Advantages of the UK Sole Representative Visa
- One of the highest standards of living in the world and is a member of the G-7 group of countries
- Diverse and multicultural society, represented by large cultural and ethnic communities
- A high standard of education including state and private schools, higher education institutions and universities
- One of the best free medical care services in the world
- Access to business opportunities throughout Europe
- Dependents included:
- Can include spouse/partner and children under 18 years
- Can include partners not married (but must have been living together at least 2 years)
- Spouse/partner permitted to work in the UK.
- A path to Indefinite Leave to Remain and Citizenship
Process
- The applicant must apply no more than 3 months prior to travel
- The Visa to be obtained 4-8 weeks after submission of application and the applicant must activate visa within 30 days after it is issued
- The Initial visa granted for a period of 3 years
- The visa can be extended for a further 2 years providing that the business is still running, and the applicant continues to be employed
- Applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residence) after 5 years subject to conditions – and citizenship a year later.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be a Senior employee (with decisional authority) of an active overseas business with no presence in the UK, assigned to establish a branch or wholly owned subsidiary in the UK on a full-time basis
- Applicant and dependents must not control the overseas business
- Applicants must have sufficient maintenance funds
- Pass an English language test (A1)
- Have a clear criminal record
- Meet the required standard in English Language (A1)
- Tuberculosis test
Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residency) / Citizenship [Not included]
- ILR: No more than 180 days’ absences are allowed in a consecutive 12-month period in the previous 5 years.
- The Employer letter must confirm that they still require the applicant to work for them, that the applicant has and will continue to be paid an appropriate salary and that applicant will continue to be required for the foreseeable future.
- Submit an English language test.
- Successfully pass the “Life in the United Kingdom test”
- Citizenship: possibility to apply after 1 year of ILR subject to conditions such as minimum residency: no more than 450 days outside the UK during the preceding 5 years and not more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
The present document is intended for guidance and general information only and does not constitute or purport to provide you with legal advice. Such information is subject to changes without notice. Each case is unique and depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual and due consideration should be taken if applying the general information to your personal situation. For an evaluation of your personal circumstances one of our legal team would be happy to assist.