A1.38 Representative of an Overseas Business Visa¶
Representative of an Overseas Business Visa – September 2025 Update
Official link: https://www.gov.uk/representative-overseas-business
Overview
For media industry professionals (newspapers/news agencies/broadcast organizations)
Long-term work arrangement with settlement pathway
Replaced "Sole Representative" route for most businesses
Eligibility Requirements
Employer Requirements:
Must be employee of overseas:
Newspaper
News agency
Broadcast organization
On long-term assignment to UK
Personal Requirements:
Sufficient funds to support yourself in UK
Meet English language requirement
English Language Requirement
CEFR A1 (speaking and listening)
Prove via:
Approved English test OR
English-taught degree (Ecctis verified)
Exempt countries: US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc.
Visa Duration & Settlement
Initial visa: 3 years
Extensions: 2 years
Settlement: Eligible after 5 years continuous residence
Costs
Outside UK: £769
Inside UK: £885
Immigration Health Surcharge: Additional payment required
Application Process
Earliest application: 3 months before travel
Processing times:
Outside UK: 3 weeks
Inside UK: 8 weeks
Required Documents:
Valid passport
Financial evidence (last 6 months bank statements)
English proof
Detailed parent company business description (assets/accounts)
Confirmation of long-term full-time UK work
TB certificate (if required)
Rights & Restrictions
Permitted:
✓ Full-time work for employer
✓ Bring dependants
✓ Extend visa
✓ Apply for settlement after 5 years
✓ Switch to this visa from inside UK
Not Permitted:
✗ Work for yourself/other businesses
✗ Public funds
Dependants
Eligible: Spouse/partner/children
Rights: Work (except professional sport)/study
Restriction: Cannot be dependant if spouse/partner owns/controls majority of overseas business
Extension Requirements
Still working for same employer
Employer's main place of business remains outside UK
Still doing same work as original visa
Required Documents:
Detailed UK business activity description (accounts/invoices)
Company registration proof
Employer confirmation letter
Salary details
Important Notes
Business types: Now primarily for media organizations
Other business representatives: Should apply for Expansion Worker visa
Switching to this visa: Possible from most visas (except Visitor/Short-term Student/Seasonal Worker etc.)
Travel restriction: Cannot leave Common Travel Area while application pending