Expand Your Business to the UK: Global Business Mobility Route
Expand Your Business to the UK
Are you dreaming of expanding your business beyond its current borders? The United Kingdom offers a vibrant market, and for many businesses, the next logical step is to establish a presence there. We understand that navigating international visas can feel like a labyrinth, making the thought of expansion daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. We are here to simplify every step for you, from company registration to visa applications.
Your Gateway to the UK: The Global Business Mobility Route
At the heart of seamless international expansion lies the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Route UK. This isn’t just one visa; it’s a family of five specialised pathways designed to help overseas companies like yours transfer employees to the UK for various roles and purposes.
The GBM Route is ideal for:
- Establishing a new UK presence
- Transferring existing staff
- Delivering services without requiring permanent residency
The GBM Route replaced the Tier 2 intra-company and graduate trainee visa categories in April 2022. It allows you to swiftly and legally deploy essential overseas staff for short-term roles, cutting through red tape and saving time.
The Visa That Starts It All: The UK Expansion Worker
If you’re launching a new UK branch or subsidiary, one of the most crucial pathways within GBM is the UK Expansion Worker visa. It enables a senior or specialist employee to come to the UK and set up your company’s UK branch—even before trading begins.
Why this visa works for your business:
- Fast-track your expansion: No need for an already established UK entity.
- Secure key talent: Bring experienced staff who understand your operations.
- Establish a legal foothold: Gain on-ground presence in the UK.
- Direct market access: Reach clients, partners, and markets quickly.
Who can apply for this visa?
- Must be 18 or older
- Currently employed by your overseas company
- Hold a senior or specialist role
- Typically have 12+ months of experience with your company
Once approved, the employee can work in their sponsored role, travel freely, and bring their dependants along.
Your vital role as the sponsor:
- No existing UK trade activity
- A UK address or plan for Companies House registration
- Your overseas business must be actively trading for at least three years
- A clear UK expansion plan within the next two years
Important conditions to remember:
- Visa is for temporary expansion only
- No path to permanent residency via this visa
- Employee must work only for the named sponsor
- No second jobs or access to public funds
How long can your staff stay?
The visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be extended once for another 12 months, allowing a maximum stay of 2 years. Note: time spent on this visa does not count towards UK settlement.
Costs & Timeline:
- Visa fee: £319 + NHS surcharge
- Processing time:
- 3 weeks (outside UK)
- 8 weeks (within UK)
- Priority processing:
- £500 for 5-day service
- £1000 for 1-day service
Documents Required:
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Business plan & proof of overseas operations
- ID, employment proof, qualifications, salary details
- Financial documents
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (if applicable)
- Relationship proof for dependants (if applicable)
Beyond Expansion: Other GBM Pathways
Besides the Expansion Worker visa, the GBM route includes:
- UK Senior or Specialist Worker visa
- UK Graduate Trainee visa
- UK Service Supplier visa
- UK Secondment Worker visa
Salary requirements vary, but Senior or Specialist and Expansion Workers generally need to earn at least £48,500 per year or meet the going rate for the role.
Let Us Handle the Immigration, You Focus on Growth
Setting up your business in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated. We simplify everything from company registration to visa application and compliance.
Our team ensures you’re fully compliant, and we provide the right visa solutions for your staff—helping you hire faster and grow smarter. We’ll also assist with future visa needs and ongoing compliance so you can stay focused on growth.
Ready to expand into the UK? Let us take care of the visas. For a free case evaluation, call us at +91 9819 127 002.
