Start-up visa

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Start-up visa

The Start-up visa is for individuals who want to set up an original business in the UK for the first time.

The business idea must be a new idea – You cannot join in a business that is already trading. You must be either the sole founder of the business or an instrumental member of the founding team, and you need to spend the majority of your working time in the UK on developing your business venture.

This is a points-based application. To apply, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • Provide an endorsement letter from the relevant endorsing body confirming that your business is innovative, viable and scalable. In order to meet this requirement, the endorsing body must be satisfied that you have a genuine, original business plan that meets new / existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage, your business plan is realistic and achievable based on your available resources, you have / are actively developing the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business, and there is evidence of structured planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets;
  • You have not previously established a business in the UK which commenced trading;
  • Meet the financial requirement (show that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while in the UK) where applicable;
  • Meet the English language requirements where applicable;
  • Meet the Tuberculosis requirement where applicable.

Visa Duration

Once the application is approved, the visa is granted for 2 years. You cannot apply to extend this visa. Any time you’ve already spent in the UK on a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa counts as part of the 2 years.

You may be able to switch to an Innovator visa if you set up a business while on a Start-up visa and your endorsing body assessed and approved it; your business is active, trading and sustainable; and you have day to day involvement in the business.

The Start-up visa requires a sound business immigration lawyer with strong business acumen. Our team of business immigration lawyers has vast experience in assisting with all types of business visas. For assistance, please contact our experienced business immigration lawyers today on 07429429892, 02038563516 or info@dmlawpractice.com

With a Start-up visa you can:

  • Bring your partner and children with you if they are eligible;
  • Work in another job, as well as working for your business;
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK;
  • Study subject to certain conditions.

With a Start-up visa you cannot:

  • Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension;
  • Work as a professional sportsperson, e.g. a sports coach;
  • Settle in the UK.