The UK Expansion Worker visa is for senior managers and specialists sent to set up the first UK branch or subsidiary of an established overseas business. It is the route for a company that wants a UK presence but is not yet trading here. It is short, lasting up to 2 years, and is designed as a bridge: once the UK business is up and running, staff move onto longer-term visas.
At a glance
| Who it is for | Senior managers or specialists setting up an overseas business’s first UK presence |
|---|---|
| The business | Trading overseas, normally for at least 3 years, but not yet trading in the UK |
| Sponsor | Yes. The business needs a sponsor licence for this route |
| Minimum salary | £52,500 a year, or the going rate for the job if higher |
| Time with the employer | At least 12 months overseas, unless paid over £73,900 |
| Visa fee | £340 per person |
| Health surcharge | £1,035 per adult per year, £776 per child per year |
| Length of stay | 12 months, extendable by 12 months, so 2 years in total |
| Settlement | No. Staff switch to other routes once the UK business trades |
| Decision time | Usually 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks inside |
Who this route suits
- Overseas business owners who want to lead their company’s UK launch personally.
- Senior managers trusted by the parent to set up the UK entity, hire staff and win first customers.
- Specialists needed to transfer know-how, systems or products to the new UK operation.
If the group already trades in the UK, use the Senior or Specialist Worker visa instead. If you want to start a brand new business rather than expand an existing one, see the Innovator Founder visa.
What the business needs
Before anyone can apply, the overseas business must obtain a sponsor licence for the Expansion Worker route. Broadly, it must show:
- Active trading overseas, normally covering at least 3 years. There are exceptions, for example for businesses listed on the London Stock Exchange or an equivalent regulated exchange, and a 12-month rule for some Australian and Japanese businesses.
- A UK footprint, such as a UK company registered at Companies House or signed premises in the UK.
- A genuine plan to establish a trading presence in the UK.
The licence lets the business sponsor only a small number of expansion workers at a time (currently up to 5), and new licences often start with a restricted allocation. See sponsor licences.
What the worker needs
- A certificate of sponsorship from the business.
- At least 12 months working for the business outside the UK, unless paid over £73,900.
- A job on the eligible occupations list, paid at least £52,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher.
- Personal savings of £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, unless exempt. Dependants need £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each further child.
There is no English language requirement.
What it costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application, per person | £340 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per adult and £776 per child, per year |
| Sponsor licence and certificate fees | Paid by the business |
For a family of four on a 12-month grant, the visa and health surcharge come to about £4,982 (4 x £340, plus 2 x £1,035 and 2 x £776). Try the visa cost calculator.
How long you can stay
Permission is granted for 12 months from the start date, or the period on the certificate plus 14 days if shorter. You can extend once, for another 12 months, to a maximum of 2 years on the route. Time on other Global Business Mobility and intra-company routes counts towards an overall cap of 5 years in any 6.
How to apply, step by step
- Set up the UK footprint: register a UK company or secure premises.
- Apply for the sponsor licence on the Expansion Worker route, with evidence of overseas trading and the expansion plan.
- Assign a certificate of sponsorship to each worker.
- Each worker applies online, up to 3 months before the start date, and pays the fee and health surcharge.
- Prove identity through the app or a visa application centre, and get a decision, usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK.
After the expansion: moving to longer-term visas
The route is a stepping stone. Once the UK business is trading, it can apply to add other routes to its sponsor licence, and staff typically switch to:
- Skilled Worker, which can lead to settlement after 5 years, or
- Senior or Specialist Worker, for further transfers from the group.
Plan this switch from the start, because 2 years passes quickly and Expansion Worker time does not count towards settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this route if I own the overseas business?
Yes, if you are employed by the business as a senior manager or specialist and meet the other requirements. Owners should take advice on how their role and pay are documented.
Can the UK business trade while I am on this visa?
The aim is to establish the UK business. Once it starts trading, the business should move to the appropriate sponsor routes for ongoing staff.
Is this the old Sole Representative visa?
Effectively it replaced the Representative of an Overseas Business route for new applicants, but with a sponsor licence model and a shorter maximum stay.
Can my family come?
Yes. Partners and children can come as dependants. Partners can work.
Sources
Talk to a regulated adviser
Every route has its own traps. A specialist can check your plan before you commit time and money to it.
Business and private client firmsBrowse all solicitorsLast checked: 4 November 2026 against GOV.UK. General information, not legal advice. See our disclaimer.