UK Scale-Up Visa

UK Scale-Up Visa

The Scale-Up visa is designed to help the UK's fastest-growing companies attract highly skilled workers from around the world. It bridges the gap between the highly regulated Skilled Worker route and the sponsor-free Global Talent visa.

How It Works

The Scale-Up visa is unique in that sponsorship is only required for the first 6 months of employment. After that initial period, the visa holder is free to change jobs, work for multiple employers, or become self-employed — without needing a new sponsor or any changes to their visa.

What is a Scale-Up Company?

A scale-up employer must be identified by the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) or another approved body as a high-growth business. To qualify, the company must have had at least 20% annualised revenue or employment growth for the past 3 years, and have at least 10 employees at the start of the growth period. These companies hold a Scale-Up sponsor licence.

Salary Requirement

The job offer salary must be at least £36,300 per year or the going rate for the occupation — whichever is higher. This is higher than the standard Skilled Worker threshold and reflects the expectation of highly skilled roles.

Occupation and Skill Level

The role must be at RQF Level 6 or above (graduate level — higher than the Skilled Worker visa requirement of RQF 3). This limits the Scale-Up visa to professional and specialist roles.

English Language

Must demonstrate English at CEFR B1 level or above through a UKVI-approved test.

No Settlement Route

Like the HPI visa, the Scale-Up visa does not directly lead to ILR. Visa holders who wish to settle permanently typically switch to a Skilled Worker visa and then apply for ILR after 5 years.