We can help you to set up a UK company as a subsidiary of the overseas parent company. Alternatively, a branch of the overseas company can be registered in the UK.

1. This UK entity can apply for work permits for overseas personnel (e.g engineers) to come to the UK for work.

2. Before a UK office can become operational and be used to apply for work permits, a UK resident person can be hired to represent the office. Alternatively, a senior employee can be transferred from overseas under a Sole Representative visa to open and represent the UK office and to get the work permit process under way. Later on this year the new Points Based System (PBS) of immigration comes into effect in the UK. Under the PBS system, employers will have to register for Sponsorship Licences and then apply for Certificates of Sponsorship for overseas workers.

3. Once the overseas workers have obtained their work permits, they can travel to the UK after obtaining entry clearance from their local British Consulate. Once in the UK they must join the UK office's payroll and their salary must be subject to UK tax / NI obligations.