UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence: Key Responsibilities for Swiss Businesses

Introduction

For Swiss businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK, the UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence allows companies to temporarily assign senior managers or specialist workers to oversee and develop their UK operations. This route is particularly useful for Swiss companies seeking to expand into the UK market before setting up a full trading presence.

This guide outlines the responsibilities that come with holding a UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence, including key compliance duties before and after the licence is granted.

1. Appointing Key Personnel Before Applying For A UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence

To apply for a UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence, Swiss businesses must designate Key Personnel to manage the licence. These roles include:

• Authorising Officer: The most senior person responsible for recruitment and compliance.

• Key Contact: The main point of contact with the UK Home Office.

• Level 1 User: Responsible for day-to-day sponsor licence management.

Unlike other UK sponsor licences, the Authorising Officer does not need to be based in the UK at the time of application. In most cases, Swiss businesses nominate a senior employee who will relocate to the UK as their first sponsored worker under the Expansion Worker route.

2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Allocation

Once the sponsor licence is granted, a company can assign up to five Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to employees transferring from Switzerland to the UK. However, the number of CoS available immediately depends on the location of the Authorising Officer:

• If the Authorising Officer is already based in the UK, the company receives an A-rating and can assign all five CoS immediately.

• If the Authorising Officer is based in Switzerland, the company receives a Provisional rating and is initially allocated only one CoS. This must be used for the Authorising Officer’s own UK visa application. Once they enter the UK and update their details, the company can request an A-rating upgrade and additional CoS allocations.

  
  

3. Post-Licence Responsibilities for Swiss Businesses

Updating the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

After entering the UK, the Authorising Officer must immediately update the UK Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS) with:

• Their UK address

• Visa reference details

• Sponsor licence upgrade request (from Provisional to A-rating)

Failure to complete these steps could result in the suspension or revocation of the licence.

Compliance Duties

Swiss businesses must ensure ongoing compliance with UK sponsor duties, including:

• Reporting any changes in business structure, personnel, or employee status.

• Keeping thorough records of sponsored workers and their employment details.

• Demonstrating a genuine intent to establish a trading presence in the UK.

The UK Home Office may conduct audits to assess compliance at any time. If the company fails to meet the requirements, the licence may be downgraded or revoked.

4. UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence Validity and Transition to Full UK Sponsorship

The UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence is valid for up to four years, but is designed as a temporary route. Within two years, businesses must establish a full UK trading presence. After this period, the Home Office will reduce the company’s CoS allocation to zero, meaning no new UK Expansion Worker visas can be issued.

Once the business is fully operational in the UK, it can apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence or a Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Licence to continue sponsoring employees on a long-term basis.

5. How We Can Help Swiss Businesses Expand to the UK

Navigating the UK sponsorship system can be complex. Our specialist UK immigration lawyers provide tailored legal advice for Swiss businesses looking to expand into the UK, ensuring compliance with UK sponsor requirements.

For expert guidance, contact our team at Richmond Chambers Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or completed our online enquiry form.