EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS INTO THE UK

EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS INTO THE UK: IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS

Expand your business into the UK with confidence.

The UK offers a thriving economy, strategic location and a skilled workforce, making it an ideal destination for global business expansion. Navigating the UK’s immigration system is a critical step in this process. At Gherson, we provide expert legal guidance to help overseas businesses establish their presence in the UK and ensure compliance with all immigration requirements.

HOW CAN YOUR BUSINESS EXPAND INTO THE UK?

If your business is ready to establish operations in the UK, key staff members may need to relocate to set up and grow your new entity. The UK Expansion Worker Visa is typically the most suitable route for this, enabling senior managers or specialists to initially relocate to the UK.

Key considerations:

• Selecting the right visa route for your business objectives.
• Meeting the requirements for Sponsor Licences.
• Ensuring compliance with the UK’s points-based immigration system.

VISA OPTIONS FOR EXPANDING IN THE UK

Depending on your specific business goals, multiple visa options may be available:

1. UK Expansion Worker Visa: Designed for overseas businesses wanting to establish a first-time UK branch or subsidiary.
2. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Part of the Global Business Mobility Visa category, this route is ideal for transferring key executives or specialists to meet specific business needs in the UK. It is most suited to businesses with existing operations in the UK seeking to bring in additional expertise.
3. Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs aiming to establish an innovative and scalable business in the UK, this visa requires endorsement from a recognised UK body.
4. Skilled Worker Visa: Once your UK operations are established, you may need to hire additional staff from overseas. The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to sponsor non-UK nationals for long-term employment.

SPONSOR LICENCES: ESSENTIAL FOR HIRING AND TRANSFERRING KEY STAFF

To hire non-UK nationals or transfer employees to the UK, your business must secure a valid Sponsor Licence. This applies to both the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility categories.

Key requirements for obtaining a sponsor licence:

• Proving your business is legitimate and financially viable.
• Proving your business is capable of meeting sponsorship obligations, including record-keeping and reporting.

At Gherson, we guide you through the Sponsor Licence application process, including advice on your compliance obligations to minimise risks of licence revocation or a rating downgrade in the future.

NAVIGATING THE UK’S POINTS-BASED IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

The UK’s immigration system operates on a points-based framework, which requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including:

• English language proficiency.
• Salary and skill thresholds.
• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK sponsor.

Our team will help assess your workforce, identify eligible employees and provide expert guidance on meeting all requirements.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXPANDING BUSINESSES

When planning your expansion, keep the following key considerations in mind:

1. Business Requirements
   • The overseas business must have been operating for at least three years.
   • The UK entity must not have started trading before applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa.
2. Employee Eligibility
   • Employees must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months or meet the higher salary threshold.
   • The job role that the employee will undertake in the UK must be on the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations.
3. Timeline and Transition
   • The UK Expansion Worker Visa is valid for up to two years.
   • After two years, businesses will need to transition to a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence for ongoing operations.

HOW GHERSON CAN HELP YOU EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS INTO THE UK

With over 35 years of experience supporting businesses in achieving their immigration objectives, Gherson provides end-to-end support for businesses expanding into the UK. Our tailored approach ensures that every client receives bespoke immigration solutions, allowing your business to focus on growth while we handle the complexities of UK immigration law.

Our services include:

• Advising on the best visa routes for your business.
• Assisting with Sponsor Licence applications and ongoing compliance training and support.
• Preparing and submitting visa applications for key staff.
• Helping you transition to long-term visa solutions, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

CONTACT US

If you are planning to expand your business into the UK, contact Gherson today for expert advice and comprehensive support. Our team is here to help you navigate the UK’s immigration system with ease and confidence.