Start Up visa

The requirements to apply for a Start up visa

• be at least 18 years old
• meet the English language requirement least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in           reading writing, listening and speaking) or have a degree taught in English confirmed by         NARIC if it is not obtained from the UK,
• endorsed by an approved endorsing body
• be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in       the UK which means that you have £1270 in your bank account for consecutive 28 days. 
  

How can we help with your start up visa application

Our immigration specialists have more than 10 years experience in dealing with all  type of visa application including Start up, have helped hundreds of applicants successfully apply for their visa from initial consultation through documents review, submission of application till successful grant of the visa. We will represent you and ensure the smooth successful granting of your visa. 

Start up visa application can be complicated depending on your personal circumstance, you may require professional advice to ensure the success of your application.

Book a consultation now at 0207 193 1996 or send us a free enquiry ! 

Q & A

How can I apply for a Start-up visa?

You can apply if you want to set up an innovative business in the UK - it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market. You must also be at least 18 years old, meet the English language requirement and be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK.

What is required for my business?

Your business idea needs to be

• a new idea - you cannot join in a business that is already trading
• innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
• viable - it has potential for growth

How long can I stay with Start-up visa?
You can stay for 2 years maximum. Leave previously held in the legacy Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route counts towards the maximum 2-year limit. If you want to stay longer you cannot apply to extend this visa. You may be able to switch to an Innovator visa if you set up a business while on a Start-up visa and your endorsing body assessed and agreed it, it is active, trading and sustainable and you have day to day involvement in it.

How much do I need to pay for the visa?

If you are applying outside the UK, the fee is £363.

If you are switching in the UK, the fee is £493. You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Can I apply to settle in the UK on this visa?

No you can’t. You have to switch to another visa category.

Is there any financial requirement?
You need to have had at least £1270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply, or if you’ve been in the UK for less than a year and applying to switch to this visa.

•     £285 for a dependant partner

•     £315 for a first child

•     £200 for each subsequent child

What is the difference between Start-up visa and Innovator visa?

Start-up visa is more appropriate for you if you do not have much for investment fund. The financial requirement for Innovator visa is substantial: you need to have £50000 as your investment funds. There is no such requirement in start-up visa.

However, you can apply for settlement with Innovator visa but not with Start-up visa.

Nevertheless, you can take the Start-up visa and switch to Innovator visa later.

Is there any English language requirement?
You need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply. You must have at least B2 level of English language ability. You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

•     Antigua and Barbuda

•     Australia

•     the Bahamas

•     Barbados

•     Belize

•     Canada

•     Dominica

•     Grenada

•     Guyana

•     Jamaica

•     Malta

•     New Zealand

•     St Kitts and Nevis

•     St Lucia

•     St Vincent and the Grenadines

•     Trinidad and Tobago

•     USA

What documents do I need to apply?

•     an ‘endorsement letter’ to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business.

•     a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

•     bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply

•     proof that you meet the English language requirement

•     your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

What is an endorsing body?
An endorsing body is on the list of authorised organisations for a start-up visa.

With Covid-19 pandemic I am not able to develop my business sufficiently to switch into the Innovator route. What could I do?

If you have already received the full 2 year period allowed in the route, but have been unable to develop their business sufficiently to switch into the Innovator route due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic can be exceptionally a further 12 months.

In order to qualify for this, applicants are required to apply in the normal way, including obtaining a new endorsement. They will need to satisfy the endorsing body that they have made reasonable progress with their business, taking the impact of the pandemic into account.

I have set up a business before in the UK. Can I apply for this visa?
No, you must have not previously established a business in the UK unless your last permission to stay was in the Start-up route, in the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route or on the Doctorate extension scheme and the business commenced trading during this period.

When does my business commence trading?
Your business commences trading if you have made a sale or provided services, regardless of whether payment has been received for this.

What is required for my business to be ‘innovative, viable and scalable’?
Your proposed business needs to meet a market need or create a competitive advantage.

What can I do if my start up visa is refused?

You can request an Administrative review to challenge the refusal decision.