Sole Representative Visa
Establish Your UK Presence with Professional Legal Guidance
Apply for a Sole Representative Visa through Legate Hub | Corporate Immigration Specialists
Overview
The Sole Representative Visa enables a senior employee of an overseas business to enter the UK to establish the company’s first commercial presence (branch or wholly owned subsidiary) in the United Kingdom. This route is for businesses which do not already have a trading presence in the UK and allows the representative to work full-time for the overseas employer in the UK.
The route may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of continuous lawful residence, subject to meeting the qualifying requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be recruited and employed outside the UK by a company whose main place of business is outside the UK.
- The applicant must hold a senior position within the company and have authority to make decisions on behalf of the business; they must not be a majority owner.
- The overseas company must intend to establish its first commercial presence in the UK through a branch or subsidiary, not through acquisition of an existing UK business.
- The applicant must intend to work full-time for the overseas employer in the UK and not take other employment.
- The applicant must meet any required maintenance/savings thresholds or have their maintenance certified by the sponsoring company.
- Applicants must satisfy valid passport, TB (where required) and any other country-specific entry requirements.
Required Documents Checklist
- Current passport or travel document and previous passports showing travel history.
- Employment letter from the overseas company confirming role, seniority and intention to establish a UK branch/subsidiary.
- Evidence that the overseas business is genuine and trading (Company registry documents, audited accounts, business plans, and contracts).
- Detailed UK business plan or strategy confirming how the UK presence will be established and funded.
- Organisational chart and confirmation that the applicant is not the majority owner of the overseas company.
- Proof of maintenance funds or written confirmation from the employer certifying maintenance.
- Evidence of suitable UK accommodation or arrangements upon arrival.
- Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.
Application Process
- Step 1 – Corporate Assessment: Arrange a corporate consultation with Legate Hub to assess the overseas company’s eligibility, confirm the applicant’s role, and review required corporate documentation.
- Step 2 – Document Preparation: Download the Sole Representative Visa application checklist and company evidence templates from our Document Centre below. Legate Hub prepares and organises the corporate bundle to demonstrate commercial viability and compliance.
- Step 3 – Application Submission & Biometrics: Legate Hub assists with completing the online application, lodging the fee, and arranging the applicant’s biometric appointment where required.
- Step 4 – Entry & Establishment: On approval, Legate Hub advises on UK operational set-up, compliance obligations, and next steps for establishing the branch or subsidiary.
- Step 5 – Pathway to Settlement: After five years’ lawful residence and meeting qualifying conditions, Legate Hub provides guidance on applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain where appropriate.
Typical Processing Timeline
| Service | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| Standard (Outside UK) | Approximately 3 months depending on evidence and case complexity. |
| Priority Options | Where available, priority processing may reduce times—fees and availability vary. |
Note: Processing times are influenced by the quality of corporate evidence and UKVI caseload. Legate Hub ensures a comprehensive corporate submission to mitigate delay risks.
Apply through Legate Hub – Start Your Sole Representative Application
Download Application Forms
- Sole Representative Application Checklist (PDF)
- Overseas Company Evidence Template (PDF)
- UK Branch Establishment Business Plan Template (PDF)
Download these templates and forms, complete your corporate and personal information, and submit the bundle to Legate Hub for legal review and submission.
Why Choose Legate Hub
Legate Hub provides targeted corporate immigration advice to overseas companies and their senior representatives. Our solicitors specialise in preparing robust corporate evidence, drafting persuasive business plans, and ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements for representative routes.
Book a Consultation
Establish your UK presence with confidence. Contact Legate Hub to schedule a corporate immigration consultation regarding the Sole Representative Visa.