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Sole representatives of overseas firms

Image of one lady arriving at an airport terminal.

This section explains how you can come to the United Kingdom as a sole representative of an overseas firm without a work permit. In most cases you will need a work permit, and this section also explains how you can apply for one if you need to. You are not allowed to switch into this category from another.

Our service standards set out how quickly we aim to decide applications for living in the United Kingdom as a sole representative of an overseas firm. The standard is that we will decide 75% of applications within four weeks.

In this section you can find out:

  • whether you are eligible;
  • how to apply;
  • whether you can extend your stay under this category;
  • whether you can use a representative when making your application;
  • whether your dependants can come to the United Kingdom;
  • how much your application will cost; and
  • whether you can appeal.