United Kingdom•Europe

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Scale-up Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

GBP £3,242

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,000

Quality of Life

174/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Work visa for skilled workers hired by qualifying high-growth UK businesses, with greater flexibility after 6 months.

The Scale-up Visa is a UK work visa for professionals hired by a qualifying high-growth employer — one averaging 20%+ annual growth over 3 years with at least 10 employees. Applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship, a salary of at least £39,100/year, English at B2 (CEFR), and £1,270 in savings if not waived.

Initial permission is 2 years, extendable in 3-year increments with no total cap. After 6 months, holders can change employer, take extra work, or go self-employed without further sponsorship. Dependants may join and work freely. ILR is available after 5 years of continuous residence.

This visa is ideal for skilled workers with a job offer at a fast-growing UK firm who want labor market flexibility sooner than the standard Skilled Worker route allows.

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Cost Breakdown

Application feeGBP £937

Savings requirementGBP £1,270

Immigration Health SurchargeGBP £1,035

TotalGBP £3,242

Processing Time

Outside UK	2–4 weeks
Inside UK	1–2 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Processing3 weeks

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Spouse/Partner Visa

Validity33 months

Processing2 months – 1 year

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Job offer from an approved scale-up sponsor (minimum 6-month contract)

Certificate of Sponsorship from employer

Role must be on the qualifying occupations list

Salary of at least £39,100/year or the going rate for the occupation (whichever is higher)

English language proficiency at B2 level (CEFR)

£1,270 in savings held for 28 days (waived if employer certifies maintenance or applicant has 12+ months UK residency)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

39,100 GBP/yr

Min. Savings

1,270 GBP

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

Valid passport or travel document

English language qualification or proof of exemption

Bank statements showing £1,270 savings (if not waived)

TB test certificate (if required based on country of residence)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

After 6 months, change jobs freely without notifying the Home Office
Self-employment permitted after first 6 months
Study permitted
ILR (settlement) qualifying after 5 years continuous residence
Unlimited extensions in 3-year increments
Dependants can accompany and work

Worth Knowing

First 6 months must work only in the sponsored role
No access to public funds
Professional sports work not permitted
Employer must have 20%+ average annual growth over 3 years with minimum 10 employees
Cannot switch from visit visas, short-term student visas, or immigration bail
IHS adds significant ongoing cost (~£2,070 for initial 2-year period)