This category is for businesses located overseas intending to send a senior employee to the UK to establish a branch or wholly owned subsidiary in the UK.

INITIAL APPLICATIONS

For initial applications, applicants will need to demonstrate that the overseas parent company:

• Is an active and trading overseas business;
• Has, and will continue to have, its headquarters and principal place of business outside the United Kingdom; 
• Has no active branch, subsidiary or other representative in the UK;
• Intends to establish and operate a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK:
• That branch or subsidiary will actively trade in the same type of business as the overseas business;
• That branch or subsidiary cannot be established solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and stay of the sole representative; and
• Intends to maintain the centre of its operations overseas

Applicants will personally need to demonstrate that they genuinely:

• Are employed by the overseas company, holding a senior position with full authority to make decisions on behalf of the company (but not be a majority shareholder)
• have extensive related industry experience and knowledge
• intend to work full-time for the organisation
• not intend to take any other employment other than for the business
• can maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds
• meet the required standard in English language at A1 Level

If your initial application is successful, you will be granted leave to enter and remain for up to 3 years. Before your visa expires, you will need to submit an extension application.