UK Expansion Worker Visa: Expert Solicitors for Overseas Businesses Expanding to the UK
Setting up your company’s first UK branch? We handle the sponsor licence, worker visas and business plan evidence so your UK expansion stays on track.
The UK Expansion Worker visa lets a senior manager or specialist employee of an overseas business come to the UK to set up the company’s first UK branch or subsidiary. The business must have a UK footprint but not yet be trading here. In 2026 the worker must be paid at least £52,500 a year (or the going rate for the job, if higher), and the visa lasts up to 2 years in total.
The Expansion Worker visa is one of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes. It is designed for one stage of a company’s growth: the period between deciding to enter the UK market and actually trading here. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, our business immigration solicitors in High Holborn and Upton Park advise overseas companies on the whole process: the Expansion Worker sponsor licence, the business plan evidence the Home Office expects, the worker and family visa applications, and the later move onto a Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker licence.
Speak to a UK expansion expert today: call 0207 100 2525 (24/7) or book a free consultation by Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype.
Who Is the UK Expansion Worker Visa For?
The route suits an overseas business that has decided to expand into the UK but has not started trading here yet. It brings in trusted, experienced staff who can set up the UK operation on the ground.
It may be right for your business if:
- The company has been actively trading overseas (the Home Office generally expects a trading history of at least 3 years)
- You have a UK footprint, such as a UK branch or subsidiary registered at Companies House, or UK business premises secured
- The UK entity is not yet trading in the UK
- You need to send up to 5 senior or specialist employees to establish the UK presence
If your business is already trading in the UK, this route is not available. Your staff would normally come through a Skilled Worker visa or the Senior or Specialist Worker route instead.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Requirements (2026)
To qualify, the worker needs a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor, a qualifying job at RQF Level 6 or above, a salary of at least £52,500 or the going rate, and normally 12 months’ employment with the overseas business.
1. Certificate of Sponsorship
The UK business must hold a Temporary Worker (GBM: UK Expansion Worker) sponsor licence and assign the worker a CoS. You must apply for the visa within 3 months of the CoS being assigned. Our sponsor licence solicitors prepare and submit the licence application.
2. Salary threshold
The worker must be paid £52,500 a year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher. Salary is assessed on guaranteed basic gross pay. Choosing the right 4-digit occupation code is critical, because the wrong code is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
3. Skill level
The job must appear on the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations at RQF Level 6 (graduate level). The worker does not need a degree, but their experience must show they can do the role.
4. Overseas work requirement
The worker must normally have worked for the overseas business (or a linked company under common ownership or control) outside the UK for a cumulative 12 months. This does not apply if:
- They will be paid £73,900 a year or more, or
- They are a Japanese national working for a Japanese business, or an Australian national or permanent resident working for an Australian business, expanding to the UK under the relevant trade agreement
5. Maintenance funds
The worker must show £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (day 28 within 31 days of applying), unless they have been in the UK lawfully for 12 months or more, or the sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
6. English language
There is no English language requirement for the UK Expansion Worker visa. This is one advantage over the Skilled Worker route.
Official source: GOV.UK – UK Expansion Worker visa eligibility
UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence: What the Business Needs
Before any worker can apply, the UK business needs an Expansion Worker sponsor licence. Getting this licence is the main hurdle in the whole process. The Home Office will look for:
- Evidence of the UK footprint: Companies House registration of the UK branch or subsidiary, and/or proof of UK premises
- Evidence the overseas business is genuine and trading, such as accounts, tax and registration documents
- A credible UK expansion business plan
- An Authorising Officer and key personnel for the licence
Rating: if the Authorising Officer is based in the UK, the licence can be A-rated with an allocation of up to 5 workers. If they are still overseas, the licence is usually given a provisional rating with a smaller allocation, which can be upgraded once someone is in the UK.
Two-year window: the Expansion Worker route is a bridge, not a permanent arrangement. The business is expected to start trading within about 2 years and then move its staff onto a Worker licence (Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker). We plan that transition from day one so your team isn’t left without a route.
Does the Expansion Worker visa need a business plan?
Yes, in practice. The Home Office expects evidence that your UK expansion plans are genuine and realistic, and a business plan is the clearest way to show this. A strong plan normally covers:
- The UK entity’s structure and its link to the overseas parent
- Market analysis and why you are entering the UK
- The roles you need to fill and why each one needs a senior or specialist person
- Funding, premises and a realistic timeline to start trading
- Financial projections for the first 2–3 years
Our solicitors review your plan against Home Office expectations before you submit. A weak plan is a common reason for delays and refusals.
UK Expansion Worker Visa Cost (2026)
For one worker applying from outside the UK for 12 months, the minimum Home Office cost is about £2,041: £611 for the sponsor licence, £55 for the CoS, £340 for the visa and £1,035 for the Immigration Health Surcharge. The Immigration Skills Charge does not apply to this route.
| Cost | Who usually pays | Amount (from 8 April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Worker sponsor licence | Employer | £611 (one-off, any business size) |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | Employer | £55 per worker |
| Visa application fee | Worker or employer | £340 (inside or outside the UK) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Worker or employer | £1,035 per year |
| Immigration Skills Charge | n/a | Not payable on this route |
| Partner or child (each) | Worker or employer | £340 visa fee + £1,035/yr IHS |
| Maintenance funds (not a fee) | Worker | £1,270 main applicant; £285 partner; £315 first child; £200 each further child |
Sources: GOV.UK – How much it costs · GOV.UK – Home Office immigration and nationality fees
The employer pays the sponsor licence and CoS fees. Many businesses also choose to cover the worker’s visa fees and IHS as part of the relocation package.
