Representatives of overseas business
This section explains how you can apply to come to the UK without a certificate of sponsorship as a 'representative of overseas business'.
You may be able to come to the UK under this immigration route if you are:
- the sole representative of an overseas company, intending to set up a wholly owned subsidiary or register a UK branch for an overseas parent company; or
- an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation who is being posted on a long-term assignment as a representative of your overseas employer.
To find out whether you can come to the UK as a representative of overseas business, see the Can you apply? pages.
If you meet the requirements, you will need to obtain a visa before you come to the UK. The Applying from outside the UK page explains how you can apply for a visa.
If you are already in the UK as the sole representative of an overseas firm or the representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation, you may be able to extend your stay or settle in the UK.