Sole Representatives

A person who works for a company overseas can apply for entry clearance (a visa) to come to the United Kingdom as the representative for the company if it has no branch, subsidiary or other representative office here. An applicant will need to show that he or she is fully familiar with the company's operations, and has the authority to make the necessary business decisions in the UK. You will normally be looking to set up or buy a UK company for your business here.

Permission will not be granted if the entry clearance officer considers that you want to take work here that is not on behalf of that company, or the income from that work will not be enough to support you, along with any family members, without needing to claim social security benefits.

The entry clearance officer must also be satisfied that the company that is sending you is a genuine commercial concern, with a trading record overseas. Applications can usually be approved within about a week, once all the paperwork has been prepared. Permission will then usually be granted for 12 months to begin with, and can be extended for a further four years, if you show that your company is now trading and you are able to support yourself. After five years as a sole representative you can be given indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the United Kingdom. Your spouse and any children under 18 can be admitted with you, and will be able to work, or attend school.

Under government plans announced in 2006 sole representatives would lose rights to settle here, but no date has been announced for this change to take place.

You can be sure of quick and accurate advice and help with all aspects of these applications from Lawrence Lupin Solicitors.

If you would like to take advantage of our expert immigration, asylum, or nationality law advice, then contact us now. Lawrence Lupin Solicitors 020 8733 7200