UK Scale-up Visa 2025

What is a Scale-up Visa?

The Scale-up Visa is a special work visa for qualified foreign professionals who want to work in fast-growing (scale-up) companies in the UK. This visa aims to attract the talent needed by the UK economy and accelerate the growth processes of companies.

Unlike the classic Skilled Worker Visa, the Scale-up Visa offers more flexibility to the applicant. There is a requirement to work with the sponsoring employer for the first 6 months, after which the applicant can work in other jobs or in his/her own enterprise.

👉 For general information see: UK Work Visas

Who Can Apply?

Applicants who have received a job offer from employers with official “scale-up” status in the UK are eligible to apply.

These companies must have met certain growth criteria:

• Annual growth of more than 20% in the last 3 years.
• Employing at least 10 full-time employees.

Application Requirements

1. Job Offer

• The applicant must have a job offer from an approved employer with scale-up status.
• The job offer must appear on the UK Home Office approved occupational list.

2. Sponsor Requirements

• It is mandatory to work with the sponsoring employer for the first 6 months.
• After 6 months the applicant can change jobs or even start their own company.

3. Salary Limit

• The salary offered must be at least £34,600 or above the minimum threshold set for the relevant occupation.

4. English Language Requirement

• The applicant must prove that he/she speaks at least B1 level English.
• IELTS (UKVI), SELT or UK diploma is valid.

5. Financial Sufficiency

• The applicant must show that they have the financial means to support themselves when they arrive in the UK.
• At least £1,270 must be in the bank account.

6. Other Conditions

• Being over 18 years of age.
• Clean criminal record.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Application Process Step by Step

1. Receiving a Job Offer: A job offer is received from a company in Scale-up status.
2. CAS Certificate (Certificate of Sponsorship): Provided by the employer.
3. Online Application: via gov.uk.
4. Visa Fee and IHS Payment: Application fees are payable.
5. Biometrics Procedures: It is done at VFS Global centers.
6. Submission of Documents: Passport, salary documents, language proficiency certificate are uploaded.
7. Result: On average between 3-8 weeks.

Required Documents

• Valid passport.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Job offer and salary documents.
• English proficiency certificate.
• Bank account statement.
• Criminal record
• IHS proof of payment.

Benefits and Risks

Advantages

• Freedom to change jobs after the first 6 months.
• After 5 years, apply for permanent residence (ILR).
• The possibility to take in family members.
• Access to a broad job market in the UK.

Risks

• Commitment to the sponsoring employer for the first 6 months.
• Risk of rejection if the salary requirement is not met.
• Missing documents may prolong the process.

Comparison with Skilled Worker Visa

• Skilled Worker Visa: Requires permanent sponsoring employer.
• Scale-up Visa: Sponsor requirement for the first 6 months, after which there is freedom.
• Advantage More flexible working rights.
• Disadvantage The number of applicants is limited as a high salary limit is required.

👉 For more information see: UK Skilled Worker Visa

Legal Basis

• Scale-up Visa – gov.uk
• Immigration Rules Appendix Scale-up (legislation.gov.uk)

Case Study

Situation: A software engineer based in Istanbul has received a job offer from a scale-up fintech company in the UK.

• CoS certificate provided by the employer.
• The candidate’s salary was set at £36,000.
• Within 7 weeks the Scale-up Visa was approved.
• After 6 months, the software engineer moved to another company and started working in a higher-paying position.

Question and Answer

Can I take my family with me on a Scale-up visa?

Short Answer Yes.

Detail: Spouse and children under 18 can apply with dependent visa.

Can I change jobs after 6 months?

Short Answer Yes.

Detail: For the first 6 months it is mandatory to work for the sponsoring employer, after that it is free.

Can I get a residence after 5 years?

Short Answer Yes.

Detail: If the necessary conditions are met for 5 years, an application for permanent residence (ILR) can be made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Professional Legal Support

The UK Scale-up visa is a carefully prepared application due to the business proposal and sponsor requirements. Choosing the wrong category or missing documents increases the risk of rejection.

MFY Legal | Law Firm confidently manages your application with UK immigration law experts.

👉 Contact MFY Legal now for expert legal support tailored to you.