Setting up a UK entity
Setting up a new UK entity
If you are an overseas business looking to set up your first UK entity or require to replace your UK representative, you can do this under an approved visa scheme
as long as the first employee is an overseas national needing permission to work in the UK and you do not plan to have two UK representatives in the UK at the same time
We will also cover the rules of overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasting organisations
If you require help with setting up a UK entity or need to apply for a visa, contact our lawyer today
UK Business Operation
What type of business is the overseas business allowed to set up in the UK?
The 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 the assigned employee must provide key documents that can include business assets and accounts plus full description of the parent company’s activities and a letter confirming the overseas employer will establish a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK and the UK business must be the same as the overseas business operation. If not the same, must explain why i.e. like expanding a new brand/concept into the UK market.
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 applies 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 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 for an overseas media company to have more than one representative in the UK at the same time.
For entry into 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 producer, news cameramen or front-of-camera personnel.
The overseas business does not permit these types of employees to represent them in the UK i.e. secretaries and other administrative support staff.
