.
- You must also provide evidence confirming that you have successfully generated business principally with the firms in the UK.
Picture of Sole Rep Visa in 2021
The UK Government is all set to welcome a single and global immigration system from 1 January 2021 in the form of Brexit. This “historic” change is closely associated with the end of freedom of movement, the expansion of the points-based system, the introduction of new visa categories, and immigration opportunities 2021. Since Britain is taking back control of the borders, this monumental change will be reflected in the UK immigration routes. From 1 January 2021, EEA nationals will need an appropriate visa to set up either a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary.
The Verdict
Britain is always keen to change the world. Over the years, the country has summoned the best business idea, which can be easily reflected on the best immigration route. Sole Representative Visa is one of the best routes that proves the appreciation given by the country. This is the same country that has always preferred to stay humble through the years of innovation.
Do you want to learn more about the potential advantages of Sole Rep Visa? Look no further than A Y & J Solicitors, which is a boutique UK Immigration firm with 10+ years of experience recommended by Legal 500. Our UK immigration solicitors are exceptionally qualified to navigate you through the complexities of Sole Rep Visa. Come and explore the decorous and appropriate UK business opportunities with A Y & J Solicitors.