United Kingdom•EuropeUK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
At a Glance
Processing Time
~21 days
Application Fee
319 GBP
Stay Duration
Up to 2 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
No
This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Visa for senior managers or specialist employees setting up a UK branch of an overseas business. Part of Global Business Mobility route.
The UK Expansion Worker visa is a key component of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) suite, introduced in April 2022 to replace the former Representative of an Overseas Business route. It is specifically designed for overseas businesses that have not yet started trading in the UK but intend to establish a branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary.
The visa facilitates the temporary transfer of senior managers or specialist employees to the UK to undertake the necessary groundwork for business expansion.
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
48,500 GBP
per year
Minimum Savings
1,270 GBP
Personal
Passport Validity
1 day
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Education
Bachelor or higher
Professional
Experience
1+ years
Required Skills
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity
Certificate of Sponsorship
From parent company
Proof of employment
Evidence of role at overseas company
Sponsor Documents
Business documentation
Company details, accounts, structure
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Advantages
- No English language proficiency requirement for applicants
- Exemption from the Immigration Skills Charge for the sponsoring employer
- Access to priority and super-priority processing for faster decision times
- Lower minimum salary thresholds compared to the Skilled Worker route
- Ability for the applicant to act as the Authorising Officer for the sponsor license
- No requirement for the business to be trading in the UK prior to application
Considerations
- Strictly non-settlement route with no direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Maximum cumulative stay limited to two years
- Restricted to businesses that have not yet commenced trading in the UK
- Mandatory requirement for the overseas business to remain the applicant's employer
Application Process
Work for overseas business
Must be employee of overseas company
Obtain certificate of sponsorship
Get CoS for UK branch setup
Apply online
Submit visa application
Provide documents
Submit business and employment documents
Pay fees
Pay visa fee and healthcare surcharge
Await decision
Wait for approval
Application Forms
UK Expansion Worker visa application
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