Sole Representative Visa: Indian businesses in the UK

The UK has long been preferred by Indian companies as the first stop of their globalising journey. Every year more and more Indian businesses are setting up offices in the UK. ‘India meets Britain Tracker’ is research published by Grant Thornton UK LLP that offers insight on the performance of the Indian-owned companies that are making the biggest impact in the UK. And according to this year’s tracker, their research identified, “850 Indian companies operating in the UK, with combined revenues of £41.2 billion. Together, they paid £461.8 million in corporation tax and employed 110,793 people.”

The data clearly shows how impactful Indian companies have been in the UK and Britain has always valued this contribution. The UK government has remained committed to growing this business relationship even further between the two countries.

Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing major economies around the world and as it becomes more powerful, Indian businesses will boost their investments in the UK with many new businesses trying to enter and set up their commercial presence in the UK.

For such Indian businesses looking to expand, the Sole Representative Visa opens a gateway to enter the UK and establish a branch or subsidiary of their business. 

Let’s discuss more about what the Sole Representative Visa is and how it offers opportunities for Indian businesses to expand in the UK.

What is the Sole Representative Visa?

The Sole Representative Visa is a way for Indian businesses that are eyeing for an expansion in the UK to send over a senior executive(sole representative) of their company and establish a branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the business in the UK.

The Visa allows applicants to remain in the UK for 3 years and conduct research of their services in the UK markets and further expand their business. However, the visa can be further extended by 2 years after which, individuals can apply for an ILR(Indefinite Leave to Remain).

How can you expand your Indian business in the UK?

The UK is already a popular destination for Indian businesses, especially for the Technology and Telecom sector as it comprises 38% of all Indian businesses in the UK. And India being one of the major contributors in the global technology market has been welcomed by the UK government to come and grow their business here. But how can an Indian business expand its branches in the UK?

Here’s how:

Send over a Sole Representative to the UK

The first step starts with finding a way to enter the UK market and the Sole Representative Visa offers a way to do so. Indian businesses looking to expand in the UK can appoint a high-level executive of their company to be sent over as a sole representative of the business to the UK who will be responsible for the expansion as well as make business decisions in the UK, on the company’s behalf.

Research the Market and plan for growth

Once you have a representative in the UK, the Sole Representative Visa provides 3 years of time to study and research the UK market, based on which you can plan to grow your services in the UK. You’ll be able to set up a branch or a subsidiary of your business in the UK. Moreover, the Visa can be further extended by 2 years.

Stay and grow your market

While you have built a commercial presence of your business in the UK during the initial 5 years of your stay by attracting new customers, it’s time you stay and work on growing your market in the UK. For this purpose, the senior member you appointed in the UK can apply for an ILR(Indefinite Leave to Remain) and stay in the UK permanently.

However, during all this time, the applicant will be responsible for his own expenses as s/he will have no access to the public fund and also s/he can’t set up his own business in the UK.

Can a sole representative visa holder bring family members to the UK?

Yes, the Sole Representative Visa allows the applicant to bring his/her dependants (including children under 18 years of age or husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner) to the UK. The dependants can work and live in the UK and their stay will depend on the main applicant’s stay in the UK. 

How can I apply for the Sole Representative Visa from India?

To apply for the Sole Representative Visa from India, both you and the company you are doing business for will need to present a list of necessary documents that will be reviewed for entry-clearance. Based on the authenticity of the documents alongside considering other key factors, you’ll be offered the Visa.

However, you can be refused entry-clearance in which case you can undergo Administrative Review or Judicial Review.  

We are a team of SRA-regulated solicitors and can help you at each and every step of your Sole Representative Visa application. 

To get in touch with us:
Email us: [email protected]
Call us at: +44 20 7404 7933