UK Expansion Worker route
Establish your first UK presence with senior staff, for overseas businesses expanding to the UK.
- £48,500
- Minimum salary, or the going rate
- 12 months
- Maximum stay, not extendable
- First UK presence
- No existing UK trading presence permitted
- No settlement
- This route cannot lead to settlement
What this route covers
The UK Expansion Worker route is specifically for overseas businesses establishing a UK presence for the first time. It enables the transfer of senior employees to set up and run a UK branch or subsidiary.
It suits organisations without an existing UK trading presence who need to send key personnel to establish operations.
Key requirements
- Minimum salary: £48,500 or the going rate, whichever is higher
- Maximum stay: 12 months, not extendable
- For senior roles establishing a UK branch or subsidiary
- The overseas business must have no UK trading presence
- Must demonstrate genuine expansion plans
- Cannot lead to settlement
Licence first, then transfer
Eligible business activities
Workers on this route can undertake activities to establish the UK presence, including:
- Setting up offices and premises
- Recruiting staff and establishing operations
- Negotiating contracts and building business relationships
- Marketing and promoting the UK branch
Related
Other routes worth checking
Senior or Specialist Worker
Transfer senior managers or specialists to your UK entity for up to 9 years.
Read moreSecondment Worker
Second workers to UK clients under high-value contracts.
Read moreGraduate Trainee
Transfer graduate recruits on a structured training programme for up to 12 months.
Read moreReady when you are
Ready to move forward?
Book a consultation with an IAA-regulated adviser and get a clear, honest assessment of your options — including what we would not recommend.