The route of the sole representative is an excellent opportunity for businesses outside the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK. A business who has already employed someone in the UK may not qualify for a sole representative category.
The parent company must be genuinely trading with a primary principal place of business is outside the UK. The business must provide its evidence of trading, turnover, details of registered offices and shareholders.
In some situations, the parent company may have used a broker, commission agent, distributor, either an individual or business which are not regarded as sole representatives in line with the current Immigration Rules.
Can an owner of the majority shareholder come as a sole representative?
A majority shareholder in the parent company is not eligible for entry as a sole representative.
Does it have to be a product or service based business?
Current rules do not restrict the nature of business; however, a business needs to demonstrate that the UK has a potential market of their products or services.
Can I still apply if I was a major shareholder in the past?
You can apply for a sole representative visa if you are not a majority shareholder in the business at the time o making an application but holds a senior position and able to make a key decision.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Connaught Law and authors accept no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Connaught Law. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Connaught Law.
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