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  • Lasted Update: February 13, 2026

UK Expansion Worker Visa

The UK expansion worker Visa allow foreigners to migrate to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary of their overseas business, which will then allow them to switch to another visa that will lead to permanent residency. Applicants can apply to become UK permanent residents after living in the UK for 5 years with a qualifying visa that leads to settlement.

UK Expansion Worker Visa Benefits

Residency and Family Inclusion

  • Enables a senior employee of an overseas company to move
    to the UK and run a new branch or subsidiary.

Dependents included:

  • Spouse;
  • children under 18;
  • children over 18 currently in the UK as a dependent.

Travel and Quality of Life

  • One of the highest standards of living in the world and is a member of the G-7 group of countries.
  • A high standard education and healthcare system.
  • Access to business opportunities throughout Europe.
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UK Expansion Worker Visa Requirements

UK Expansion Worker Visa

To qualify for the UK Expansion Worker Visa the applicant must:

  • Currently work for an overseas employer that has been active and trading for at least 3 years.
  • The overseas company must establish a new UK branch or company as a subsidiary of the overseas business.
  • Have worked for the employer outside the UK for at least 12 months prior to date of application (some exceptions apply).
  • Have a valid certificate of sponsorship from the employer.
  • Perform a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
  • Be sponsored to undertake a genuine job in the UK.
  • Be paid the minimum eligible salary required for the job or at least £45,800 (whichever is higher).
  • Have sufficient funds – at least £1,270 available held for at least 28 consecutive days before the date of application.

UK Permanent Residency

  • Can apply to become UK permanent residents after living in the UK for 5 years with a qualifying visa that leads to settlement.
  • Must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
  • Must demonstrate a knowledge of the English language and life in the UK.

UK Citizenship

  • Must have lived for at least 5 years continuously in the UK.
  • Must have held Permanent Residence (ILR) for at least 1 year.
  • Must not have spent more than a total of 450 days outside the UK during the 5 years of living in the UK.
  • Not be ineligible for citizenship under the UK Immigration Rules.

UK Expansion Worker Visa Process

Due Diligence And Application

  • Overseas business must establish a UK subsidiary company
  • The UK business must obtain a Sponsorship Licence to sponsor the applicant
  • The UK business must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the applicant
  • The applicant must apply for the UK Expansion Worker Visa within 3 months of the Certificate of Sponsorship being issued
  • Applicant must attend a Visa Application Centre for biometrics

Approval And Investment

  • Visa will be issued for 1 year and may be extended for a further year
  • Total maximum duration under the UK Expansion Worker Visa is 2 years
  • Once a UK trading presence is established, the applicant can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa (typically after 1 year)

Residency

  • Can apply for settlement after holding a Skilled Worker Visa for 5 years

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