Start-up Visa Solicitors

Benefits of a Start-up Visa

Obtaining a Start-up Visa can bring numerous benefits for aspiring entrepreneurs:

You can reside in the UK for two years without any work restrictions while developing your business idea.

The visa can be extended for an additional two years if you meet the requirements.

You can bring family members, including your spouse/partner and children under 18 years old, to the UK with you. They will also have unrestricted work and study rights.

After completing two years on the Start-up Visa, you may be eligible to switch to other visa categories such as Innovator Visa or Entrepreneur Visa depending on your business's growth potential.

Who is Eligible for a Start-up Visa?

To apply for a Start-up Visa in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:

Your business idea must be innovative and viable.

You must have an approved endorsement from an endorsing body recognized by the Home Office. This endorsement will assess your business idea's potential for success and its innovation.

You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds available to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

You must be proficient in English at CEFR level B2 or above.

Endorsement Criteria for a Start-up Visa

The endorsing body will consider the following criteria when evaluating your business idea and endorsing you for a Start-up Visa:

Innovation

Your business must have an innovative, original, and viable idea that has the potential for growth and success in the UK market. The endorsing body will assess this based on factors such as uniqueness, scalability, and market demand for your product or service.

Viability

Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.

If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).

Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.

Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.

Scalability

Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.

If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).

Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.

Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.

Benefits to the UK

Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.

If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).

Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.

Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.

Team Capability

Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.

If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).

Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.

Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.

Financial Requirements for a Start-up Visa

To meet the financial requirements for a UK Start-up Visa, you must prove that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for a continuous period of 28 days before submitting your application. Additionally, if you have dependents, you will need to show evidence of extra funds to support them—this includes £285 for a partner, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional child.

The fee for applying for a UK Start-up Visa is £378 for the main applicant when applying from outside the UK. If you are already in the UK and switching to this visa, the application fee is £508. These costs also apply to any dependents included in your application.

Immigration Pathways for Start-up Visa Holders

If your business is successful and you meet the requirements, you may be eligible to switch to an Innovator visa after two years of holding a Start-up visa. This will allow you to continue growing your business in the UK. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also known as permanent residency.

Alternatively, if your business is not successful or you no longer wish to continue with it, you can switch to a different immigration category or return to your home country. It is important to note that if you switch to a different visa category, you will need to meet the requirements for that specific visa.

UK Start-up Visa Solicitors

Supporting Visionary Entrepreneurs to Kickstart Their Journey in the UK

What is a Start-up Visa?

Benefits of a Start-up Visa

Who is Eligible for a Start-up Visa?

Startup Visa Business Idea and Plan

Endorsement Criteria for a Start-up Visa

Innovation

Viability

Scalability

Benefits to the UK

Team Capability

Financial Requirements for a Start-up Visa

Immigration Pathways for Start-up Visa Holders

Need Help with Your UK Start-up Visa Application or Other Immigration Matters?