UK Scale-Up Visa
Designed for skilled workers recruited by fast-growing UK companies. After just 6 months, you gain full flexibility -- free to work for any employer, take a second job, or become self-employed, with no further sponsorship needed.
Overview
The UK Scale-Up visa was introduced in August 2022 to help high-growth businesses recruit skilled talent from overseas. It is designed for workers who have been offered a skilled role by a UK company that can demonstrate at least 20% annualised growth in either revenue or staffing over a consecutive 3-year period. The visa’s most distinctive feature is the freedom it grants after the initial 6-month sponsorship period: once you have completed 6 months working for your Scale-Up sponsor, you are no longer tied to that employer. You can change jobs, take on additional work, or start your own business -- all without needing a new visa or additional sponsorship. The initial visa is granted for 2 years, and you can extend for further 3-year periods without a sponsor. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, Scale-Up visa holders are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to settlement.
Eligibility Requirements
Company Requirements
Individual Requirements
Key Benefits
Scale-Up vs Skilled Worker Visa
| Feature | Scale-Up Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Employer freedom | Free after 6 months | Tied to sponsor throughout |
| Sponsor needed for extension | No | Yes |
| Immigration Skills Charge | None | £364–£1,000/year |
| Minimum salary | £36,300 | £38,700 (general threshold) |
| English level | B2 (higher) | B1 |
| Company requirement | 20%+ growth over 3 years | Any licensed sponsor |
| Skill level | RQF 6+ (graduate) | RQF 3+ (A-level) |
| Settlement (ILR) | After 5 years | After 5 years |
Application Process
Employer applies for Scale-Up sponsor licence
Your prospective employer must hold a valid Scale-Up sponsor licence. If they do not already have one, they must apply to the Home Office, demonstrating their 20%+ annualised growth with supporting financial evidence. Processing typically takes 8–10 weeks.
Employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once licensed, your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship -- a digital record (not a physical document) containing details of the job, salary, and your personal information. The CoS includes a unique reference number you will need for your visa application.
You apply for the visa online
Submit your visa application online via GOV.UK. Include your CoS reference number, proof of English language ability, evidence of maintenance funds, passport, and pay the visa application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Biometrics appointment
Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph. This can be done at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country of residence.
Decision and travel
You will receive a visa decision within approximately 3 weeks from outside the UK (standard processing). Priority processing (5 working days) and super priority processing (next working day) are available for additional fees. If approved, travel to the UK and start working for your sponsor.
After 6 months: full flexibility
Once you have completed 6 months working for your Scale-Up sponsor, you are free to change employer, take additional work, or become self-employed. No further sponsorship is required. You can extend your visa for 3 years at a time without a sponsor.
Costs Breakdown (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £822 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year | £1,035 |
| IHS total for 2-year initial visa | £2,070 |
| IHS total for 3-year extension | £3,105 |
| Priority processing (5 working days) | £500 |
| Super priority processing (next working day, UK only) | £1,000 |
| Dependant visa application (per person) | £822 |
| Dependant IHS (per person, per year) | £1,035 |
There is no Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for the Scale-Up visa. For comparison, Skilled Worker visa employers pay £364/year (small companies) or £1,000/year (medium/large companies) in ISC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a high-growth company for the Scale-Up visa?
A company qualifies as a Scale-Up sponsor if it can demonstrate at least 20% annualised growth in either revenue (turnover) or staffing (number of employees) over a consecutive 3-year period. This must be evidenced from the company’s financial records and filings. The Home Office verifies this when the company applies for its Scale-Up sponsor licence.
What happens after the initial 6 months?
After completing 6 months working for your Scale-Up sponsor, you are completely free from sponsorship requirements. You can change to any employer, take a second job, freelance, or become fully self-employed. You do not need to notify the Home Office or apply for a new visa. This freedom continues for the remainder of your visa and through any extensions.
Can I extend the Scale-Up visa without a sponsor?
Yes. After the initial 2-year visa, you can extend for further 3-year periods without needing a sponsor. You must demonstrate that you meet the salary requirement (£36,300/year or equivalent from self-employment) and continue to meet the English language and maintenance requirements. Each extension costs £822 plus the IHS.
How does the Scale-Up visa compare to the Skilled Worker visa?
The Scale-Up visa offers significantly more flexibility. After 6 months, you are free from your sponsor, with no ISC payable and the ability to change employers freely. The Skilled Worker visa ties you to your sponsor throughout, requires ISC payments (£364–£1,000/year), and needs a new CoS if you change jobs. However, the Scale-Up requires a higher English level (B2 vs B1) and only companies with 20%+ growth can sponsor.
Can my family join me on the Scale-Up visa?
Yes. Your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and dependent children under 18 can apply as dependants. Each dependant pays a separate visa application fee (£822) and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants have full work rights in the UK -- they can work for any employer with no restrictions on the type of work or hours.
Official Sources
- UK Visas & Immigration (gov.uk) – Official visa and immigration information
- Home Office (gov.uk) – UK Home Office