By Leena Chouhan, Taylor Hampton Solicitors
+44 207 427 5972
The UK Expansion Worker visa allows overseas businesses to send senior managers or specialists to the United Kingdom to establish a branch or subsidiary. This is part of the Global Business Mobility route replacing the “Representative of an Overseas Business visa” which opened on 11 April 2025. It assists overseas companies hoping to establish operations in Britain while maintaining their main base abroad.
How long you can stay on the expansion worker visa
Initial permission is usually granted for up to a year. This can be extended for another year to a maximum of two continuous years. There is an overall limit of five years in any six-year period for time spent in this route or in related global mobility categories. For instance, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, the Graduate Trainee visa or the Secondment Worker visa. If a worker needs to stay longer, they must switch to a different route such as the Skilled Worker visa. The Expansion Worker route does not lead to settlement in the UK.
Number of sponsored workers
From July 2025 most businesses can sponsor up to ten expansion workers at any one time. Family members can join them. Previously, the limit was five workers, so this change has made the route more flexible for growing firms.
Getting started on The UK Expansion Worker Visa
Before applying for a licence or advising a client, it is vital to review the Global Business Mobility sponsor guidance. Helpfully, it explains the sponsor licence process, duties of sponsors and the specific requirements workers must meet. Indeed, this differs from the familiar Skilled Worker rules and contains important definitions and compliance obligations. Remember, the immigration rules in Appendix Global Business Mobility and the overview on gov.uk should also be read carefully.
Is this the right route?
The UK Expansion Worker visa can be complex. Many businesses find it difficult to meet all requirements. Consequently, the number of sponsor licences issued under this category remains low. For example, in the year ending June 2025, there were around 120,000 organisations licensed to sponsor workers or students. However, only about 600 held an Expansion Worker licence. For that reason, it is worth checking if the Skilled Worker, Global Talent or High Potential routes are better options.
Eligibility for workers
Workers must already be employed by the overseas business that is expanding to the UK. Alternatively, it could be by an entity linked through common ownership or control. They must have worked for that sponsor group for at least twelve months outside the UK unless an exemption applies. The rule is waived for high earners with salaries above £73,900 and for Japanese nationals under the CEPA trade deal. Also exempt are Australian nationals or residents under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The twelve-month period must usually be continuous, except in certain circumstances such as maternity leave.
Time limits also apply. Workers can only stay in the UK for a total of five years in any six-year period under the Global Business Mobility or previous Intra-Company routes. Early checks on visa history are therefore essential.
Sponsor licence requirements
To sponsor expansion workers, the overseas business must first obtain a UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence. The key conditions include proof that the company is not already trading in the UK, evidence of a UK footprint such as premises or Companies House registration, and a record of at least three years of overseas trading. Some exceptions exist for newer companies under the rules in section GBM 3 of the sponsor guidance.
Sponsors must also nominate key personnel. If no UK-based employee is available, a senior overseas employee who will come to the UK to oversee the expansion may act as the authorising officer. The sponsor licence lasts four years and cannot be renewed after that period.
Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the licence is granted, the company can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the selected worker. Typically, the certificate must include details of the job, salary, allowances and start date. Also it must confirm that the worker meets the twelve-month employment requirement. Additionally, it must be used within three months of being issued. Then, the worker can apply for a visa no more than three months before the job start date.
After approval of The UK Expansion Worker Visa
Successful applicants of The UK Expansion Worker Visa receive an eVisa valid for their stay. Whilst they may work as stated on their certificate, study or volunteer, they cannot take supplementary employment or access public funds. Although the route does not lead to settlement, it offers a practical way for international businesses to establish their UK presence. Also, it helps them prepare for future growth.
Getting the right advice:
For tailored advice on the UK Expansion Worker route or alternative immigration options contact us. Please call Leena Chouhan at Taylor Hampton Solicitors on +44 207 427 5972 or [email protected].
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always seek professional legal advice tailored to your specific situation before acting.