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Initial Requirements for Sole Representative Visa
Factors in Assessing the Business for Sole Representative Visa
Turnover: Indicates if the business is actively trading.
Business Activity: The overseas business should offer the same or similar products/services planned for the UK market.
Number of Employees: Reflects the intention to keep the main business operations outside the UK.
Finances and Market Share: Assessed alongside plans for UK expansion to determine genuine intent to establish a UK branch.
The application will be refused if the overseas business was created solely to facilitate the representative’s UK entry and stay.
For assistance, contact Zar Immigration
Permitted Activities in the UK Before Seconding a Sole Representative
If the company already has a UK presence, it cannot send a sole representative.
Businesses can trade with the UK from overseas via brokers, distributors, or intermediaries. Commission-based sales are allowed, but no UK employees should be hired.
You may register a branch or subsidiary before seconding a representative, but no business transactions should occur beforehand.
Opening a UK bank account and setting up premises is allowed, but the branch must not start trading until the sole representative is seconded.
For clarification and advice, contact ZAR Immigration.
Representatives Who Are Part Owners or Controllers
A sole representative may own part of the business, but must not own or control a majority (over 50%).
The business’s ownership structure should be submitted with the application to prove this.
If the representative owns a significant share (under 50%), a detailed explanation may be required.
If the business is owned or controlled by the representative’s partner, that partner cannot join as a dependant in the UK.
For guidance, contact ZAR Immigration.
What the Employment Contract Should Include
Regular hours and confirmation of full-time employment
Salary package details
Entitlement to holidays, sick pay, maternity/paternity leave
Redundancy procedures
For assistance, contact ZAR Immigration.
Evidence Required for Sole Representative Visa Application
Company registration documents and ownership structure proof
Evidence of business activities, turnover, and number of employees
Business description and UK expansion plan
Employment contract of the proposed representative
Job description for the UK role
Payslips showing current salary
Evidence of UK salary to be paid
Proof of previous experience in setting up multinational branches (if applicable)
Notarised employer statement confirming:
Applicant is the sole UK representative
No other UK branch, subsidiary, or representative exists
Operations remain overseas
Applicant will not run own business or seek other UK employment
Proof of English language proficiency
TB test certificate (if required)
For support with your application, contact ZAR Immigration.
Extension of Leave to Remain as Sole Representative
To extend your leave to remain, you must show:
The overseas business has established a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary
The UK business is actively trading
The UK business operates in the same sector as the parent company
The parent company continues to operate outside the UK, with main operations abroad
The representative remains employed by the overseas parent company, not the UK entity
The representative’s salary complies with the employment contract and UK employment laws (holiday, minimum pay, sick pay, etc.)
For expert assistance, contact ZAR Immigration.
Frequently asked questions
Switching to Sole Representative Visa in the UK
You can switch to the Sole Representative route within the UK if your current visa is not a visitor visa, short-term student visa, parent of a child at school visa, domestic worker visa, or one granted outside the immigration rules.
For guidance on your eligibility and application, contact ZAR Immigration.
Can the representative be paid a combination of salary and commission?
Yes, provided the salary portion is sufficient to support the representative and their dependants in the UK without relying on public funds.
Can a representative of an overseas business bring dependants to the UK?
Yes, they can bring their spouse or unmarried partner and children under 18 at the time of the initial visa application.
Is the representative allowed to study in the UK?
Yes, both the representative and their dependants can study without any restriction on hours, provided it does not interfere with the representative’s job..
Is the representative allowed to take additional employment in the UK?
No, the sole representative can only work for the business that seconded them. Additional employment or freelance work is not permitted.
What if the business wants to second two representatives?
Only one sole representative visa can be granted. The first representative must establish the UK branch. Afterwards, the business can apply for a sponsor licence to employ additional staff. Other employees can work in the UK without a sponsor licence if they already have permission to work independently.
How long is the sole representative visa granted for?
The sole representative visa is initially granted for three years. You can then apply to extend your stay for an additional two years. After five years of continuous residence in this category, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.
Can the representative work in the UK outside their main employment?
Exactly right! The sole representative must work exclusively for the overseas business that seconded them and cannot take any other job or run their own business in the UK.
However, their dependants have full freedom to work for any employer or start their own business without restrictions.
How Immigration Solicitors Can Help Businesses Establish a Presence in the UK
Legal Representation
We ensure all legal requirements for the sole representative visa are met, streamlining the application process. By anticipating potential caseworker questions, we minimize the risk of delays or interviews. Our track record boasts a 100% success rate with these applications, and we strive to maintain this standard.
Identifying Your Needs
If you already have a clear understanding of your UK business strategy — including your representative’s role, target clients, and competitive landscape — you can provide a business plan and company descriptions. We review these carefully and advise if additional documentation or clarification is necessary.
If you’re still developing your plans, we’re happy to assist with research and preparation to ensure your submission is thorough and convincing.
Assistance with UK Business Registration and Payroll
Our team collaborates with expert accountants to help you register your UK branch or subsidiary, comply with Companies House and tax regulations, and manage payroll properly. This ensures your UK operations run smoothly and remain fully compliant.