Start-Up Visa

This immigration route has closed to new applicants, except when applications are supported by endorsement letters issued before 13 April 2023. This route will close to all new applicants on 13 July 2023.

What is a Start-Up Visa?

A Start-up visa enables innovative entrepreneurs to come to the UK to set up a business for the first time.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a Start-up Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a Start-up visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have had their business or business idea assessed and endorsed by an approved endorsing body to be an innovative, viable and scalable business venture;
• Must provide a letter from their endorsing body with the relevant information;
• Must apply for the start-up visa within 3 months of the issue date on their endorsement letter;
• Must not have previously established any business in the UK which commenced trading, unless this business commenced trading during their last period of permission and that permission was for a Start-up, Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) or Student on the doctorate extension scheme;
• Must be a genuine Start-up applicant;
• Must meet the required level of English language;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

The above requirements are not exhaustive and will vary depending on each application.

How Long is Start-up Visa Valid for?

A Start-up visa is valid for 2 years.

Can a Start-Up Visa be Extended?

Applicants cannot extend their visa, however before the expiry of their visa they may be able to switch to another category such as an Innovator visa which is for experienced entrepreneurs and can help them continue the development of their business in the UK.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Start-up Visa Holders?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Start-up visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a start-up visa application within 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. If an application is made within the UK a decision is usually made within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for a Scale-up visa submitted from outside the UK is £378. Applications made from inside the UK costs £508.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.