Expand your business to the UK with the UK Expansion Worker visa
Since April 2022, the UK Expansion Worker visa has become a powerful tool for businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK. This streamlined route allows foreign companies to expand into the UK without needing a pre-existing UK business entity.
How it works
To utilise this visa, your company will need an Expansion Worker sponsor license. This involves the Home Office conducting due diligence on your foreign entity to confirm its eligibility to sponsor workers in the UK.
Once approved, your company can deploy up to five UK Expansion Workers to the UK. These key personnel from your overseas operations can relocate to set up your UK business. They can either be employed by the new UK entity or remain on your foreign entity's payroll while establishing the UK operations.
Next steps after expansion
Typically, after about six months of establishing your UK business, you can upgrade your Expansion Worker license to a full Skilled Worker visa sponsorship license. This allows your business to bring in additional personnel from your overseas operations to further support your growing UK entity.
Pioneer new frontiers
Unlike with many other countries, the UK does not require you to have a certain turnover before you establish a business presence there. What’s more, there are a range of temporary visa options available for you to send a trusted member of your team over to get things up and running while you take care of things at home.
Highly skilled staff moving to the UK?
Retain these skills by continuing to employ these staff remotely, through a UK-based entity. UK business start-up costs are lower than in most other developed countries and there is very little red tape to stop you from registering a business in the UK.
For UK business immigration assistance, advice and support, contact us to see how we can help.
Put your business on the international stage
Many businesses that want to secure a foothold in European markets begin by establishing themselves in the UK. As an investor- and entrepreneur-friendly country, the UK remains one of the world’s premiere business hubs.
Use your business as a vehicle for relocation
If you wish to move to the UK, expanding your business there could be the first step. Once your UK entity is set up, you can sponsor yourself as an employee, should you qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, and your spouse and children may join you as dependants.
About Sable International
We support international citizens and businesses with their financial and migration needs. We have operated in this space for over two decades and have an expert understanding of navigating international finance and migration.
Meet your business immigration team
Talk to our experienced consultants, IAA-registered advisers to see how we can help with your business immigration needs.