Start Up Visas.

Start up visas, like innovator visas, focus on individuals who want to start a business in the UK. However, unlike innovator visas, which target experienced businesspeople, start up visas allow people with limited business experience to enter the UK to start a business.

However, these two visa types have fairly similar eligibility criteria and requirements.

To apply for an start up visa, as a minimum you must demonstrate:

• your business offers something innovative and different from anything else in the UK
• it must be an entirely new business and not one that is already trading
• the business must be viable to grow
• you must be endorsed by an authorised body that is either a UK higher education institution or a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs
• that you meet the English language requirements
• you are at least 18 years old
• that you have enough personal savings to support yourself (and any dependants) in the UK (normally £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply)

There are also other requirements beyond these that you must meet, however these requirements are specific to the start up.

Knowledge of English

When applying, you must ensure that you can speak, read, write and understand English. There are a number of qualifications that prove you can do this, including GCSEs or degrees taught in English.

There are exceptions to who must demonstrate knowledge of English, which can be found on gov.uk. An overseas degree taught in English may not be sufficient proof of knowledge of English, unless it is confirmed through an organisation called ‘Ecctis’.

All applications for start up visas must be made online, but they can be made from outside the UK, or from within. You can also extend an existing start up visa, or switch from another visa type. If your start up is successful and your start up visa expires after 2 years, you may be able to switch it to an innovator visa.

Due to the complexity of these visa applications, and to ensure your application’s best chances of success, we do require an initial consultation for anyone considering applying for a start up visa.

There are several fees applicable when applying for a start up visa, which vary depending on whether your application is made inside or outside the UK:

• The application fee – £378 – £508
• An additional application fee for your partner and dependants, if applicable – £378 – £508
• NHS health surcharge – £672 per year, or £1,344 for 2 years (the duration of the visa)

Please note that the NHS health surcharge above is for an individual only. If your partner and dependants are joining you, this number will increase.

Our legal fees for applying for start up visas can be found here.

Any fees for translation and interpretation are separate to the fees above.

Start up visas are typically granted relatively quickly. For applicants in the UK, the wait time is 8 weeks, and for applicants outside the UK it’s 3 weeks.

There are two premium services available on start up visa applications which can shorten the decision-making process if applying from within the UK. You can pay £500 for a decision within 5 working days, or £800 for a decision by the end of the next working day.

If any additional information is required for your application, you may need to wait longer for a decision.

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter or email with the reason for refusal. Depending on what this reason is, you may request that an administrative review is undertaken, or you may appeal the decision.

We can advise you on your application and your chances of approval if your initial start up visa was rejected.