The Scale-up visa allows talented individuals to work in fast-growing UK businesses. You must have a job offer from an approved scale-up company in a qualifying role with a salary of at least £36,300 or £18.10 per hour. After six months of sponsored work, you may continue working unsponsored. Dependants can join you. This route leads to settlement after five years.

The Scale-up visa is designed to help high-growth UK companies attract skilled workers from overseas to support their continued expansion. It is aimed at individuals who are being recruited into qualifying roles by companies that meet the Home Office’s definition of a ‘scale-up’ business—typically those with rapid revenue or employment growth.

This visa route is distinct from the Skilled Worker visa in that it allows greater flexibility. After an initial six-month period working for a sponsored employer, you are no longer tied to that sponsor and can switch employers or roles without needing to be re-sponsored. This makes the Scale-up visa particularly attractive for skilled individuals seeking long-term flexibility in the UK job market. The route also leads to settlement after five years of continuous lawful residence.

To be eligible for a Scale-up visa, you must:

• Have a confirmed job offer from an approved scale-up sponsor
• Be offered a role that meets the required skill level and salary threshold
• Meet the English language requirement (at least B1 CEFR level)
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself unless exempt

To be approved as a sponsor under the Scale-up route, the employer must:

• Hold a sponsor licence specifically for the Scale-up route
• Have annualised growth of at least 20% in turnover or staffing over a three-year period
• Have had a minimum of 10 employees at the start of the three-year period

Only employers who meet these criteria and are listed as scale-up sponsors by the Home Office can sponsor applicants under this route.

The job must pay at least:

•  £36,300 per year,
• £18.10 per hour, or
• The ‘going rate’ for the occupation (whichever is higher)

You must submit at least four supporting documents with your application to prove that your organisation is genuine and trading in the UK. The exact documents required depend on the type and size of your organisation (e.g. company, charity, public body).

Mandatory documents may include business bank statements, VAT and PAYE registration, proof of premises, and professional accreditations. We provide clear guidance on which documents are required for your specific situation.

You must prove your English language ability to at least B1 level on the CEFR scale. This can be demonstrated through:

• A Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
• A degree taught in English (with Ecctis confirmation if awarded overseas)
• GCSE, A-level, or Scottish equivalent in English obtained at a UK school

The initial Scale-up visa is granted for 2 years. After 6 months of sponsored employment, you are permitted to change jobs or employers without requiring sponsorship. You may extend your stay for a further 3 years and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.

Yes. You can bring:

• Your partner (spouse or unmarried partner)
• Children under 18 (including those born in the UK during your visa stay)

Dependants can work and study in the UK.

We provide comprehensive legal support throughout the Scale-up visa process. We:

• Confirm whether your job and employer meet the eligibility criteria
• Assist with the application process and supporting documents
• Ensure that your salary and working hours meet Home Office requirements
• Prepare a legal representation letter to strengthen your application by linking your case to the Immigration Rules

We support you at each step to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and professionally presented.