Start-up Visa

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You can apply for a Start-up visa if you:
You must be endorsed by an authorised body that is either:

  •  a UK higher education institution
  •  a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs

 

You must be able to show that your business idea is:

  •  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 you can stay

You can stay for 2 years if you either:

  • come to the UK on a Start-up visa
  • switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK

If you want to stay longer in the UK

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
  • you have day to day involvement in it

What you can and cannot do

With a Start-up visa you can:

  •  bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible
  •  work in another job, as well as working for your business
  •  travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

  •  apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
  •  work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach
  •  settle in the UK on this visa