Expansion / Representative Visas

UK Expansion Worker Visa - Establish Your Business Presence in the UK

 

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is a specialist work visa under the Global Business Mobility category that allows senior managers or specialist employees of an overseas business to come to the UK to establish and develop a branch, subsidiary or UK presence before trading begins. This route replaces the old Representative of an Overseas Business (sole rep) visa, which is now closed to new applicants.

 

What Is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?

The UK Expansion Worker Visa is for senior or specialist overseas employees who will be posted to the UK to set up a new branch or subsidiary of an established overseas business that is not yet trading in the UK. It is part of the Global Business Mobility visa routes and must be sponsored by a UK entity linked to the overseas company.

Unlike the old sole representative route, this visa requires sponsorship and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the sponsoring UK company.

 

Key Benefits

  • Establish or expand an overseas business presence in the UK by sending senior staff.
  • Work in the UK for the sponsoring business in the role described on your CoS.
  • Bring your partner and dependent children with you if they meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Travel freely in and out of the UK while your visa remains valid.
  • Access the UK's National Health Service through the Immigration Health Surcharge.

 

What You Can and Cannot Do

  • You can work for your sponsoring employer in the UK in the job described on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • You may undertake voluntary work or study while in the UK.
  • You can travel freely in and out of the UK while your visa is valid.
  • You cannot access public funds.
  • This visa does not directly lead to ILR without switching to another route first.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, you generally need to meet all of the following:

  • You must be employed by an overseas business that intends to expand into the UK and has not yet started trading in the UK.
  • You must be a senior manager or specialist employee of the overseas business.
  • Your overseas employer must have, or apply for, a UK sponsor licence capable of issuing a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for your role.
  • You must have a valid CoS for your role and be paid at least the applicable salary or going rate as required for your occupation.
  • You must satisfy the maintenance (funds) requirement. You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.
  • There is no formal English language requirement for this route.
  • You must apply either from outside the UK or from inside the UK if switching from an eligible visa category.

 

How Long You Can Stay

You will normally be granted leave for the shorter of:

  • 12 months after the job start date on your CoS, or
  • the length of time on your CoS plus 14 days.

 

You can extend your visa once for a further 12 months if you continue in the same role and meet the requirements.

The total time you can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker Visa is usually up to 2 years.

Time spent on Global Business Mobility routes (including Expansion Worker) generally counts toward a maximum stay of 5 years in any 6-year period under those rules.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa does not lead directly to settlement (ILR) in the UK. However, you may be able to switch to another eligible visa route (such as a Skilled Worker Visa or other long-term visas) that can lead to settlement, provided you meet their respective requirements.

 

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that your role, employer link, financial status, and overseas business expansion plans meet the route requirements.

Step 2: Sponsor Licence & Certificate of Sponsorship

Your UK sponsor must hold a valid Global Business Mobility sponsor licence and issue you a CoS.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Gather your passport, CoS reference, employment history, funds evidence, and any other required supporting documents.

Step 4: Apply Online: Submit the visa application on the UK government website.

Step 5: Pay Fees & Biometrics

Pay the visa fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo).

Step 6: Await Decision

Applications from outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks; from inside the UK (extensions/switches) usually within 8 weeks.

 

Visa Fees & Costs

When applying for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, you must pay the following as part of your application:

  • Visa application fee: £319 - this is the standard fee for the main applicant when applying from outside the UK. You will be told the exact amount when you apply.
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year of your visa - this must be paid upfront as part of the application and gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

 

Speak to LNvisa

Every UK Expansion Worker Visa application is assessed on its own facts.

Key factors such as the overseas business structure, UK expansion plans, sponsor licence strategy, role suitability and compliance timing can all significantly affect the outcome.

LNvisa provides tailored immigration advice to overseas businesses and senior employees, taking into account corporate structure, commercial objectives and long-term plans for establishing a presence in the UK.

If you would like professional guidance on a UK Expansion Worker Visa application, or wish to explore the most suitable expansion route before applying, our team would be pleased to assist.