UK Expansion Worker Visa Solicitors – Expert Guidance from HM & Co. Solicitors
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we specialise in helping businesses around the world establish a presence in the United Kingdom through the UK Expansion Worker Visa. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, director, owner, or senior employee, this visa offers a gateway to building your company’s future in the UK.
What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The Expansion Worker Visa, launched in April 2022, replaced the previous Sole Representative Visa and enables overseas businesses to send employees to the UK to open and operate a UK branch.
Key features include:
✔ Up to five senior employees can be sponsored to come to the UK.
✔ Suitable for any size or type of company, provided the business is at least three years old.
✔ No requirement for previous UK trading.
✔ A route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and British citizenship after six years.
✔ Dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18) can accompany the main applicant and are entitled to free UK education.
Who Can Apply?
This visa is ideal for:
Entrepreneurs or business owners looking to expand into the UK.
Senior employees or directors sent to establish and lead the new UK operation.
Companies must:
Be based outside the UK.
Have been trading for at least three years.
Possess sufficient funds to support the UK branch’s setup for the first 12 months.
How to Apply for an Expansion Worker Visa
Our expert legal team at HM & Co. Solicitors will guide you through the full process, including:
1. Demonstrating a UK ‘Footprint’
You’ll need to show that a UK company has been registered or that you have business premises secured in the UK.
👉 Note: You must not trade in the UK until the visa is granted.
We assist with:
✔ Company formation and registration.
✔ Setting up a virtual office or physical premises, where appropriate.
2. Business Expansion Plan
A robust business plan is essential. It must include:
Financial projections.
Marketing strategies.
UK market analysis.
Employment plans.
We provide professional support in drafting the plan and gathering all required documentation to demonstrate a genuine expansion strategy.
3. Evidence of Overseas Operations
You’ll need to show that the overseas parent company is:
Actively trading.
Has a genuine need for a UK branch.
This typically includes:
✔ Bank statements.
✔ Trading history.
✔ Audited financial accounts.
Minimum Salary Requirement
To qualify for the visa, Expansion Workers must be paid either:
A minimum of £42,400 per year, or
The ‘going rate’ for the job role, whichever is higher.
This salary will apply from the time the applicant begins working in the UK, not prior to the visa being granted.
Why Choose HM & Co. Solicitors?
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we offer:
✔ Complete project management – from company formation to visa grant.
✔ A fixed fee structure – so you know exactly what to budget for.
✔ Proven experience with business immigration and visa strategy.
✔ Full support with dependant visas for your family.
✔ Honest and ethical advice – we’ll guide you clearly on your eligibility and chances.
We work closely with you to make the UK Expansion Worker Visa process seamless, leaving you free to focus on launching your UK branch.
Get in Touch
Ready to establish your UK presence? Let our experienced business immigration team support your next move.
📍 Office: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Phone: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Contact HM & Co. Solicitors today to book your consultation and begin your UK Expansion Worker Visa application with confidence.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Expansion Worker Visa FAQs
What is the Expansion Worker Visa?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa allows up to five senior employees or directors of an overseas company to come to the UK to establish a UK branch or subsidiary.
This visa is part of the Global Business Mobility scheme, designed specifically to support international companies in entering the UK market.
Can I apply for the Expansion Worker Visa?
Yes, this visa is open to all nationalities and business sectors.
Your company must:
-
Be based outside the UK.
-
Have been trading for at least three years.
-
Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the UK operation.
Whether you're in tech, retail, manufacturing, or services, the Expansion Worker Visa is a flexible and inclusive option for expanding your business into the UK.
Does the Expansion Worker Visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship?
Yes, it does. Contrary to some misconceptions, the visa:
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Begins with a 12-month initial period to set up the UK branch.
-
Can be extended once the business is operational.
-
Offers a path to ILR after five years, followed by British citizenship.
With proper planning and compliance, this visa offers a clear route to permanent residence in the UK.
Should I consider the Expansion Worker Visa for my business?
Absolutely. This visa is currently the primary immigration route for overseas business expansion into the UK.
It’s ideal for:
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Entrepreneurs seeking to test the UK market.
-
Established businesses looking to set up a subsidiary.
-
Companies planning to move key staff into the UK.
Our team at HM & Co. Solicitors is ready to help you every step of the way.
What support can HM & Co. Solicitors provide with my Expansion Worker Visa?
We offer a comprehensive, start-to-finish legal service, including:
✔ Advising on eligibility and compliance.
✔ Preparing all documentation and applications.
✔ Supporting company registration and business planning.
✔ Applying for the Sponsor Licence.
✔ Handling visa applications for the main applicant and dependants.
✔ Guiding you through extensions, ILR, and British citizenship.
Our service is designed to remove stress and save time, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and professionally managed.
Ready to Apply? Contact Us Today
📍 Office: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Telephone: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Book your free consultation with HM & Co. Solicitors and take the first step in establishing your UK branch under the Expansion Worker Visa.
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What Our Clients Are Saying
I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
Shocked and surprised!
I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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