A representative of an overseas business can come to UK and setup office if the representative comes from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Eligibility
A representative must apply from outside EEA.
A representative must have sufficient fund to support himself or family without help from public funds.
A representative pass English test.
Other requirements
A representative must be recruited and employed outside the UK by the principal company.
A representative must have related industry experience and knowledge.
A representative must hold senior position for the company (but cannot be a major shareholder) and have full authority to make decisions for the company.
A representative must have a clear instruction from the principal company to establish the company commercial presence in the UK.
How long a representative can stay ?
A representative can come to UK for an initial period of 3 years; after that he can extend for 2 more years; after 5 years, he can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK.
What a representative can do ?
work for his employer in full time basis;
bring his family to UK;
What a representative cannot do ?
work for himself or other business;
get public fnds.
Documents requirements
A current passport
Evidence to support himself or family
English test report
TB rest report
Note: a certified translation is required if all documents are not stated in English.
