Expand Your Business into the UK with Confidence
UK Expansion Worker Visa
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is designed to support overseas companies wishing to establish a presence in the United Kingdom. This immigration route, under the Global Business Mobility scheme, enables foreign businesses to open a UK branch or subsidiary while relocating senior executives or specialist employees to oversee the setup and operations.
Expansion Worker visa is suitable for employees of an overseas company that has no active trading presence in the UK but has a genuine intention to expand. It provides an efficient framework for transferring key personnel to the UK to establish and run a new branch.
There is no requirement for prior UK trading history, initial investment, or an English language test. Instead, the applicant’s role, company track record, and business expansion plan are the primary focus.
The visa is initially granted for 12 months and can be extended to 24 months. After this period, applicants must either switch to another long-term visa category or return to their home country. Family members can be included in the application and enjoy the right to live, work, and study in the UK.
UK Expansion Worker Route is particularly attractive for international businesses aiming to explore the UK market without committing to immediate commercial operations or hiring UK-based staff in the early stages.
Why Choose the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa is considered one of the most accessible routes for overseas businesses looking to enter the UK market. It simplifies both the establishment of a UK entity and the process of securing a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Sponsor Licence, making it easier than many other visa categories.
This route enables businesses to:
- Legally establish and register a UK entity without any prior trading activity
- Benefit from relaxed initial requirements compared to other sponsorship routes
- Relocate experienced personnel to oversee branch setup and early-stage development
- Include family members in the visa application for added flexibility and support
Key Features of the Programme
- Visa valid for 12 months, extendable to 24 months
- No requirement for English language testing
- No need for a UK business bank account or trading activity during the setup phase
- UK entity must hold a Sponsor Licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Applicant must hold a senior or specialist role for at least 12 months unless they will be paid a UK salary of at least £73,900 per year once in the UK.
- Minimum salary requirement of £45,800 per annum or £23.39 per hour
- The overseas parent company must be actively trading for at least 3 years
- Family inclusion allowed (spouse and dependent children)
Overseas businesses must demonstrate adequate financial capacity to support the initial establishment and operation of a UK branch. This typically includes the employee’s annual salary, associated employer taxes, office or premises rental, and general operational expenses. For a modest branch setup, these foundational costs are estimated to start from £100,000.
Requirements for the UK Expansion Worker Visa
To qualify under this route, applicants and their employer must meet the following conditions. Compared to other sponsorship-based routes, the UK Expansion Worker Visa has fewer barriers and more relaxed entry conditions:
- The applicant must show a legitimate need to establish a UK presence, supported by a coherent business plan.
- The overseas parent company must be actively trading and have a credible operational history of at least three years.
- The UK branch or subsidiary must be legally registered but is not required to operate commercially during the visa period. There is no need for a UK business bank account at the initial stage.
- The parent company must have sufficient resources to support the UK expansion, including all operational expenses, for at least the first 12 months. No upfront capital investment is required.
- The applicant must occupy a senior or specialist role within the overseas business for at least 12 months unless they will be paid a UK salary of at least £73,900 per year once in the UK.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1: Eligibility Review
Assessment of company background, financial position, and applicant qualifications to ensure compliance with immigration rules. - Step 2: UK Entity Registration
Registration of the UK branch or subsidiary. Trading activity is not required during the visa validity. - Step 3: Business Plan Preparation
Preparation of a comprehensive five-year business plan to support the expansion case. - Step 4: Sponsor Licence Application
The UK entity applies for a Sponsor Licence to legally sponsor the Expansion Worker. - Step 5: Visa Application Submission
After the CoS is issued, the visa application is submitted to the Home Office. - Step 6: Relocation to the UK
Upon approval, the Expansion Worker travels to the UK to oversee the branch setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for senior executives or specialist employees of an overseas company that wants to establish a UK branch or subsidiary. It allows key personnel to relocate to the UK to oversee the initial setup and operations.
Generally, you must have been employed by the overseas parent company for at least 12 months before applying. However, if you are not currently an employee, you may still be eligible if:
- You hold a senior position and will be responsible for establishing the UK branch.
- You are a specialist employee with skills essential for the expansion.
- Your salary meets the exemption threshold for the 12-month employment rule. (minimum £73,900 per annum)
If you do not meet these conditions, you may need to explore alternative visa options, such as the Self-Sponsorship Visa or Skilled Worker Visa.
Yes, the parent company must have been actively trading for at least three years before applying. However, the UK branch must be registered but remain dormant (non-trading) at the time of application.
No, the UK Expansion Worker Visa does not require an English test. However, if you plan to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa later, you will need to meet the English language requirements at that stage.
The visa is initially granted for 12 months and can be extended for another 12 months (maximum 24 months total). After this period, you must return to your home country or switch to an eligible visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
Yes, your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application. They will have the right to live, work, and study in the UK.
Your job role must meet the minimum salary threshold of £45,800 per year or £23.39 per hour, and it must be listed under the eligible occupation codes.
Yes, before the 24-month limit is reached, you may be eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if your UK branch becomes fully operational and can sponsor you under this category.
Please feel free to email us at info@coatesglobal.com, and one of our experienced team members will get back to you promptly to assist with your inquiry.
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