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?
<p class="" data-start="179" data-end="350">The <strong data-start="183" data-end="211">UK Expansion Worker Visa</strong> allows up to <strong data-start="225" data-end="263">five senior employees or directors</strong> of an overseas company to come to the UK to <strong data-start="308" data-end="347">establish a UK branch or subsidiary</strong>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="352" data-end="497">This visa is part of the <strong data-start="377" data-end="412">Global Business Mobility scheme</strong>, designed specifically to support international companies in entering the UK market.</p>
Can I apply for the Expansion Worker Visa?
<p class="" data-start="593" data-end="664">Yes, this visa is <strong data-start="611" data-end="661">open to all nationalities and business sectors</strong>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="666" data-end="686">Your company must:</p>
<ul data-start="687" data-end="851">
<li class="" data-start="687" data-end="719">
<p class="" data-start="689" data-end="719">Be based <strong data-start="698" data-end="716">outside the UK</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="720" data-end="771">
<p class="" data-start="722" data-end="771">Have been <strong data-start="732" data-end="768">trading for at least three years</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="772" data-end="851">
<p class="" data-start="774" data-end="851">Demonstrate <strong data-start="786" data-end="820">sufficient financial resources</strong> to support the UK operation.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="853" data-end="1018">Whether you're in tech, retail, manufacturing, or services, the Expansion Worker Visa is a <strong data-start="944" data-end="977">flexible and inclusive option</strong> for expanding your business into the UK.</p>
Does the Expansion Worker Visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship?
<p class="" data-start="1176" data-end="1234">Yes, it does. Contrary to some misconceptions, the visa:</p>
<ul data-start="1235" data-end="1441">
<li class="" data-start="1235" data-end="1305">
<p class="" data-start="1237" data-end="1305">Begins with a <strong data-start="1251" data-end="1278">12-month initial period</strong> to set up the UK branch.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1306" data-end="1359">
<p class="" data-start="1308" data-end="1359">Can be extended once the business is operational.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1360" data-end="1441">
<p class="" data-start="1362" data-end="1441">Offers a <strong data-start="1371" data-end="1403">path to ILR after five years</strong>, followed by <strong data-start="1417" data-end="1440">British citizenship</strong>.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1443" data-end="1548">With proper planning and compliance, this visa offers a <strong data-start="1499" data-end="1537">clear route to permanent residence</strong> in the UK.</p>
Should I consider the Expansion Worker Visa for my business?
<p class="" data-start="1672" data-end="1787">Absolutely. This visa is currently the <strong data-start="1711" data-end="1772">primary immigration route for overseas business expansion</strong> into the UK.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1789" data-end="1806">It’s ideal for:</p>
<ul data-start="1807" data-end="1968">
<li class="" data-start="1807" data-end="1855">
<p class="" data-start="1809" data-end="1855">Entrepreneurs seeking to test the UK market.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1856" data-end="1914">
<p class="" data-start="1858" data-end="1914">Established businesses looking to set up a subsidiary.</p>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1915" data-end="1968">
<p class="" data-start="1917" data-end="1968">Companies planning to move key staff into the UK.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1970" data-end="2049">Our team at <strong data-start="1982" data-end="2005">HM & Co. Solicitors</strong> is ready to help you every step of the way.</p>
What support can HM & Co. Solicitors provide with my Expansion Worker Visa?
<p class="" data-start="2183" data-end="2601">We offer a <strong data-start="2194" data-end="2242">comprehensive, start-to-finish legal service</strong>, including:<br data-start="2254" data-end="2257" />✔ Advising on eligibility and compliance.<br data-start="2298" data-end="2301" />✔ Preparing all documentation and applications.<br data-start="2348" data-end="2351" />✔ Supporting company registration and business planning.<br data-start="2407" data-end="2410" />✔ Applying for the <strong data-start="2429" data-end="2448">Sponsor Licence</strong>.<br data-start="2449" data-end="2452" />✔ Handling <strong data-start="2463" data-end="2484">visa applications</strong> for the main applicant and dependants.<br data-start="2523" data-end="2526" />✔ Guiding you through <strong data-start="2548" data-end="2562">extensions</strong>, <strong data-start="2564" data-end="2571">ILR</strong>, and <strong data-start="2577" data-end="2600">British citizenship</strong>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2603" data-end="2739">Our service is designed to <strong data-start="2630" data-end="2661">remove stress and save time</strong>, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and professionally managed.</p>
Ready to Apply? Contact Us Today
<p class="" data-start="2789" data-end="2926">📍 <strong data-start="2792" data-end="2803">Office:</strong> 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN<br data-start="2849" data-end="2852" />📞 <strong data-start="2855" data-end="2869">Telephone:</strong> 0207 112 8180<br data-start="2883" data-end="2886" />📧 <strong data-start="2889" data-end="2899">Email:</strong> <a class="cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="2900" data-end="2924">info@hmsolicitorsltd.com</a></p>
<p class="" data-start="2928" data-end="3072"><strong data-start="2928" data-end="2959">Book your free consultation</strong> with HM & Co. Solicitors and take the first step in establishing your UK branch under the Expansion Worker Visa.</p>
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