United Kingdom
You can apply to come to the UK as a representative of an overseas business if you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. You should make a decision within 3 weeks if applied from outside the UK. You can come to the UK for an initial period of 3 years and you may be able to extend your visa for another 2 years. After you’ve been in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK.
Basic Requirements:
- The sole representative of an overseas company planning to set up a UK branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary for an overseas parent company.
- Hold a senior position within the company (but not be a major shareholder) and have full authority to make decisions on its behalf.
- Have extensive related industry experience and knowledge.
- You may also be eligible if the company has a legal entity in the UK that does not employ staff or transact business.
- If your company has been working to establish a UK branch or subsidiary, but it is not yet set up, you can replace a previous sole representative.
- As an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency, or broadcasting organization, you can come to the UK if you’re being posted here on a long-term assignment.
- A current passport or other valid travel identification.
- Evidence that you can support yourself and any dependents during your trip, for example, bank statements or pay slips for the last 6 months.
- Details of where you’ll be staying during your stay.
- Proof that you meet the English requirement.
- Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test.
- Your job description, employment contract, and salary details.
- A letter confirming you’re familiar with the company and have the power to make operational decisions.
- Will be working full time for the company for the duration of your stay and will not carry out any other work
