top of page
  • GDB Legal Facebook
GDB (2).png
hmf-wordpress-logo-2.png

Seamless UK
Expansion with
Expert Support

Comprehensive immigration and business planning services for companies expanding to the UK market.

Immigration advice regulated by Immigration Advice Authority  and Finance advice provided by ACCA member firm

IAA_Logo.jpg
ACCA.png
London City

Book Your Free Consultation

What help do you need? (Select all that apply) Required

Challenges in UK Business Expansion

​

Expanding to the UK market presents unique obstacles that require specialised expertise to overcome

Streamline Your UK Expansion

Legal and Financial Expertise, Working as One

Expanding to the UK market comes with unique challenges — from immigration compliance to financial documentation. Our partnership with HM Finance brings you a fully integrated service, tailored to meet the strict requirements of the UK Expansion Worker visa.

​

✅ Expert legal advice
✅ Home Office–compliant business plans
✅ Full financial strategy and support

​

Start your expansion journey with confidence.

Handshake

Our Proven Application Process

A structured approach to ensure success for your UK Expansion Worker visa application

We take the guesswork out of the process with a clear, step-by-step roadmap. From initial consultation to final approval, every stage is handled with precision and care — combining legal and financial expertise to give your business the best possible start in the UK.
1 / Free Initial Consultation

We assess your eligibility for the UK Expansion Worker visa and discuss your goals for entering the UK market.

2 / Week 1 – Engagement & Information Gathering

Once services are confirmed, we gather key documents and details about your business and plans for UK expansion.

3 / Week 2 – Business Plan Development

Our financial experts at HM Finance produce a detailed, Home Office–compliant business plan tailored to your company’s goals.

4 / Weeks 3–4 – Application Preparation

We prepare all visa application forms and supporting documents, ensuring full alignment with Home Office requirements.

5 / Weeks 5–6 – Application Submission

Your complete application is submitted to the Home Office. We manage communications and follow up directly on your behalf.

6 / Week 7 – Monitoring & Updates

We monitor your application status and keep you informed with timely updates throughout the review period.

7 / Weeks 8–12 – Approval & Next Steps

Once approved, we guide you through the next steps for establishing operations and remaining compliant with your sponsor duties.

Our Response Time Guarantee

We're committed to responsive, proactive service:

1.png

4 Hours

Initial email response

2.png

24 Hours

For urgent queries

3.png

48 Hours

For complex matters

Business Plans That Work 
 

Strategic, compliant, and built for success.

Our business plans are specifically designed to satisfy Home Office requirements while presenting your business strategy in a clear, credible, and compelling way.

 

We know that not just any business plan will do — especially when applying for a UK Expansion Worker visa.

What Sets Our Business Plans Apart

​

Home Office Focused
Structured to address specific immigration criteria and common caseworker concerns.

 

Evidence-Based
Backed by credible market research and realistic financial projections.

 

5-Year Strategy
A forward-looking plan that outlines your full expansion roadmap.

 

Compliance Oriented
Tailored to reflect UK regulatory and industry-specific requirements.

Ready to join Our Success Stories?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your UK expansion plans and see how we can help.

“I don’t have anything bad to say about the service we received. Our solicitor was always there to answer any questions we had, she made us feel at ease, her instructions were clear and concise. We would thoroughly recommend her services."
"Professional, informative and very responsive law firm. Unlike most immigration law firms who are too busy to talk you through potential solutions and explain options you have - GDB Legal are always ready to lend a helping hand, taking me through my immigration worries and concerns every step of the way!"
"Great experience, very professional and clear with everything we needed.
Will use again."

Frequently Asked Questions​

What is the UK Expansion Worker visa?

The UK Expansion Worker visa enables overseas businesses to send senior employees to establish a UK branch or subsidiary. It's part of the Global Business Mobility routes, replacing the former Sole Representative visa, offering a structured pathway for international companies entering the UK market.

​

Who is eligible to apply for this visa?

Eligible applicants must be genuine senior employees with decision-making authority, working for an overseas business with no existing UK trading presence. You'll need at least 12 months' experience with the company (unless earning over £73,900), meet English language requirements (CEFR level B1), have maintenance funds (£1,270 for 28 days), and work for a business with a valid UK sponsor licence.

