The Sole Rep visa is a fairly unknown entity, largely overshadowed by the popularity of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. However, after the demise of the Entrepreneur option, a serious contender and a viable alternative has emerged in the shape of the sole rep visa.

In summary the sole rep visa allows a senior representative (employee) of an overseas business to enter the UK for the purposes of creating a UK branch. The individual must be able to make decisions on the company’s behalf and have the authority to establish and operate a registered branch.

If successful, the initial visa is for 3 years with the ability to extend for a further two years whilst in the UK. The representative can apply for settlement after 5 years.
A major attraction of the sole rep visa is that Investment funds is not a prerequisite for entry as with the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. In other words, the overseas business is not required to demonstrate accessibility to a certain level of investment funds before they venture to the UK to establish their commercial presence.

Understandably the overseas business must show their business activity including assets and accounts. A detailed business plan should be submitted in support of the application.

In the current climate and with the recent introduction of the onerous start up and innovator route the sole rep visa appears to be a sensible and practical option for overseas businesses wanting to expand in the UK.