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work visa

Business Expansion Visa (Global Business Mobility)

BUSINESS EXPANSION VISA

The Business Expansion Visa is a visa type that allows overseas companies to temporarily assign senior employees to the United Kingdom to establish a branch or subsidiary for the first time.
This visa enables the deployment of a non-resident workforce for a limited period to facilitate the company’s entry into the UK market.

  • The company must not already have active operations in the UK but must have plans to open a branch or subsidiary.
  • The assigned employee must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved sponsor employer.
  • The assigned employee must be a senior official or specialist employee of the company.
  • Meeting the minimum salary requirements (typically £45,800 annually or £23.00 per hour).
  • The applicant must not own a majority stake in the company.
  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  • Documents demonstrating the company’s intent and plan to open a branch in the UK
  • Employer letter detailing the role and salary
  • Evidence of employment with the company for at least the last 12 months
  • Payment receipts for visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees
  1. The company obtaining a Sponsor Licence
  2. Issuance of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  3. Submitting the visa application online
  4. Providing required documents and biometric information
  5. Paying the visa and IHS fees
  6. Evaluation and finalization of the application

What to Know
Before Applying

To achieve a successful outcome, it’s crucial to pay attention to the following points before applying for the Business Expansion Visa:

  • No Active Operations in the UK: The visa is suitable for companies that do not yet have active operations in the UK.
  • Temporary Assignment Visa: It facilitates limited-term assignments to manage the company’s setup process.
  • Approved Sponsor Requirement: The company must have obtained a sponsor licence in advance.
  • No Language Proficiency Requirement: However, basic communication skills for business management are expected.
  • No Long-Term Settlement Rights: The visa can be extended but does not directly provide indefinite leave to remain.

Application Duration
and Recommendations

The visa application process should be planned and executed in a timely manner. To streamline the process and avoid potential issues, consider the following recommendations:

  • Start the Sponsor Licence Process Early: If your company is not yet a sponsor, the licence application process can take time.
  • Prepare Assignment Documents: Provide complete company intent letters, business plans, and role descriptions.
  • Visa Processing Time: Applications are typically processed within 3 weeks.
  • Apply with Family Members: Your spouse and children can apply with you.
  • Explore Alternative Visas After Setup: After establishing the branch, consider planning for transitions to other visa types.

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