United Kingdom - Expansion Worker Visa

Program Overview

Minimum Investment

£30,000

Minimum Investment

N/A Real Estate

Time to Residency

6 Months

Visa-free Access

1 Country

United Kingdom - Expansion Worker Visa Requirements

The United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa is designed for employees of overseas businesses who are seeking to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. This visa allows eligible employees to come to the UK and work for their employer’s UK entity. Unlike other visa categories, the Expansion Worker Visa does not lead directly to settlement but provides a pathway to other routes that do.

Main Applicant Requirements

18+ years of age
Good health
No criminal record
Successfully pass due diligence checks
Confirmed employment with an overseas business
Assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by a UK sponsor

Eligible Dependents

United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa Benefits

Business & Employment

You are authorised to work for your employer’s UK entity.

Health & Education

Access to world-class health services and high standard education opportunities for you and your family.

Straightforward Process

Designed to be a smooth and straightforward process, with a quick application turnaround time.

Pathway to Settlement

While the Expansion Worker Visa itself does not lead to settlement, it allows for a switch to other visa categories that do.

Tax Relief

You may be eligible for the non-domicile tax regime, limiting tax liability on foreign income to what you remit to the UK.

Dual Citizenship permitted

There is no need to renounce your current citizenship(s), and your home authorities are not notified of your new citizenship.

UNITED KINGDOM - EXPANSION WORKER VISA | Business Migration

Legal Basis

Based on the Immigration Rules under the UK’s Points-Based System, the Expansion Worker Visa falls under the Global Business Mobility category. Individuals fulfilling the requirements can apply for this visa to establish their employer’s presence in the UK.

Costs of United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa

In addition to the GBP 30,000 investment funds, there are additional fees to be paid.

Additional Costs

Health surcharge - per person

GBP 259

Health surcharge - per person per year

GBP 624

Maintenance Fees - Main Applicant

GBP 1,270

Maintenance Fees - Spouse

GBP 285

Maintenance Fees - First Child

GBP 315

Maintenance Fees - Each additional dependant

GBP 200

Migrant fee - per application

GBP 364

Certificate of Sponsorship - per application

GBP 21

Sponsorship licence - per application

GBP 536

Application Process For United Kingdom Expansion Worker Visa

The expected timeframe for the application process is 6 months. The initial stage of document collection can vary depending on the applicant’s ability to gather the necessary documents. Our team guides this process with samples and best practice advice. The review stage is subject to the respective government schedule and can be impacted by factors which we, as authorised agents, have no control over. We collaborates with the government throughout the entire process, aiming to provide the quickest and smoothest experience for the applicant.

Application Process

6 months

*Sample of
Residence Visa document

Step 1

We will pre-screen your passport copy for government pre-approval. A down payment of the professional fees is required to open your application. The response is in 24-48 hours.

Step 2

During this stage, We will help you prepare a comprehensive business plan that outlines the operations, financial projections, and growth potential of your employer's UK entity.

Step 3

Our professional team will assist and advise you with the collection of the required documents according to the government checklist. This ensures that all necessary paperwork is correctly compiled and submitted.

Step 4

Your employer must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor. We will guide you through this process to ensure compliance with UK immigration requirements.

Step 5

After receiving the CoS, We will assist you in submitting your Expansion Worker Visa application to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This includes compiling all necessary documentation and completing the application forms.

Step 6

Attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre. We will also provide interview preparation to ensure you are ready to present and discuss your employment and business plans.

Step 7

Once your visa is approved, you will receive your Expansion Worker Visa and can make arrangements to travel to the UK. We will assist with any final preparations needed for your relocation.

Step 8

Upon arrival in the UK, establish and operate your employer's UK entity according to the endorsed business plan. We will continue to provide support and advice to ensure your business complies with UK regulations.

Step 9

Maintain compliance with the Expansion Worker Visa requirements. You may need to switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, to pursue settlement and eventual citizenship if eligible.

Visa-free Countries for United Kingdom Residency

With the UK Residency Card, you can travel freely to the UK.

Visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries

1 Country & Territory