The UK Start-up visa is for individuals who are new entrepreneurs and want to establish a business in the UK for the first time.  You do not need to be a graduate or have secured any initial funding. However, you will need to have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which has been approved by an endorsing body.

Start-up visas are one-off visas, valid for 2 years and the category does not lead directly to settlement in the UK.  However, Start-up visa holders may extend their stay in the Innovator visa category and qualify for ILR three years later.  Start-up visa applicants can bring their partner and any children under the age of 18 to the UK.

In order to qualify for a Start-up visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• 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 Start-up 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 £1270 to support yourself, plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for a first child and £200 for each additional child.

The exact requirements that you will need to satisfy may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.  We recommend speaking to an immigration lawyer for expert advice at 03111222096.