Business Immigration: Opportunities for Overseas Businesses and those wanting to bring in talent to the UK
The UK Government has signalled its intention to make all inward migration to the UK subject to the same Rules. This is regardless of whether the applicants are coming from Europe or beyond, so it is a good time for companies looking to set up in the UK – or to bring in talent from overseas – to take advantage of the predicted Brexit bounce that will occur in the economy once there is greater certainty in future plans
In this environment, businesses outside the UK who have no presence may think now is a good time to establish their business here. The best way to do so is to send a senior employee with a Representative of an Overseas Business visa.
The advantage of this route is that there is no need to put forward a full business plan or provide firm evidence of the financial backing – both of which are needed in Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) applications. The application is straight forward and all you need is the following:
- The company can have no presence in the UK;
- A senior employee needs to be selected who has decision making powers in respect of establishing the business in the UK but they cannot be a majority shareholder;
- The individual must be an existing employee of the business and have relevant industry experience;
- They have to satisfy the financial requirements to show they can support themselves for a few months, this means providing some bank statements; and
- They have to satisfy the English language requirements.
Some supporting evidence from the company is required but the application should be relatively simple to prepare and certainly easier to obtain than Tier 1 Investor or Entrepreneur visas.
Once the business is established in the UK, other employees can be brought over. This is provided the business obtains a Sponsor Licence. For existing employees, Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) visas can be obtained. New hires need Tier 2 (General) visas.
At Abbiss Cadres, we have immigration clients of all shapes and sizes. We can represent both individuals and companies – from a small start-up to a well established multi-national. If you need to bring in talent to the UK from overseas, or maintain an overseas workforce in the UK, then you will have to deal with the Home Office. To make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible, get in touch.
Contact Us
If you have any queries on how these changes will impact your business, contact Abbiss Cadres on +44(0)203 051 5711 or contact us.