​

How long can I stay on this visa?
Initial permission is granted for up to 12 months, with possible extension to a maximum of 2 years. This visa is designed as a temporary route to establish a UK presence rather than a path to settlement

 

What are the key differences from the old Sole Representative visa?
Unlike the Sole Representative visa, the Expansion Worker route requires a sponsor licence before application, allows multiple senior staff to apply, has a maximum stay of 2 years instead of 5, doesn't lead to settlement, and has different financial requirements.

​

Our Business Plan Service


What makes your business plans different from standard templates?
Our business plans are specifically crafted for immigration success, not just business purposes. We incorporate Home Office-specific compliance elements, immigration rule alignment, UK-based market analysis, realistic financial projections that satisfy visa criteria, and strategic narratives that address potential credibility concerns.

​

What's included in your comprehensive business plan package?
Our tailored business plans include an executive summary, company background, UK market analysis, five-year financial projections, marketing and operational strategies, organisational structure, risk assessment, implementation timeline and supporting documentation. All elements are designed specifically to meet Home Office expectations and support visa approval.

​

How do you ensure the business plan meets Home Office requirements?
We maintain current knowledge of Home Office guidance through regular review of immigration updates, analysis of application outcomes, and consultation with specialists. This approach ensures our business plans align with the latest requirements and address common reasons for refusal before submission.

​

Can you adapt the business plan if our strategy changes during the process?
Absolutely. We recognise business plans evolve, so we provide two rounds of revisions in our standard service. We can adapt to market changes or new opportunities while maintaining visa credibility, ensuring your application reflects your current business direction.

 

Process & Timelines


What's the complete process from consultation to visa approval?
Our structured approach includes initial assessment (1-2 weeks), sponsor licence application (3-4 weeks), business plan development (4-5 weeks concurrent with licence application), visa application preparation (2-3 weeks), submission and monitoring (decision typically within 3 weeks), and post-approval support. We manage each stage to ensure a smooth, efficient process.

 

What documents will I need to provide?
Key documentation includes corporate registration certificates and financial statements, proof of overseas trading activity, evidence of genuine UK expansion plans, employment records, English language proof, financial maintenance evidence, and personal identification documents. We'll provide a comprehensive checklist tailored to your situation.

​

How quickly can we get started once we engage your services?
We can begin within 48 hours of your signed engagement, with immediate steps including document checklist provision, initial strategy session, sponsor licence preparation and business plan information gathering. Our structured approach ensures no time is wasted.

 

Partnership & Expertise


How does your partnership between legal and financial services benefit our application?
Our integrated approach offers seamless coordination between immigration requirements and business planning with a single point of contact managing both critical components. This ensures a consistent narrative across all application elements and combined expertise identifying potential issues before submission.

​

What support do you provide after visa approval?
Our post-approval services include compliance guidance for sponsor duties, assistance with UK business registration, banking introductions, ongoing immigration support for additional employees, and guidance on pathways to permanent presence. We support you beyond visa approval to ensure successful UK establishment.

​

What happens if our application is refused?
In the rare event of refusal, we conduct a comprehensive analysis within 48 hours, identify strategic options, and implement corrective measures addressing specific refusal reasons. Our success rate on reapplications exceeds 90%, and we charge no additional professional fees if the refusal relates to our work.

​

Getting Started


How do I determine if my business is eligible for this visa route?
Book our free 15-minute eligibility assessment where we'll review your business structure and UK expansion objectives, identify potential qualifying criteria concerns, outline alternative options if needed, and provide a clear recommendation on next steps.

​

What investment is required for your comprehensive service?
Our all-inclusive package pricing includes sponsor licence application, custom business plan development, Certificate of Sponsorship guidance, and visa application preparation. Government fees are charged separately.

​

How do we get started?
Three simple steps: Book your free 15-minute consultation using the button below, receive our tailored proposal based on your specific situation, and begin your UK expansion journey with our expert team.

​

© 2025 by GDB Legal

​

Authorised to provide Immigration Advice at IAA Level 1 Registration number: F201700019

ILPA Member LogoRGB(web)_FIN.jpg
GDB Legal Solutions-07.jpg
bottom of page