Even if you already know the answer to the question, “what is a UK Sole Representative Visa?” you may seek additional information about employment for UK Business Visas in general and the employment conditions for the UK Representative of an Overseas Business Visa in particular. If you are attempting to pursue UK immigration through a UK Sole Representative Visa, you will need to familiarize yourself with the basic terms of employment for a UK Sole Representative of an Overseas Business. Read on for more information on the terms of employment for UK Business Visas of this nature, information about who can be a Sole Representative, and how to access the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa application. In addition, this blog will address other critical information pertinent to the UK Sole Representative Visa, including working hours for a Sole Representative, and the level of authority for a Sole Representative, and visa benefits.
What is UK Sole Representative Visa?
- A UK Sole Representative Visa is a UK Business Visa available to those who seek to immigrate to the country for the purpose of aiding in the establishment of an abroad-based business.
Who can be a Sole Representative?
- Anyone who satisfies the eligibility requirements and terms of employment can be a UK sole representative.
- In addition, sole representatives must supply a number of required documents and materials, including the following:
- Detailed overview of the company you are working as a sole representative for, complete with its financial background.
- Letter attesting to the fact that the company is establishing a branch that is of the same nature as the business entity as it exists abroad.
- Letter attesting to your complete awareness and understanding of the ins and outs of the company you work for, which also endows you with the ability to make critical choices on its behalf.
- Letter outlining your position, as well as your specific employment terms and conditions.
Terms of Employment for UK Sole Representative of an Overseas Business
- If you are on a UK Sole Representative Visa, you must be employed exclusively by the business you are acting as a sole representative for. This means that you are not allowed to pursue other work (for other employers) while you are in the UK, even if you are self-employed. This means that while you are in the UK, you may only draw a salary from your position as a Sole Representative.
- You have to be able to financially afford all of your costs of living while you are in the country.
- You must have been hired as a would-be sole representative while you were abroad (i.e. not while you were in Britain).
- You must be a seasoned and high-level worker who is endowed with the ability to make critical choices and negotiate on the company’s behalf, without being a majority controller or owner of the company.
- The company you work for must provide you with a detailed employment contract.
- You must be hired to work for a company that is both trading and active.
- The company you work for must abide by UK labor terms and conditions.
- The branch that you are attempting to establish in Britain must be the first of its kind in the country. It must be either a “wholly owned subsidiary” or a “registered branch” of your abroad-based company.
- In order to be employed in the UK, you need to have a relatively high degree of English fluency in speaking and writing. In order to meet the English requirement, you must score at the A1 level in both speaking and listening on an official test. Alternatively, applicants who are from certain English-speaking countries or who graduated/received a high-level degree from an English-language university/college, and provide proof of this, do not have to take a test.
- You are prohibited from applying for welfare while you are in the country.
- If you are applying as an employee of an abroad-based media organization, one of the terms of your employment is that you are being sent to the country in order to complete a lengthy assignment, which requires a lengthy (i.e. not short term) residency in the country.
Level of Authority for a Sole Representative
- Applicants must possess the requisite level of authority for a UK Sole Representative Visa.
- While you cannot be either a primary controller or owner of the company, you must be invested with decision making authority. In this sense, you have a wide degree of authority, without ultimately having the final word when it comes to making significant company decisions.
- Additionally, in order to be eligible, applicants must possess the correct professional background, insight, and expertise to fulfill their duties as a sole representative.
- Your level of authority as a Sole Representative should be reflected in your company’s business plan, the terms and conditions of employment, and throughout the other required documents meant to convey the nature of your position and the degree of trust and responsibility extended to you by virtue of your role as a Sole Representative.
Working Hours for a Sole Representative
- Without being held to a certain number of weekly hours, a UK Representative of an Overseas Business Visa should work fulltime for his or her employer.
- The salary for a Sole Representative should be reflect the applicant’s significant professional experience (relative to other company employees) as befitting their role as Sole Representative.
- In addition to drawing a salary, Sole Representatives should also receive a commission. Cumulatively, this compensation should allow the Sole Representative to cover their entire financial living costs (including that of any dependent family members), throughout their stay in the country.
Benefits for a Sole Representative
- Benefits of the UK Sole Representative Visa include the following:
- The ability to work and live in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for up to three years.
- The possibility of having your family join you in the country.
- The possibility to extend the Sole Representative Visa beyond the traditional three-year period, for two additional years. If you successfully extend the Sole Representative Visa, you can remain on the visa in the UK for up to five years.
- After five years in the UK, the possibility to apply for permanent settlement in the country.
- Quick processing times—applicants who apply from abroad often hear back on their application in as few as three weeks (eight weeks for those applying from inside Britain).
How to access the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa application
Whether you are abroad, or you are already in Britain, you can contact us here to apply for the UK Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa.
Asaad