Article Overview
For companies in Pakistan, the UAE and other countries that want to establish a UK presence, the Expansion Worker visa is the route designed for sending a senior employee to set up the UK branch or subsidiary. It is part of the Global Business Mobility routes and suits businesses that do not yet trade in the UK.
Who is the route for?
- Overseas businesses that plan to open a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK.
- Senior managers or specialist employees who will be responsible for setting it up.
- Businesses that are not yet trading in the UK. If the company already trades in the UK, other routes, such as the Senior or Specialist Worker route, are usually more suitable.
Requirements for the overseas business
- It must be an active, trading business outside the UK, with a substantial trading history, usually of around three years.
- It must have a genuine plan to establish a UK presence, typically within two years.
- It must obtain a UK sponsor licence for the Expansion Worker route, usually with a UK-based Authorising Officer and a registered UK entity or a credible plan to register one.
Requirements for the employee
- A senior manager or specialist role at the required skill level.
- Usually at least 12 months of work for the overseas business before applying, unless an exemption for high earners applies.
- Salary that meets the route's threshold or going rate, whichever is higher.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship from the sponsor.
Duration and number of workers
The first visa is usually granted for 12 months and can be extended up to a total of two years. A business can typically sponsor a small number of Expansion Workers at the same time. The route does not lead directly to settlement; once the UK entity is trading, staff usually move to other routes, such as the Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker routes.
The process step by step
- Plan the UK structure: branch or subsidiary, and the role of the Expansion Worker.
- Register the UK entity with Companies House, if setting up a subsidiary, and verify directors' identities.
- Prepare evidence of the overseas business, such as accounts, registration and trading records.
- Apply for the sponsor licence on the Expansion Worker route.
- Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the employee.
- The employee applies for the visa, including the Immigration Health Surcharge and supporting documents.
What the Expansion Worker can do
The Expansion Worker works on setting up the UK business: finding premises, setting up banking, hiring staff, building relationships and starting operations. They cannot work for other businesses and must stay in the sponsored role.
Common challenges
- Evidence of the overseas business's trading history that is incomplete or unclear.
- A UK expansion plan that is too vague.
- Delays in finding a UK-based Authorising Officer.
- Opening a UK bank account for a new entity.
How ZANS Consultants can help
We help overseas businesses plan the UK structure, apply for the sponsor licence and prepare the Expansion Worker's visa. Learn more about our UK Expansion Worker visa service and UK Sponsor Licence service, read about setting up a UK company as a non-resident, or book a consultation.
General information only: Global Business Mobility rules, thresholds and fees change. Check the current GOV.UK guidance before you apply. The Home Office makes the final decision on every application.
