The UK Expansion Worker visa is a key route for overseas businesses seeking to establish a presence in the United Kingdom. Part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) category, this visa allows companies to send senior managers or specialist employees to the UK to set up their first branch or subsidiary. Since replacing the Sole Representative route in April 2022, it has become an essential tool for international expansion.

This comprehensive guide covers everything your business needs to know about the UK Expansion Worker visa, including up-to-date requirements for the current year.

The UK Expansion Worker visa is designed specifically for overseas businesses that do not yet have a trading presence in the UK but intend to establish one. It enables eligible employees to enter the UK temporarily to oversee the setup of operations, including registering the business, leasing premises, recruiting staff, and implementing systems.

The visa allows up to 10 workers at any one time, increased from 5 in July 2025. It is granted for an initial period of 12 months and can be extended for a further 12 months, giving a maximum stay of 2 years. Importantly, this route does not lead directly to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. However, once the UK business is established and trading, employees may be able to switch to other routes like the Skilled Worker visa, which can eventually lead to settlement. Dependants, including partners and children, can accompany the main visa holder.

Before an employee can apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa, the UK entity must obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office. This is a critical first step.

The Overseas Business Must Be Genuinely Trading

The Home Office expects the overseas business to be active and trading. The business must normally have been trading for at least three years before the sponsor licence application. Evidence of genuine trading includes corporate bank statements covering the previous 12 months, certified business accounts or annual reports covering the previous three years, business registration documents, and contracts or evidence of advertising. Investment-only businesses are not considered trading for this route.

The UK Business Must Not Yet Be Trading

A fundamental condition of this route is that the UK entity must not yet be actively trading. If the business is already trading in the UK, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa or Skilled Worker visa would be more appropriate.

A UK "Footprint" Is Required

Even without trading, the business must demonstrate a UK presence. This can be shown by registering a UK branch or subsidiary with Companies House or by securing UK business premises.

A Genuine Expansion Plan

A credible, UK-specific business plan is essential. The Home Office scrutinises whether the expansion is genuine and whether the business has the resources to commence UK trading within a two-year timeframe. The planned UK expansion must be in the same type of business the overseas company conducts overseas.

A Qualifying Link Between Businesses

The UK entity must be linked to the overseas business by common ownership or control, typically as a branch, wholly owned subsidiary, or qualifying sister company. Joint ventures are not sufficient for this route.

The UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence is valid for four years and cannot be renewed on this route. The Home Office expects the business to establish a full UK trading presence within two years.

An A-rating is awarded if the Authorising Officer is based in the UK at the time of application. A Provisional Rating is given if the Authorising Officer is based overseas. In this case, only one Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is initially allocated, which must be used by the Authorising Officer to apply for entry clearance to the UK. After the Authorising Officer relocates and the business secures an A-rating, the CoS allocation can be 

increased up to the route maximum of 10 workers.

Once the sponsor licence is in place, the individual applicant must meet specific criteria.

Current Employment with the Sponsor Group

The applicant must be currently working for the overseas business (or a linked entity) that is expanding to the UK.

12-Month Work Requirement with Exceptions

In most cases, the applicant must have worked for the sponsor group outside the UK for a cumulative period of at least 12 months. The 12-month requirement is waived if the worker is a high earner, defined as earning a gross salary of £73,900 or more per year; if the worker is a Japanese national establishing a UK branch under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement; or if the worker is a national or permanent resident of Australia establishing a UK branch under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Current Salary Threshold 

The general salary threshold for UK Expansion Workers is £52,500 per year or the 'going rate' for the specific occupation, whichever is higher. Only guaranteed basic pay and certain guaranteed allowances count towards the threshold; bonuses, overtime, and benefits in kind do not.

Skill Level Requirement

The job role must be in an eligible occupation at a minimum skill level of RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or equivalent. The Home Office publishes a list of eligible occupation codes (SOC 2020) that are acceptable for the GBM routes.

Certificate of Sponsorship

The applicant must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by the UK sponsor.

English Language

There is no English language requirement for this visa route.

Maintenance Funds

Applicants must have at least £1,270 in personal savings, held for 28 consecutive days, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance. Those who have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more are exempt.

Health and Character Requirements

Applicants from certain countries must provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate.

The UK immigration landscape continues to evolve. Key developments to be aware of include the following.

The worker limit increased from 5 to 10 from 22 July 2025. The Immigration Skills Charge for other routes went up by 32% in December 2025, though it does not apply to this route.

The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended setting the general salary threshold for UK Expansion Workers at the median of eligible occupations. While this recommendation is influential, employers are currently bound by the existing rules of £52,500 and the occupation-specific going rate until any changes are formally accepted by the government.

There are broader proposals to extend the qualifying period for permanent settlement from five to ten years. This could affect employees who switch from a GBM visa to a Skilled Worker visa in the future.

Navigating the UK Expansion Worker visa process can be complex, particularly when preparing a robust sponsor licence application and a credible business plan.

For further information on how we can assist you with your UK Expansion Worker business plan and sponsor licence application, please contact our specialist team.

This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change. Please consult a qualified immigration professional for advice specific to your circumstances.