UK Residency
The UK Residency by Investment Program offers two key pathways for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. The UK Expansion Worker visa allows senior managers or individuals with specialised skills to establish a branch of their overseas business in the UK, even if it hasn’t started trading locally yet. This enables you to expand your operations, enter new markets, and contribute to the UK economy.
The UK Self-Sponsored visa provides a route for individuals to live and work in the UK independently, without requiring an employer or job offer. Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, a clear plan for supporting themselves, and, in some cases, relevant business or professional expertise. This visa is ideal for business owners, investors, and skilled professionals looking to create opportunities in the UK while gaining residency.
Both pathways offer a strategic route to residency, business growth, and long-term opportunities in one of the world’s leading economies.
Other Benefits
- Set up a branch of your overseas business in the UK, expanding your market presence and opportunities.
- The visa covers a wide range of eligible occupations, offering diverse opportunities for applicants.
- The visa provides a pathway to residency in the UK, allowing you to live and work in the country.
- Your employer (sponsor) provides a certificate of sponsorship, simplifying the application process.
- Competitive Salaries: The visa requires a minimum salary of £45,800 per year or the “going rate” for your job, ensuring competitive compensation.
- Benefit from being a part of the UK’s dynamic and thriving business landscape.
- Your partner and children can accompany you to the UK and have opportunities to support themselves during their stay.
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Process Timeline - UK Expansion Worker Visa
Step 1:
Eligibility Assessment of Overseas Parent Company
Step 2:
UK Sponsor Licence Application Submission
Step 3:
Sponsor Licence Approval & Certificate of Sponsorship Issuance
Step 4:
Visa Application Submission
Step 5:
Biometrics & Supporting Document Verification
Step 6:
Visa Decision & Entry to the UK to Establish Operations
Process Timeline - UK Self-Sponsored Visa
Step 1:
Business Incorporation in the UK
Step 2:
Apply for UK Sponsor Licence
Step 3:
Sponsor Licence Approval
Step 4:
Assign Certificate of Sponsorship to Yourself
Step 5:
Skilled Worker Visa Application & Biometrics
Step 6:
Visa Approval & Relocation to the UK to Operate Your Business
Cost
| Cost Component | UK Expansion Worker Visa | UK Self-Sponsored Visa (Skilled Worker) |
| Company Formation | Not required (overseas parent company required) | £50–£300 (basic UK company incorporation) |
| Sponsor Licence Fee | £536 (small) / £1,476 (medium/large) | £536 (small) / £1,476 (medium/large) |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £239 | £239 |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Not applicable | £364 per year (small) / £1,000 per year (medium/large) |
| Visa Application Fee | £298 (up to 12 months) / £719 (up to 2 years) | £719 (up to 3 years) / £1,420 (over 3 years) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year | £1,035 per year |
| Additional Costs | Legal, documentation, expansion setup costs | Legal, compliance, and business operational costs |
FAQ'S
What is a UK Self-Sponsored Visa?
It is a visa that allows individuals to live and work in the UK without needing an employer to sponsor them. Applicants demonstrate they can support themselves financially.
Which jobs are eligible for the UK Expansion Worker visa?
There are a wide range of eligible jobs for the Expansion Worker visa across a variety of industries. Many of these jobs are also eligible under other Global Business Mobility visas. A full list of eligible jobs for Global Mobility visas, including UK expansion workers, can be found on the Gov.uk website.
What Is The Genuine Job Requirement For The UK Expansion Worker Visa?
The genuine job requirement for the UK Expansion Worker Visa means that the job you are planning to do in the UK must be a real and legitimate position that matches your skill level and qualifications. It should not be a sham or fictitious job created solely for the purpose of obtaining a visa. The UK authorities will assess whether the job offer is genuine and whether it meets the requirements of the visa category.
What documents are required?
Common documents include proof of funds, accommodation details, passport, English proficiency evidence, and a personal plan for supporting yourself.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility depends on factors such as sufficient personal funds, proof of accommodation, and a viable plan to sustain yourself in the UK.