BUSINESS VISA LAWYERS FOR EMPLOYERS AND FOUNDERS
From Global Business Mobility and UK Expansion Worker to Innovator Founder, self-sponsorship and Global Talent, our senior business immigration lawyers confirm the route that fits and prepare an application built to Home Office standards.
Advice for overseas companies, founders and senior talent.
Have your business plan, role details or CV ready
Every business route has its own test
Global Business Mobility, Expansion Worker, Scale-up, Innovator Founder, self-sponsorship and Global Talent each come with different eligibility rules, evidence and timelines. We assess your structure, people and plans first, then recommend the route that fits, or tell you plainly if none does.
Business-only advice. We advise employers, founders and senior talent, not job seekers.
I'm moving staff to the UK
Transfer senior, specialist or trainee staff through Global Business Mobility with the right licence and CoS.
We're opening our first UK office
Send a senior employee to set up your UK branch or subsidiary through the UK Expansion Worker route.
I'm founding a UK business
Innovator Founder or self-sponsorship, chosen around your business model, funding and control.
I'm recognised in my field
Global Talent endorsement for leaders and emerging leaders in eligible fields, with no job offer needed.
Routes we handle
Employer and business routes
Global Business Mobility, UK Expansion Worker and Scale-up applications, including the sponsor licence, CoS and visas for the people you move or hire.
Founder routes
Innovator Founder endorsements and self-sponsorship structures for business owners who want to build and run their own UK company.
Talent routes
Global Talent endorsement and visa applications for leaders and emerging leaders in eligible fields.
How we help, from first call to arrival
01
Assess the right route
Review your business structure, people, funding and timeline to confirm which route fits and what it requires.
02
Build the evidence
Prepare business plans, role descriptions, group structure, financials and endorsement evidence to the standard the Home Office expects.
03
Prepare the application
Sponsor licence, CoS, endorsement and visa applications drafted and checked by a senior lawyer before submission.
04
Support arrival and next steps
Guide arrival, right-to-work and early compliance duties, and plan for extensions, dependants and settlement.
Check the route is still open
Business routes change often. The Sole Representative route is closed to new applicants, and most first UK set-ups now use the UK Expansion Worker route.
Match the route to the business
The right route depends on group structure, UK presence, funding and who controls the company. A route that suits one founder can fail for another.
Plan for the sponsor licence
Global Business Mobility, Expansion Worker, Scale-up and self-sponsorship usually need the UK business to hold a sponsor licence before the visa application.
Think about settlement early
Some routes lead to settlement and some do not. Choosing the right one now avoids a costly switch later.
What this means for your family and team
Most business routes allow eligible partners and children to join as dependants, but the rules differ by route. We plan dependant applications, travel and start dates together so your people arrive ready to work.
Common reasons business visa applications fail
Most refusals come from a weak fit between the route and the evidence. We test the case before it reaches the Home Office.
Choosing a route the business does not qualify for
Weak or generic business plans
Missing financial or group-structure evidence
A role or salary that does not meet the route requirements
Applying for the visa before the sponsor licence is in place
Which UK business visa route is right for me?
It depends on whether you are moving existing staff, opening a first UK office, founding a business or applying on your own track record. We review your structure and goals and recommend the route that fits before anything is prepared.
What happened to the Sole Representative visa?
The Sole Representative route is closed to new applicants. Most overseas companies setting up their first UK presence now use the UK Expansion Worker route under Global Business Mobility.
Can I sponsor myself through my own UK company?
Self-sponsorship can be possible where your UK company obtains a sponsor licence and offers you a genuine Skilled Worker role. The Home Office looks at these cases closely, so the company, the role and your position in the business must be structured carefully.
What is the difference between Innovator Founder and self-sponsorship?
Innovator Founder needs an endorsement for an innovative, viable and scalable business plan. Self-sponsorship uses the Skilled Worker route through your own licensed company. The right choice depends on your business model, funding and how much control you need.
Do Global Business Mobility routes lead to settlement?
Global Business Mobility routes do not lead directly to settlement. If long-term residence matters, we look at whether another route, or a later switch, fits your plans.
How long do business visa applications take?
It depends on the route, whether a sponsor licence or endorsement is needed first and the Home Office service level. We give you a realistic timeline once we have reviewed your case.
Speak with a senior immigration lawyer about moving staff, opening a UK office or building your own business here, and the safest route for your plans.
