Expanding your U.S. business into the United Kingdom is an exciting growth opportunity—and establishing a formal presence begins with the ability to open a UK branch from the USA. Whether you’re looking to access new markets, serve international clients, or position your company strategically within Europe, setting up operations in the UK requires careful planning, legal compliance, and the right visa structure.

One of the most common immigration pathways for this type of expansion is the UK Expansion Worker Visa, designed specifically for overseas businesses that do not yet have an active trading presence in the UK. This route allows a U.S.-based company to send senior employees to the UK to oversee the setup and launch of a new branch or subsidiary.

Before deploying staff, the American parent company must:

• Demonstrate that it is actively operating and trading in the U.S.
• Submit a credible business plan showing the need and readiness to expand into the UK.
• Apply for and receive a UK sponsor license under the Expansion Worker category.

Once approved, the company can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to an eligible employee—typically a senior manager or specialist—who will relocate to lead the UK expansion efforts.

Setting up a UK branch also involves corporate registration with Companies House, securing a business address, opening a UK bank account, and establishing a local operational plan. Because these steps are interrelated with the immigration process, working with a qualified legal advisor ensures that your expansion is both efficient and fully compliant with UK regulations.

Our firm specializes in helping U.S. companies open branches in the UK, offering integrated legal services covering business registration, sponsor licensing, visa applications, and strategic immigration planning.

If your organization is preparing to expand into the UK, we can help you navigate every step—from paperwork to personnel relocation—so you can focus on building your global presence.