UK Expansion Worker Visa 2025 Guide

What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa?

The UK Expansion Worker visa allows employees of overseas companies to come to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary of their existing business. This route falls under the UK’s Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa framework, which replaced older categories like the Sole Representative visa.

Who is Eligible for the Expansion Worker Visa in 2025?

To qualify for this visa, applicants must:

Be currently employed by an overseas business actively trading for at least 3 years.
Have worked for that business for a minimum of 12 months (unless they earn £73,900+ annually).
Be assigned to the UK to expand the business, not take over or merge with another.
Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK sponsor with an Expansion Worker sponsor licence.
Meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds for their job (usually RQF Level 6 and £48,500+).
Have sufficient English language proficiency and financial support, if applicable.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship is a digital document issued by the UK-based sponsor, confirming your eligibility and details of the job being offered.

For Expansion Workers, the sponsoring entity in the UK must:

Have a valid sponsor licence in the Expansion Worker category.
Be a UK-registered branch of the overseas parent company.
Show a credible UK expansion plan.
Be ready to register with Companies House once trading begins.

Key Documents You’ll Need

When applying for the Expansion Worker visa, you’ll typically need:

A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A valid passport or travel document
Proof of employment with the overseas business
Salary evidence (bank statements, payslips, employment contract)
Business plan or expansion strategy of the company
Evidence of skill level and job description
Proof of English language ability (if applicable)
Proof of funds (bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 days unless sponsor certifies maintenance)

How Long Can You Stay on an Expansion Worker Visa?

The initial visa is granted for 12 months.
You can extend your stay by another 12 months, up to a maximum of 2 years.
Time spent on this visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

To settle permanently in the UK, many Expansion Workers switch to a Skilled Worker or other eligible visa before reaching 2 years.

Can You Bring Family Members?

Yes. You can bring dependants, including your spouse/partner and children, provided they meet the requirements.

Dependants can usually work or study in the UK while you are on the Expansion Worker route.

Costs and Fees

Visa application fee: approx. £298 (outside the UK)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year (for most applicants and dependants)
Maintenance funds: £1,270 unless certified by sponsor

Benefits of the UK Expansion Worker Visa

Offers a legal route to establish a UK presence for an overseas company
Enables trusted employees to lead UK operations
Can lead to long-term opportunities via visa switching
Access to the UK market and customer base

Limitations of the Expansion Worker Visa

No direct route to permanent residency
Limited to 2 years total
Your employer must be actively expanding and not yet trading in the UK
Strict eligibility and salary thresholds

Switching to a Different Visa

To remain in the UK longer or settle, many Expansion Workers switch to:

Skilled Worker visa (if employed by a UK-trading sponsor)
Innovator Founder visa (if transitioning to entrepreneurship)
Global Talent visa (for highly accomplished professionals)

Check eligibility for switching routes before your 2-year period ends.

How to Apply for the UK Expansion Worker Visa

Confirm your overseas employer qualifies and holds the Expansion Worker sponsor licence.
Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Prepare supporting documents (passport, salary evidence, business plan, etc.).
Apply online via the official UK government visa portal.
Pay visa fees and IHS.
Book and attend your biometric appointment.
Wait for a decision (standard processing usually within 3 weeks).

Conclusion

The UK Expansion Worker visa offers a compelling route for foreign companies to establish a UK presence in 2025. By allowing senior or specialist staff to enter the UK legally and build a branch office, the visa fosters long-term commercial growth and potential future settlement via switching. While it doesn’t offer direct ILR pathways, it remains a powerful business expansion tool when used strategically. Always consult the latest Home Office guidance and immigration professionals to ensure full compliance and maximise your UK relocation success.