Start-Up Visa UK

Overview of the UK Start-up Visa

Note: The UK Start-up Visa route has been discontinued and is no longer accepting new applications. Entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK should apply for the Innovator Founder visa.

The Start-Up Visa UK was designed to support talented overseas individuals to develop their idea for a business in the UK.

It is not a requirement to be a graduate or to have available funds in order to apply for this visa.

The category is for businesses in an early stage of development that can demonstrate high potential. It is permissible for individuals to have already set up their business, but it should not have commenced trading yet (with some exceptions).

The old Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa was replaced by the Start-up Visa and the Innovator Visa routes which were then replaced by the Innovator Founder route.

The visa can only be issued once and cannot be extended. However, it may be possible for eligible individuals to switch to the Innovator Visa category at the end of the term of the two-year visa.

The Start-Up Visa does not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR). However, it may be used in conjunction with the Innovator Visa to eventually qualify for ILR.

One of the primary requirements of the Start-Up Visa is that visa applicants must hold an endorsement from an approved endorsing body.

Another key requirement is that the idea must demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability.

For tailored advice on transitioning to the Innovator Founder Visa or understanding your options, contact our experienced immigration lawyers today.

Alternative Business Visas in the UK

If you are not looking to switch your Start-Up Visa, you may be eligible instead for another UK business visa. You may apply for any of the following:

Innovator Founder

We can help you apply for an Innovator Founder Visa to run your business in the UK.

Global Talent

Our lawyers support you in an application as an ‘exceptional’ talent to come to the UK without employment restrictions.

Skilled Worker

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients achieve their Skilled Worker Visas, you can ensure smooth transition to the UK market.

Paid Engagement

If you are a foreign national invited to the UK to carry out paid work as an expert in your field, you might be eligible for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

Senior or Specialist

We help you apply for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa for highly-skilled migrants in the UK.

Visitor Visa

Whether you want to visit the UK to see friends and family or attend a business meeting or conference, we can help you obtain a visitor visa.

Who can apply for the Start Up visa UK?

The Start-Up Visa route has been discontinued, meaning that only people who had received an endorsement before 13 April 2023 may still finish their application.

The Start-Up Visa was a popular visa category and had a high threshold of eligibility.

According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), individuals that were eligible to apply include the following categories:

• You are aged 18 years or over
• This is your first time establishing a UK-based business (exceptions relate to those on the former Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route)
• You have received an endorsement from an eligible UK endorsing body which has assessed your business idea for the three criteria of being innovative, viable and scalable
• You can demonstrate that you intend to undertake most of your time working on your business in the UK if your visa application is approved
• Your endorsement was stamped within the last three months by the date of your application
• You have the ability and expertise to undertake business activity relating to your intended business idea
• You can provide evidence of your English language skills (up to B2 level on the CEFR Scale)
• You can demonstrate you have the required funds to independently support yourself while living in the UK

You could be considered if you were:

• Working alone as the sole founder of the business
• Working together as part of a team of entrepreneurs (where each individual meets the visa requirements)

Depending on their circumstances, visa applicants may need additional evidence to prove to the Home Office that they are eligible to submit a visa application.

It is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to help you prepare the strongest application.

UK Start-up Visa requirements

There are a number of requirements for this route and it is important to ensure that you meet the requirements before submitting an application.

As well as the eligibility criteria outlined already, the endorsement requirement is a primary feature of this visa.

This is the current list of endorsing bodies and one of these must approve your business idea before it can be considered as part of your visa application.

According to the Home Office, organisations have the ability to set their own criteria in relation to what constitutes a genuine original business idea that fulfils new or existing market needs.

If your idea is approved, the endorsing body will issue a letter which can then be submitted with your visa application. Endorsing bodies may contact you periodically during your visa term to review your progress in achieving your stated business goals. The exact frequency and requirements depend on the endorsing body.

The requirements by which endorsing bodies will assess your business idea are:

• The business is innovative, viable, and scalable with the aim of becoming integrated into the UK as a contributing enterprise
• It is a new business idea (which may or may not already exist/ be registered) which the applicant has started (or joined as an ‘instrumental member’ of the founding team) before it has begun trading

The business may fall under any sector without restriction, but you should have the appropriate knowledge, experience, and market awareness to develop the business.

It is possible for you to continue work with another business outside of the main idea, however the endorsing body must be satisfied you will have an adequate amount of time to develop the business.

Which endorsing body should I seek endorsement from for a UK Start Up Visa?

It can be difficult to identify the most appropriate endorsing body. If you choose to work with IAS immigration lawyers, we can work with you to introduce you to the organisation that most closely matches your business idea and circumstances.

The Home Office will not provide advice on the endorsing body you should choose.

An organisation may submit a request to the Home Office to become an endorsing body. They must have a proven track record of supporting UK entrepreneurs and providing guidance in developing business ideas.

Many of the endorsing bodies are universities, investment businesses, innovation hubs, business incubators, accelerator businesses, or business support services.

It is recommended to view the information provided about each endorsing body and to undertake some research into the most appropriate organisation.

Does the Start-up Visa lead to ILR?

The visa does not lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) by itself. However, it can be used in conjunction with the Innovator Visa.

If you hold the visa for two years and successfully apply for the Innovator Visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR at this time if you meet the requirements. After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship if all other requirements are met.

However, there are a number of conditions that must be met in order to secure ILR after holding the Start-Up and Innovator Visas. These include remaining in contact with your endorsing body and providing evidence that you have made progress on your business venture.

Further information can be found on the Innovator Visa page.

UK Start-up Visa rejected

If your application for a Start-up Visa is refused, you may be able to request an administrative review of the decision, but it is normally not possible to repeal the rejection of a Start-up Visa.

Below are the recommended steps to take if your Start-up Visa is rejected (please note that you should always consult a qualified solicitor about your individual case):

1. Before you submit your application, you should take care to follow the application instructions exactly to maximise the chance of a successful outcome
2. When you receive your rejection letter, identify the next course of action (administrative review
3. Submit your request for an administrative review as soon as possible (You have 14 days to request an administrative review if the refusal was made in the UK or 28 days if the refusal was made outside the UK.)
4. Pay the application fee for an administrative review (£80) and submit your application online
5. Wait for a decision to be issued

Reasons why a Start-up Visa can be refused

• Not providing the required evidence to meet the requirements of the immigration rules
• Your application meets the grounds for refusal (e.g., admittance to the UK would be contrary to the public good, a disqualifying criminal record, breach of immigration rules, misleading information on the application, etc.)

Start-up Visas can be complex and it is recommended to work with a dedicated immigration adviser to maximise your chance of a successful application and avoid getting a rejection.

Can you extend the Start-up Visa UK?

It is not possible to extend the Start-up Visa as it is issued on a one-time only basis. However, it may be possible to switch to the Innovator Visa category instead.

You can switch to this category if you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Meet the required level of English language skills
• Meet the age requirement
• Meet the financial maintenance requirement
• The Innovator Founder Visa no longer has a minimum investment requirement, but applicants must demonstrate that their business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.

You must prove that you have held at least £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying or switching to this visa. This requirement may be waived if you have been living in the UK for at least 12 months at the time of application.

You may be able to create a partnership of Innovator applicants if you meet certain criteria.