What is a Global Business Mobility UK Visa? Is it the same as a UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa enables workers from an overseas business to come to the UK to set up a new branch or subsidiary here. It is often referred to as both a Global Business Mobility Visa and Expansion Worker Visa — both mean the same thing. The Expansion Worker visa is a “subcategory” of the Global Business Mobility route.
While the Expansion Worker Visa replaces the older Sole Representative Visa, there is one important difference. Whereas the Sole Representative Visa was an unsponsored route, those applying under the newer Expansion Worker scheme must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.
This means that overseas businesses wishing to establish a presence in the UK must have a Sponsor Licence. As a specialist in UK business immigration, A Y & J Solicitors regularly guides overseas businesses through the process of applying for and gaining a Sponsor Licence.
To discuss your Global Business Mobility Visa Sponsor Licence requirements, please contact one of our friendly expert Solicitors at A Y & J Solicitors.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa applicants must be in a senior management or specialist role for their overseas employer and have the skills and experience necessary to establish a business presence in the UK. They must also have been employed by their overseas employer/sponsor outside the UK for one or more years. The only exceptions to this requirement are where the applicant is paid £73,900 or is a national of Japan working for a Japanese company or an Australian national (or permanent resident) working for an Australian company, expanding to the UK
What are the Requirements for a Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
UK Expansion Worker Visa applicants must score “60 points” based on the following eligibility criteria:
Expansion Worker applicants only need to show £1,270 held for 28 days if their Certificate of Sponsorship does not include a maintenance declaration. If the CoS confirms the sponsor will maintain and accommodate the worker, no personal funds proof is required. These funds must have been held by the applicant’s bank for at least 28 days prior to their application being made.
Note: Under the Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa, there are no English language requirements.
In addition, to qualify for a Sponsor Licence (this must be secured before submitting a UK Expansion Worker Visa application), the overseas business must be able to prove it:
- Is not currently trading in the UK
- Has genuine plans to set up a new UK branch or “wholly-owned subsidiary” here
- Has a “footprint” in the UK – this does not mean that the business must be trading in the UK, but rather that it is taking steps to establish a presence in the UK e.g. by having arranged a commercial property lease agreement
- Has been active and trading outside the UK for at least 3 years (unless an exception applies)
- Has genuine and credible plans for expansion of its business in the UK – in the form of a detailed business plan
How Long is a Global Business Mobility UK Visa Valid for?
Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visas are normally granted for up to 12 months initially. This can be further extended, which we discuss further below.
Can I Bring My Family With Me on a Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
Yes, dependent family members (i.e. spouse/partner and children) of Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa holders are also able to come to the UK.
To qualify as a dependent partner, the applicant must be the main visa holder’s married partner, civil partner, or unmarried partner (as long as they have been living together for at least 2 years). Dependent children must be under 18 (unless they are currently in the UK as a dependent) and financially dependent on the main visa holder.
If granted a dependent visa, family members can stay in the UK for the same duration as the UK Expansion Worker Visa holder.
Can I Work While on a Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
As a Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa holder, you can only work in the role for which you have been sponsored by your employer (i.e. the job shown on your Certificate of Sponsorship). The rules also prevent UK Expansion Worker Visa holders from having a second job.
Can I Study While on a Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
Yes, the Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa rules allow holders to study in the UK. It is important to ensure that any study you undertake in the UK does not interfere with your main reason for being in the UK – i.e. to establish a branch or subsidiary of your employer here.
Can I Extend My Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
The Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa can be further extended up to a maximum of two years. This means that if you were granted your initial visa for 12 months, you can apply to renew your visa for another 12 months. If you wish to stay in the UK beyond the maximum stay of 2 years, you will need to switch to a different type of visa, such as a Skilled Worker Visa or Spouse Visa (if you have a married partner, civil partner, or long term partner who is settled in the UK or a UK citizen).
Can I Apply for Permanent Residence on a Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
Unfortunately, the Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa does not provide a direct route to permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. It is, however, possible for UK Expansion Worker Visa holders to switch to a visa that allows the holder to apply for indefinite leave to remain after living in the UK for a continuous period.
The qualifying period for most visas in the UK is 5 years. If you choose to switch to a different type of visa once in the UK to later acquire indefinite leave to remain, it is important to note that the time spent in the UK on an Expansion Worker Visa may not count towards the continuous residence period.
What are the Fees for a Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
As of 2025, overseas applicants for the Global Business Mobility (Expansion Worker) Visa must pay an application fee of £319 per person, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge—£1,035 per person, per year for adults and £776 per person, per year for children under 18—which grants access to the NHS during their stay.
If you are an overseas business with plans to expand into the UK and would like more details on the UK Expansion Worker Visa scheme or any of the other four Global Business Mobility Visas, please get in touch with A Y & J Solicitors. Our expert team of business solicitors can explain the benefits of the UK Expansion Worker Visa and handle all aspects of the application process on your behalf.
Why Should I Trust A Y & J Solicitors to Help Me With My Global Business Mobility UK Visa?
A Y & J Solicitors have over ten years of experience advising and representing clients looking to secure their UK Expansion Worker Visa.
If you’re looking to come to the UK to set up a new branch or subsidiary, know our reliable solicitors are here to help. We’ll take you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you can properly apply for your UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence and UK Expansion Worker Visa.
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