Eligibility – Start-Up Visa UK
To apply for the UK Start-Up visa, you must comply with the requirements below:
1. Non-EU Residents can Apply If the Applicant or their close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, they may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise each Applicant will need a visa to work in the UK. Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
2. Start-Up Business Idea – The Start-up category is for early-stage, but high potential, entrepreneurs who are starting a business in the UK for the first time. You must be able to show that your business idea is:
- New Idea – you cannot join a business that is already trading.
- Innovative – you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
- Viable – with potential for growth
3. Business Set-Up – They may have already begun setting up their business, but it should not yet have commenced trading, but should add a business plan.
4. No Funds required – Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and the applicant does not need any funds to invest in their business at this stage.
5. Endorsement required – The Start-Up applicants must be endorsed by an approved body to get the visa.
6. English Language requirement – The applicants must meet the English language requirement, and be at CEFR B2 level, at least.
7. Personal Savings – Prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you are in the UK. Specifically, the Applicant must have had at least £1270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying, or if the applicant has been in the UK for less than a year and is applying to switch to this visa.
Contact our UK Immigration Advisers or UK Lawyers for advice and assistance with your Start-Up visa to set up a business in the UK!
See our web page:
VisaConnect Immigration Blog 