United Kingdom

Duration

2 Years

Start-Up Visa UK

About

The UK Start-Up Visa allows visitors to launch their startups in the UK. Apply for a Start-Up Visa if you wish to establish an innovative business in the UK, which must be unique to the market and meet other eligibility requirements for this visa.

Eligibility

You must have the approval of an authorised body that is either: 

  • a UK higher education institution
  • a business with a track record of assisting UK entrepreneurs 

You must be able to prove that your business concept is: 

  • a novel idea - means you cannot join an existing innovative business. 
  • innovative - your business idea must be original and distinct from anything else on the market.
  • viable - that business must have the growth potential.

Documents

You must include an 'endorsement letter' in your documents when applying. This letter should demonstrate that endorsing body has evaluated your business. 

Other than this, you need to provide these documents:

  • a current passport or other document proving your identity and nationality.
  • bank statements show that you had at least £1270 savings in your bank account for 28 days before applying.
  • evidence that shows you have met the English language requirement.
  • your tuberculosis test results if you live in a country where the test is required.

Process

You must apply for a Start-Up Visa online. You will be required to provide proof of your identity as part of the application process. It depends on where you're from and what kind of passport you have. 

You will either: 

  • have your fingerprints and pictures taken at a visa application centre to obtain a biometric residence permit.
  • use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app and scan the identity document.
  • you also need to sign in or create your account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

They will further assist you in what you should do when you apply.

When to Apply
You can apply three months before the start date of your employment.

Visa Processing Time
After you've applied online, verified your identity, and submitted your documents, you should receive a decision about your visa in a period of: 

  • 3 weeks - If you are not living in the UK.
  • 8 weeks - If you live in the UK.

Duration & Fees

Duration
You can stay for two years on a Start-Up Visa.

Fees
Fees for this visa depend on where you are applying from and your circumstances. Whether you're paying for yourself or your partner and children applying from outside the UK costs £363 per person. While switching to this visa while you're in the UK costs £493 for each person.

Extension

You are not permitted to apply for an extension of this visa. If you open a business while on a Start-Up Visa then you may switch to an Innovator visa, also if:

  • your endorsing body assessed and agreed on it.
  • you business is trading, active, and sustainable.
  • you are actively involved in your business activities daily. 

Highlights

Dependants
With a Start-Up Visa, you may bring your partner and children with you.

Work
You can work in another job, as well as for your business.

Multi-entry
You can travel abroad and return to the UK.

Residence
Start-Up Visas do 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 (Indefinite Leave to Remain) three years later.

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