Representative of an Overseas Business Visa

We have clients who have come to the UK in their capacity as sole representatives of foreign businesses. This is a primary visa route for companies sending senior employees as their company representatives.

You can apply to come to the UK as a representative of an overseas business if you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and you’re either:

• The sole representative of an overseas business planning to set up either a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary
• An employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK
• have enough money to support yourself without help from public funds
• meet the English requirement

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. For example, you can apply from 16 March if you plan to travel on 15 June. You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.