Need a fixed-fee quote for your expansion? Call 0207 100 2525 (24/7) or book a free consultation.
How Long Does the Visa Last?
The visa is granted for up to 12 months at first and can be extended, up to a maximum of 2 years in total on the route. Initial leave is the shorter of:
- 12 months from the job start date, or
- The period on the CoS plus 14 days
The Global Business Mobility cap also applies: a person can’t spend more than 5 years in any 6-year period on GBM routes combined.
Does it lead to settlement? No. The Expansion Worker visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. Workers who want to stay long term usually switch to a Skilled Worker visa once the UK business is trading. That is one reason to plan the transition early.
Bringing Family: Partner and Children
Expansion Workers can bring their partner and children under 18 as dependants. Dependants can work in the UK (except as a sportsperson or sports coach) and study. Each dependant pays the visa fee and IHS and must meet the funds requirement above. See GOV.UK – your partner and children.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The process has two stages: the business gets the sponsor licence, then each worker applies online with their CoS.
- Strategy call: confirm Expansion Worker is the right route (see the comparison below)
- Set up the UK footprint: Companies House registration and/or premises
- Prepare the business plan and sponsor licence evidence
- Apply for the sponsor licence: Home Office decisions usually take around 8 weeks (a paid priority service is sometimes available)
- Assign the CoS, using the right occupation code and salary
- Worker applies online up to 3 months before the start date, then gives biometrics or uses the ID check app
- Decision: usually 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside (GOV.UK)
- Plan the move onto a Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker licence once the business is trading
Documents usually needed: passport, CoS reference, evidence of 12 months’ overseas employment (or exemption), bank statements for maintenance, a TB test certificate if applicable, and evidence of relationship for dependants.
Expansion Worker vs Senior or Specialist Worker vs Skilled Worker
Choose Expansion Worker if your business is not yet trading in the UK. Choose Senior or Specialist Worker if it is already trading and you are transferring existing staff. Choose Skilled Worker if you are hiring staff long term and want a route to settlement.
Swipe to see the full table on mobile.
| UK Expansion Worker | Senior or Specialist Worker | Skilled Worker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK business trading? | No, set-up stage only | Yes | Yes |
| Who it’s for | Senior or specialist staff setting up the UK branch | Existing staff transferred to a linked UK business | New or existing hires |
| Minimum salary (2026) | £52,500 or going rate | £52,500 or going rate | £41,700 or going rate (lower for some roles) |
| Overseas work requirement | 12 months (exemptions apply) | 12 months (exemptions apply) | None |
| English language | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Immigration Skills Charge | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum stay | 2 years | 5 years in 6 (9 years for high earners) | No maximum |
| Leads to ILR? | No | No | Yes, after 5 years (subject to settlement reforms) |
| Worker cap | 5 at a time | No | No |
Other GBM routes may fit specific needs: Secondment Worker, Graduate Trainee and Service Supplier.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Most Expansion Worker refusals come from the sponsor side rather than the individual worker. The common reasons are:
- The UK business is found to be already trading in the UK
- A vague or unrealistic business plan
- The wrong occupation code, or a salary below the going rate
- Insufficient evidence of 12 months’ overseas employment
- Unclear links between the overseas and UK entities (common ownership or control)
- Funds not held for the full 28 days
If a licence or visa has been refused, we can advise on administrative review, a fresh application or a challenge. If an existing licence is under threat, see our sponsor licence revocation service.
Why Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors?
Adam Bernard Solicitors is an SRA-regulated London law firm with 15 years’ experience and more than 15,000 clients, with offices in High Holborn (Central London) and Upton Park (East London). Our business immigration team handles the whole expansion process, from licence to visas to the long-term transition. Our affiliated US firm, Adam Bernard Attorneys, also supports companies moving staff between the UK and the US.
- Free initial consultation, available 24/7 by phone
- Video consultations by Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype, for clients anywhere in the world
- Fixed-fee options for sponsor licence and visa packages
Call 0207 100 2525 or book your free consultation.
UK Expansion Worker Visa FAQs
How much does a UK Expansion Worker visa cost?
The visa fee is £340 and the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 a year. The employer also pays £611 for the sponsor licence and £55 for each Certificate of Sponsorship, so one worker for 12 months costs about £2,041 in Home Office fees. The Immigration Skills Charge does not apply.
What is the minimum salary for a UK Expansion Worker visa?
£52,500 a year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
Can I get ILR on an Expansion Worker visa?
No. The route does not lead to settlement. Workers usually switch to a Skilled Worker visa once the UK business is trading, which can lead to ILR.
How long can I stay on a UK Expansion Worker visa?
Up to 12 months at first, extendable to a maximum of 2 years in total, within the 5-in-6-year GBM limit.
Can a business that is already trading in the UK use this route?
No. Once the business is trading in the UK, it should use Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker instead.
How many Expansion Workers can a business sponsor?
Up to 5 at any one time. Fewer may be allowed at first if the licence has a provisional rating.
Do I need a business plan?
In practice, yes. The Home Office expects evidence that the UK expansion is genuine, and a detailed business plan is the strongest evidence.
Is there an English language requirement?
No. There is no English language requirement for the Expansion Worker visa.
Who pays for the immigration lawyers?
In most business immigration cases the employer pays the legal fees, along with the sponsor licence and CoS fees. Some businesses also cover the worker’s visa costs. We offer fixed fees agreed upfront.
How long does the process take?
Allow around 8 weeks for the sponsor licence, then about 3 weeks for each visa from outside the UK (8 weeks from inside).
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Fees and thresholds are correct as of October 2026. Always check GOV.UK before applying.
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