Are you dreaming of expanding your business beyond its current borders? The United Kingdom offers a vibrant market, and for many businesses, the next logical step is to establish a presence there. We understand that navigating international visas can feel like a labyrinth, making the thought of expansion daunting. But it doesn't have to be. We are here to simplify every step for you, from company registration to visa applications.
Your Gateway to the UK: The Global Business Mobility Route
At the heart of seamless international expansion lies the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Route UK. This isn't just one visa; it's a family of five specialised pathways designed to help overseas companies like yours transfer employees to the UK for various roles and purposes. This route is perfect for establishing a new UK presence, transferring existing staff, or delivering services, all without requiring permanent residency for your team.
The GBM Route sits within the UK’s points-based system and replaced the older Tier 2 intra-company and graduate trainee visa categories from April 2022, making cross-border transfers simpler for international firms. By using this route, you can swiftly and legally deploy essential overseas staff for defined, short-term roles. Think of it as cutting through red tape, saving you time, and letting you focus on what you do best: your core business.
The Visa That Starts It All: The UK Expansion Worker
If you're launching a new UK branch or subsidiary, one of the most crucial pathways within GBM is the UK Expansion Worker visa. This is your first step to legally establish your company in Britain. It allows you to bring a senior or specialist employee to the UK specifically to help set up your company’s UK branch—even before you start trading.
Why this visa works for your business:
- Fast-track your expansion: It kick-starts your UK presence without requiring an active business already set up in the UK.
- Secure key talent: You can transfer experienced staff who already understand your business operations.
- Establish a legal foothold: You gain a legal, on-the-ground presence to launch your UK operations.
- Direct market access: It opens direct access to clients, partners, and the UK market, all without long-term immigration commitments for your team.
Who can apply for this visa? The applicant must be:
- 18 or older.
- Already working for your overseas company.
- In a senior or specialist role.
- Usually have 12+ months of experience with your company.
Once approved, your employee can work in their sponsored role, travel freely, and can even bring their dependants along.
Your vital role as the sponsor: As the sponsoring company, you have specific responsibilities and requirements. You must prove that you have no existing UK trade activity, and you'll need a UK address or a plan for Companies House registration. Crucially, your overseas business needs to be actively trading for a minimum of three years. You must also have a clear UK expansion plan within the next two years.
Important conditions to remember:
- The visa is for temporary business expansion only.
- It doesn't lead to permanent residency (settlement) in the UK for your staff.
- Your employee can only work for the named sponsor in the approved role and cannot hold second jobs or access public funds.
How long can your staff stay? The Expansion Worker visa typically lasts up to 12 months. Good news: it can be extended once for another 12 months, meaning a maximum stay of two years for your employee. It’s important to note that time spent on this visa doesn’t count towards settlement in the UK.
Costs & Timeline to plan for:
- The visa fee is £319, plus the necessary NHS surcharge.
- Processing times can vary: typically three weeks if applying from outside the UK and eight weeks if applying from within.
- Need to move faster? Priority options are available for an additional £500 (5 days) or £1000 (1 day).
Documents you'll need: To ensure a smooth application, you’ll need to prepare several documents, including:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- A detailed business plan and proof of your overseas operations.
- ID documents, evidence of employment, qualifications, and salary for the applicant.
- Financial documents.
- A Tuberculosis (TB) test if applicable, depending on their country of origin.
- And, if they're bringing family, relationship proof for dependants.
Beyond Expansion: Other GBM Pathways
While the Expansion Worker visa is often your starting point, the GBM route also includes other pathways designed for different needs: UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa, UK Graduate Trainee visa, UK Service Supplier visa, and UK Secondment Worker visas. Each pathway has specific salary requirements; for instance, Senior or Specialist Workers and Expansion Workers generally need to earn at least £48,500 per year or the job’s full going rate.
Let Us Handle the Immigration, You Focus on Growth
Setting up your business in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated. We understand that visa applications, compliance rules, and documentation can be time-consuming. Our team aims to simplify every aspect, from UK company registration to handling complex visa applications, making sure your business is fully compliant and ready to operate smoothly.
We focus on providing the right visa solutions for your team, taking the guesswork out of the process so you can hire talent quickly and efficiently. Plus, we’ll help you navigate ongoing compliance and any future visa needs, giving you peace of mind as you grow your UK presence.
When your business is ready to take that exciting step to the UK, remember, you don't have to do it alone. We’re here to handle the visas, so you can focus on growth. For a free case evaluation and to discuss how we can support your expansion, simply call us at +91 9819 127 002
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