Representative of Overseas Business
REPRESENTATIVE OF OVERSEAS BUSINESS
A representative of an overseas business is a non-EEA national wanting to come to the UK to represent a foreign business that wants a presence in the UK
The sole representative of an overseas company planning to set up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company or become an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK
If the overseas business already has a UK presence, you cannot apply for this visa unless you are replacing the person that was previously representing them
Below we have covered essential information to guide you and if you require further information, use the form below and request a callback or ask us a question
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UK Status & Settlement
How long can I stay in the UK and does this visa route lead to settlement status?
You must first apply from outside the UK if you want to obtain this visa. If your visa is approved, it will be for three (3) years.
When applying for this visa you and your overseas employer must be able to provide key documents in original format to first apply for entry visa. If your overseas employer already has a UK presence, this needs to be validated whether you are replacing the existing overseas representative or they are planning a new UK entity.
UK Visa Renewal
If you are still required to do the job when your visa is about to expire, you can extend your visa by two (2) more years.
You and your overseas employer will need to provide original documents for your renewal visa to be successful and you can apply for this within the UK with any family members that needs a visa to remain in the UK.
UK Business Operation
What type of business is the overseas business allowed to set up in the UK?
Your overseas employer needs to decide if they wish to set up a UK branch or a wholly owned subsidiary of their overseas business.
Depending on which they prefer, they and you must provide key documents that can include their assets and accounts and full description of the parent company’s activities and a letter confirming that your employer overseas will establish a branch, or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK, and the UK business must be the same as the overseas business operation.
What must I provide as evidence?
A valid passport, evidence you can support your UK stay, where you plan to live, proof of English and if applicable TB.
You also need to provide evidence you are employed by the overseas employer, not acting as a sales agent, was recruited outside the UK, hold a senior position in the overseas company, authorised to make business decisions in the UK, employed full-time in the UK and not a majority shareholder which is 50% of the overseas business.
Overseas Newspaper, News, Agency or Broadcast Business
What if I am an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcast business?
If this implies to you, you will be required to provide original evidence and for this type of overseas business, provide their business assets, business accounts and full description of what the business does overseas and the business overseas must state in writing that they want you to come to the UK long-term, in a full-time role, representing their business in the UK.
The immigration does allow an overseas media company to have more than one representative in the UK at the same time.
Upon entry to the UK you must already be employed by the overseas business, agree not to work for any other business, set up another UK business and the types of roles the Home Office would expect you to do are producers, news cameramen or front-of-camera personnel.
The overseas business do not permit these types of employees to represent them in the UK - Secretaries and other administrative support staff.
Family Members
Can my family members join me in the UK when I apply or should they apply later on?
Your family members can do either. If you prefer to come to the UK first to set the business up you can or when you apply for your visa apply together and you state different entry dates or, your family apply later on and join you.
If your family join you later, and if it is your intention is to settle in the UK after 5 years, you are likely to have to apply separately.
Family members are deemed as husband or wife, same-sex, unmarried partner (strict rules apply to this), children including adopted children.
