What is the Sole Representativ

What is the Sole Representative Visa?

One of the most exciting UK Immigration routes available to non-EU citizens is the Sole Representative Visa. This immigration route allows overseas companies to send one key individual to the UK to establish a wholly owned subsidiary or UK branch for the overseas company.

What is the Sole Representativ

This immigration route also allows overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasting organisations to post an employee on a long-term assignment to the UK.

It is thus an ideal vehicle for overseas companies to establish a presence in the UK. Probably, the biggest advantage of this visa is that there is no need for the involvement of a UK employer, or large investments sums to qualify for this immigration route.

Qualifying Criteria

The applicant must have been recruited as an employee outside the United Kingdom by a firm whose headquarters and principal place of business are outside the UK. The firm must not have another branch, subsidiary or representative in the UK.

The employee must be a senior employee, and intend to be employed full time, with full authority to take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas firm. The applicant’s presence in the UK must be to establish and operate a registered branch or wholly owned subsidiary of the overseas firm. The applicant will also be required to have extensive related industry knowledge and experience.

The applicant may be a shareholder in the overseas firm, but may not be a majority shareholder.

An English language requirement has to be fulfilled, as well as proof that the applicant has enough money to support him/herself without recourse to public funds.

Other Advantages

The spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and dependant children may apply to join the Sole Representative in the UK. The dependants will be granted the same period of leave as the Sole Representative and may work without restriction in the UK.

The Visa is granted for an initial period of three years which then may be extended for an additional period of two years. At the end of successful completion of a five-year period on this type of visa, the holder can, subject to certain requirements, qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If you want to find out more about this exciting visa route, please feel free to contact your BIC consultant today, for more information, or to determine whether you qualify.

www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com

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