2020 Guide to Applying for an Overseas Business Representative Visa
The UK’s trade with other developed countries continues to flourish despite many economic and political changes. Right now, London is a hub for tech companies and multinational corporations. Many of these companies establish their UK brand by allowing a senior employee to travel and work in the country. Right now, this employment arrangement is only possible through an overseas representative visa. In this article, we’ll discuss frequently asked questions about the purpose of the visa, its eligibility, and the application process.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for an overseas business representative visa, you need to comply with the following eligibility criteria:
- Your company is located outside Switzerland and the European Economic Area.
- The purpose of your employment is to act as sole representative tasked to establish a brand in the UK.
- You need to be able to support your stay in the UK financially.
- You need to meet the minimum requirements for speaking English.
- You’re an employee of a broadcasting or news agency based abroad but will be staying in the UK for a long-term assignment.
For sole representatives, your position in the company, skills, and relevant experience may also be scrutinised during the application process.
An overview of the application
You need to wait at least three months before travelling to the UK to apply for the visa. After applying, a decision should be available within three weeks. The cost should be about £610, but an additional healthcare surcharge will be added to the cost.
The visa should be valid for three years but may be extended for another two years. Eventually, the visa holder may apply for permanent settlement if he has been staying and working in the UK for a minimum of five consecutive years.
What does the visa permit and restrict?
The holder of the visa has the option to bring his family to the UK. Of course, their stay is also subject to a separate visa application. Permanent residence is an option after five years. In case the representative gets replaced by the company, he is allowed to stay in the UK if two years have already elapsed since visa issuance. However, in case of employment termination, he is no longer eligible to stay or convert the visa to any other category or type.
Extensions to the initial three-year validity are allowed. However, the representative needs to re-apply every time and provide supporting documentation that their role as a representative is still essential to business operation.
What happens if the business wants to expand?
In the case of business expansion, the company is allowed to employ individuals with UK work permits. But, if employees will be coming from overseas, the company needs a sponsor licence. As the company expands, the representative who opened the business can continue using the visa, which is valid for three years. It then depends on the representative to consider re-applying for a visa after the expiration.
Final thoughts
The application process for an overseas business representative visa is straightforward. It’s critical to understand the documentation requirements and eligibility to ensure a smooth application and approval.
