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UK Expansion Worker Visa
At a glance

Quick facts

No minimum investment; Typical timeline 3 months; 3 highlights

Minimum investment
No minimum
Currency: GBP
Typical timeline
From application start
Highlights
  • Expansion Worker Visa
  • Corporate
  • UK
~10 sec

Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

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1Question 1 of 4 — Is your company operating overseas with plans to open a UK branch?
2Question 2 of 4 — Has the employee worked at least 12 months with the overseas entity?
3Question 3 of 4 — Do you have or plan to lease a UK office space?
4Question 4 of 4 — Is your company ready to apply for a UK Sponsor Licence?

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Company snapshot

Business ExpansionSponsor LicenceCorporate TransferUnited Kingdom
Entity type
UK Branch or Subsidiary
Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed
Office / facility
Physical or leased UK office required
Indicative visa quota
1
Bank account readiness
Yes (after company incorporation)

Program overview

Overview

The UK Expansion Worker Visa enables overseas companies to send senior managers or specialists to establish a new branch or subsidiary in the United Kingdom. With 100% foreign ownership, a Sponsor Licence, and streamlined compliance, this route supports smooth business expansion into the UK while allowing dependants to join and future visa flexibility.

Sponsorship and Employment Requirements

Salary/role guidance used by authorities when issuing employment visas/sponsorship.

LevelMinimum salaryNotes
Senior Manager or SpecialistGBP 45,000Minimum salary as per UK Home Office; actual threshold varies by occupation code.
  • Applicant must be an existing employee of the overseas company for at least 12 months.
  • Company must have no active trading presence in the UK prior to this application.
  • Sponsor Licence approval required before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Government fees

Official

Government fees

Total (GBP): £2,569
  • Sponsor Licence Application Fee

    Required for small or charitable sponsors.

    £536
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

    Issued per sponsored employee.

    £239
  • Visa Application Fee

    Main application fee for Expansion Worker route.

    £259
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

    Per year per applicant; payable at application.

    £1,035
  • Priority Processing (optional)

    Decision within 5 working days.

    £500

Eligibility

  • Active overseas business with no UK trading presence.
  • Employee must have worked at least 12 months with the overseas company.
  • Valid Sponsor Licence and Certificate of Sponsorship required.
  • Proof of funds and business plan for UK expansion.
  • Meet English language and salary threshold.

Key benefits

  • Send key staff to set up your UK branch or subsidiary.
  • Full ownership of the UK entity permitted.
  • Dependants can live, work, and study in the UK.
  • Access to the UK’s robust market and skilled workforce.
  • Option to switch to long-term visas such as Skilled Worker.

After UK Entity Setup and Visa Approval

Typical actions after license & visas are issued.

  1. Register new UK entity or branch with Companies House.
  2. Open corporate bank account and set up payroll.
  3. Register with HMRC for taxes and PAYE.
  4. Onboard staff and begin UK operations.
  5. Maintain compliance under Sponsor Licence regulations.

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Company & Licence Setup

    Register your UK branch and apply for a Sponsor Licence.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Assign Certificate of Sponsorship

    Issue CoS to the chosen senior manager or specialist.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: File Visa Application

    Submit visa application with documents and biometrics.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Receive Visa Decision

    Processing time 3–8 weeks (priority option available).

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Begin UK Operations

    Employee travels to the UK to establish business presence.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Maintain Compliance

    Meet reporting duties and renew Sponsor Licence on time.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
UK Home Office

Authority-specific notes

  • Approves Sponsor Licences and visa applications.
  • Sets salary and eligibility thresholds.
  • Ensures compliance for sponsoring employers.
Companies House

Authority-specific notes

  • Registers new UK company or branch.
  • Annual confirmation statement required.
HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs)

Authority-specific notes

  • Handles payroll taxes, PAYE registration, and VAT compliance.

Who this program is NOT for

  • Overseas company not actively trading.
  • Employee has less than 12 months of service.
  • Incomplete business or financial documents.
  • No genuine plan for UK operations.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Senior managers or specialist employees of an overseas company looking to open a UK branch or subsidiary.

Initially granted up to 12 months, extendable for another year — maximum 2 years.

Yes. Spouses and children under 18 can live, work, and study in the UK.

Not directly, but holders can switch to Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder routes that lead to ILR.

No, this visa is specifically for companies with no UK trading presence yet.
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