UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence Guidance for Swiss Businesses [2025 Updates]

As Swiss businesses increasingly look beyond domestic borders for growth opportunities, the United Kingdom remains a highly attractive destination for commercial expansion. For Swiss companies aiming to establish a UK branch or subsidiary, the UK Expansion Worker route represents a key immigration route under the UK's Global Business Mobility framework.

Recent changes introduced by the UK Home Office, effective from 9 April 2025, have updated the documentary requirements and fee structures associated with this route. This article provides detailed guidance on the latest rules and procedures, offering practical insight for Swiss firms preparing to expand into the UK market.

Establishing a UK Branch: Understanding the UK Expansion Worker Route

The UK Expansion Worker visa is designed for overseas businesses—such as those based in Switzerland—that do not yet have an active trading presence in the UK but intend to establish one. Through this route, companies can temporarily transfer senior personnel to the UK to oversee the setup of a branch or wholly owned subsidiary. While this immigration route does not lead to permanent settlement, it plays a vital role in enabling foreign firms to initiate UK market entry and commercial operations.

Swiss businesses already trading in the UK may wish to explore alternative sponsorship routes such as the Senior or Specialist Worker visa or the Skilled Worker route, which may offer longer-term solutions for staffing and operations.

Demonstrating a UK Presence: What Swiss Companies Must Provide

To apply for a UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence, Swiss companies must demonstrate a tangible UK presence. This can be achieved by providing a Companies House registration number for the newly formed UK entity or submitting a certificate of incorporation.

Alternatively, proof of leased or purchased business premises in the UK may suffice, provided that the lease agreement is signed by all relevant parties. If the UK entity has a business website, the website address should also be disclosed in the application.

Showing a Qualifying Link Between the Swiss and UK Entities

The UK Home Office requires clear evidence of a qualifying link between the Swiss parent company and the proposed UK branch or subsidiary. This typically involves demonstrating common ownership or control. For example, if the Swiss entity controls the composition of the UK company’s board or holds a majority of its voting shares, this would establish a qualifying relationship.

Applicants should be prepared to submit supporting documentation such as an affidavit from a senior officer, Articles or Memorandum of Association, or other corporate governance documents that verify this connection.

Evidence of Overseas Operations: Proving Trading History

One of the critical components of the sponsor licence application is evidence of a credible overseas trading history. From April 2025, the Home Office requires businesses to show that they have been actively trading for at least three years prior to the date of application—unless a specific exemption applies.

Acceptable forms of evidence include certified business accounts, corporate bank statements, and contracts for goods or services entered into by the Swiss business. These documents help establish the financial credibility and operational maturity of the overseas business seeking entry into the UK.

Exceptions for Certain Businesses

Two key exemptions exist for businesses applying under the UK Expansion Worker route:

• Australian and Japanese companies may submit evidence of trading for just 12 months prior to the application date. However, this shorter trading history only permits the sponsorship of one UK Expansion Worker at a time. To sponsor multiple workers, the standard three-year trading history requirement still applies.

• Publicly listed companies on recognised stock exchanges (including the London Stock Exchange and others approved by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority) are exempt from submitting evidence of their trading history.

  
  

Proving UK Expansion Capability

In addition to evidencing a UK presence and overseas operations, Swiss companies must demonstrate a realistic plan for UK expansion. Required documentation includes a business plan, organisational structure chart, and details of job roles to be created in the UK.

Further supporting documents, such as market research reports, certified contracts with UK-based clients, and investor briefings, can provide additional assurance that the business is well-positioned to establish operations in the UK. The expansion must reflect the same business activities undertaken by the Swiss parent company; entirely new ventures are not permitted under this route.

The Home Office will assess whether the applicant is likely to establish a UK trading presence within two years, taking into account financial viability and market strategy.

Sponsor Licence Fees and New Size Definitions for Businesses

As of 9 April 2025, the UK Government has increased the sponsor licence application fees. For businesses classified as small or charitable sponsors, the application fee is now £574 (up from £536). Medium and large businesses must pay £1,579 (an increase of £103).

The definition of a “small business” has also been updated. Swiss businesses applying for a UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence will be considered small if they meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Annual turnover of £15 million or less

• Total assets of £7.5 million or less

• 50 employees or fewer

Charitable organisations, including ecclesiastical corporations established for charitable purposes, continue to qualify for the reduced sponsor fee.

Certificate of Sponsorship Fees and Allocation Restrictions

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee has also increased—from £25 to £55 per sponsored worker. Initially, Swiss companies can request a maximum allocation of five Certificates. However, if the Authorising Officer for the licence is based outside the UK, only one CoS will be issued in the first instance, and the licence will carry a Provisional rating.

Swiss businesses must ensure that key personnel—including the Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User—are correctly nominated and compliant with UK Home Office sponsor responsibilities.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Assist

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we provide expert legal support to Swiss businesses expanding into the UK, including tailored advice on UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence applications. Our specialist UK immigration lawyers can guide you through each stage of the application process—from initial planning and documentation to licence approval and post-grant compliance.

To arrange a consultation, please contact our team on +41 21 588 07 70, email info@richmondchambers.ch or complete our online enquiry form.