Start Up Visa

What is a Start-Up visa

The Start-Up visa provides the opportunity for individuals who are at the early stage of materialising their innovative business idea to establish their new business in the UK. 

Generally, applicants will not have started setting up their business in the UK and they are not required to demonstrate that they have funds available to establish their start up business in the UK.

However, the applicants will need to have a good business plan and demonstrate that their business idea is:

• new - you cannot join in a business that is already trading
• innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
• viable - it has potential for growth

General requirements

In order to qualify for a Start-Up visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the following requirements:

• You are at least 18 years old;
• You have not previously established a business in the UK (unless you previously held leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur);
• You have been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body that has assessed your business idea for innovation, viability and scalability and is satisfied that you will spend the majority of your working time in the UK on developing your business venture;
• Your endorsement letter was issued not more than 3 months before the date of your visa application;
• You genuinely intend to undertake, and are capable of undertaking, any work or business activity in the UK stated in your application;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);
• If you are outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months then you have at least £1,270 to support yourself, plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for a first child and £200 for each additional child.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

Endorsing body

Only approved bodies in the UKVI published list can provide valid endorsement for you. The endorsing body will need to be satisfied that your business idea meets all of the  following requirements:

• Innovation: You have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage;
• Viability: You have, or are actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business;
• Scalability: Your business plan has potential for job creation and growth into national markets.

If your application for endorsement is approved by the endorsing body, you will be issued with a Start-Up visa endorsement letter, which you must submit as part of your visa application.

Throughout your Start-Up visa duration, you will need to stay in contact with your endorsing body. The endorsing body will review your business at 6 / 12 months to see if there is reasonable progress. If they are not satisfied, they may withdraw your endorsement which will result in your visa being cut short by UKVI.

How long can you stay in the UK



If successful, your Start-Up visa will be granted for maximum 2 years with no possibility for extension. However at the end of the 2 years. you may be able to apply for further leave to remain in the Innovator category in order to continue developing your business.

Dependants

Your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) can come with you. They will need to apply for a Dependant visa and if successful, will be granted a visa in line with yours.

Processing time and application fees 

For applications made from outside of the UK, the current visa application fee is £378. The application will usually be processed within 3 weeks.

For applications made from within the UK, the current visa application fee is £508. The application will usually be processed within 8 weeks.

Priority service may be available for in-country applications and entry clearance applications made from certain countries, subject to availability and an additional priority fee.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, set at £624 per year (or £470 per year for Student / Youth Mobility Scheme / applicant under 18). 

Please note, the endorsing body may also charge a fee for the necessary assessment, assistance, and regular review after endorsement.

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.