The Scale-Up Visa is designed for skilled professionals joining the UK's fastest-growing companies — and it offers more long-term flexibility than the standard Skilled Worker route.
What is the Scale-Up Visa?
The Scale-Up Visa is a sponsored UK work visa for people with a job offer at an approved scale-up business. Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, after 6 months you become free to change employer, change roles, or work for multiple companies without notifying the Home Office — a significant step up in flexibility.
What qualifies as a scale-up employer?
The employer must hold a Scale-Up Sponsor Licence and be able to demonstrate annual average growth of at least 20% over 3 consecutive years (by headcount or turnover), with at least 10 employees at the start of that period. You can verify a company's licence status on the GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors.
Eligibility requirements in 2026
- ✓Job offer from a licensed Scale-Up sponsor
- ✓Role at RQF Level 6 (degree level) or above
- ✓Minimum salary of £39,100 per year or the going rate for the occupation — whichever is higher
- ✓B2 English language proficiency (from January 2026)
- ✓Maintenance funds of £1,270 held continuously for 28 days, ending within 31 days of applying
💡 Tip
The Scale-Up minimum salary (£39,100) is slightly lower than the Skilled Worker minimum (£41,700). If your offered salary falls between these figures, the Scale-Up route may be your only option — provided your employer qualifies.
The 6-month rule: when you get your freedom
For the first 6 months, you are tied to your sponsoring employer in the specific role on your Certificate of Sponsorship. After 6 months, you can change employer, change roles, work for multiple companies, or go self-employed — all without informing the Home Office. This contrasts sharply with the Skilled Worker Visa, where every employer change requires a new CoS and Home Office approval.
How long can you stay?
Your initial Scale-Up Visa lasts 2 years. You can extend in 3-year blocks as many times as needed, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. After 5 years of continuous residence you may be eligible for ILR — subject to any changes from the 2026 White Paper.
Can you bring family?
Yes. Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can come as dependants and are free to live, work, and study in the UK throughout your visa period. From 2026, partners applying as dependants on UK work routes must demonstrate basic English language ability.
Want to compare Scale-Up and Skilled Worker routes? Ask our AI consultant
Ask the AI consultant →