UK Expansion Worker Visa – Complete Guide for Business Owners
The UK Expansion Worker visa allows overseas businesses to send key employees to the United Kingdom to establish a branch or subsidiary. This route is ideal for international companies — particularly those based in the UAE — seeking to expand into one of the world’s most advanced and competitive markets.
At Citi Venture Group, we specialise in guiding entrepreneurs and corporations through the UK Expansion Worker visa process, ensuring compliance and smooth business setup.
What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The UK Expansion Worker visa is part of the Global Business Mobility route. It is designed for senior managers and specialist employees of an overseas business that is not yet trading in the UK.
With this visa, you can:
- Establish a UK branch or wholly owned subsidiary
- Stay in the UK for up to 12 months (with extensions possible)
- Bring eligible dependants with you
- Transition your business towards a permanent UK presence
📎 Learn more about our Business Setup Services.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker visa, applicants must:
- Be an existing employee of the overseas business
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed sponsor
- Receive a salary that meets the Home Office threshold (according to updated rules)
- Demonstrate relevant skills or seniority to establish UK operations
Your overseas business must also:
- Have been actively trading for at least 3 years
- Not yet be operating in the UK
📎 See our detailed guidance on UK Company Formation for Non-UK Residents.
How Citi Venture Group Can Help
Applying for a UK Expansion Worker visa can be complex. At Citi Venture Group, we provide end-to-end support, including:
- Assessing your business eligibility
- Assisting with sponsor licence applications
- Preparing and submitting visa applications
- Supporting with UK company formation
- Offering ongoing compliance and accounting services
📎 Explore our full range of Corporate Services.
Step-by-Step Process
- Initial Consultation – Review your expansion goals and eligibility
- Business Assessment – Ensure your company qualifies under Home Office rules
- Sponsorship Licence Application – Secure the right to sponsor employees
- Visa Application – Submit your UK Expansion Worker visa application
- Company Setup in the UK – Register your branch, open bank accounts, and begin trading
📎 Contact us directly through our Contact Page to get started.
FAQs
No, this visa is only for businesses not yet operating in the UK.
The visa is usually granted for 12 months but may be extended up to 2 years.
Yes, your spouse/partner and children may be eligible to accompany you.
Unlike old schemes (e.g., Tier 1 Investor, now closed), this visa focuses on sponsorship and business activity rather than investment thresholds.
The visa itself does not directly lead to settlement, but once your branch is operational, you may switch to other long-term UK business visas.