The UK Expansion Worker visa is a Global Business Mobility route for senior managers and specialist employees establishing a UK branch or subsidiary of an overseas business that has not yet started trading in the UK.

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At a glance

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Sponsorship: Required under the UK Expansion Worker route.

 

Length of stay: Normally up to 12 months initially, with a maximum of two years on this route.

 

English: No route-specific English language requirement.

 

Settlement: No direct route.

 

Dependants: Eligible partners and children may apply.

 

Main eligibility requirements

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You must be at least 18 and already work for the overseas business in a senior or specialist role. The business must qualify to sponsor its UK expansion and assign a valid CoS for an eligible role.

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You normally need at least 12 months' employment outside the UK for the business. Exceptions exist for qualifying high earners and certain Japanese and Australian applicants covered by the relevant arrangements.

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The business's UK trading position matters. This route is intended for establishing operations; businesses already trading in the UK need to consider an appropriate alternative sponsorship route.

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You must also meet maintenance and suitability requirements, with TB and ATAS evidence where applicable.

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Salary and maintenance

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The current standard salary requirement is at least £52,500 a year and the applicable going rate, whichever is higher.

You normally need personal savings of £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, with the period ending within 31 days before application. The funds requirement is waived for qualifying in-country applicants with at least 12 months' lawful residence. Sponsor maintenance certification is not an alternative under this route.

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Dependants may need additional maintenance, and visa fees and the healthcare surcharge normally apply.

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Length of stay and future options

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Permission may be extended within the two-year route maximum. Time on GBM and relevant intra-company routes also counts towards the general five-years-in-six limit.

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You must work in the sponsored role and cannot take a second job. Once the business establishes UK trading operations, a different sponsor category and work route may become appropriate. A switch is not automatic.

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Evidence commonly required

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Passport; CoS; overseas employment history; assignment and salary details; personal maintenance evidence; and any required TB, ATAS and family documents. The business must support its sponsorship case with evidence of overseas operations, the UK expansion and available resources.

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Application process

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Assess the business and proposed UK expansion, secure the appropriate sponsor permission, assign the CoS, then prepare and submit the worker's application.

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Common issues

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UK trading having already begun, insufficient evidence of a genuine overseas business, or an unrealistic expansion plan can undermine the application.

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Frequently asked questions

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Is this the old Sole Representative route?

No. UK Expansion Worker is the relevant current route for many new expansion assignments, with different sponsorship and settlement rules.

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Does setting up a UK company secure a visa?

No. Incorporation alone does not establish that the sponsor or worker meets the route requirements.

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