If you’ve always wanted to migrate to the UK but are not keen on getting a master’s degree or working for someone, here’s something that may interest you.
What you need is a UK start-up visa. With the start-up visa, you can migrate to the UK with a business owner or as we like to say, an entrepreneur.Â
Are you surprised?
Well, most people don’t know this. They think the only way to migrate to the UK is through a student visa or employment route. Only a few know about the start-up visa, and that’s why we are spreading the word to you.
The UK start-up visa is for entrepreneurs like you who want to establish a business in the UK. It doesn’t matter whether you have a degree or if it’s your first time building a business. Even if you don’t have funding for the business, you are welcome to apply. All you need is an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea approved by a UK endorsing body.
We bet you’re wondering how.
Well, scroll down and keep reading. We’ve got all the juicy details here.Â
Who can migrate to the UK with a Startup Visa?
You can migrate to the UK with a start-up visa if:
- You are an early-stage entrepreneur with innovative ideas and a high potential to succeed.
- You want to build a business in the UK for the first time. Mark the words “the first time.”
You don’t need to be the sole owner or founder of the business. The UK government is open to accepting applications from joint-business owners. You can be a co-founder or a member of the founding team. In this case, you must get an individual endorsement from a UK-approved endorsing body.
Remember, the start-up visa is strictly for first-time business owners. If you have a business in your home country but want to expand to the UK, the innovator visa would be more appropriate. If you want to invest in an already existing business in the UK, what you need is a Tier 1 investor visa.
READ: How to Migrate to the UK with a Health and Care Worker Visa
The Start-up Visa Validity Period
The start-up visa is a one-off. It is only valid for two years. With this visa, you don’t need to apply for a job or any form of paid employment in the UK. It gets even better. Your partner and children (below 18 years) can also relocate with you if they are eligible to travel.
The UK start-up visa is not a direct pathway to settling in the UK permanently. But there is an alternative. At the end of your two years stay, you can apply for further leave to remain in the innovator category. It will allow you to stay in the UK for three additional years.Â
However, you must note that your visa application through the innovator category will only be approved if you meet the following criteria.
- Your business must be active and show substantial growth.
- You must be actively involved in daily business operations.
- The endorsing body must assess and approve your application.
If your visa is approved, you can stay in the UK for three more years and continue building your business. At the end of the additional three years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. If you’ve read our previous articles, you should know what this means.
READ: How to Migrate to the UK
Requirements Needed to Migrate to the UK with a Start-up Visa
Like every other migration route, the first step to migrating to the UK with a start-up visa is to meet the eligibility requirements. The requirements for a start-up visa are as follows;
Endorsement Requirement
First, you must prove that you’ve not previously established a business in the UK. The only exception for this criterion is if you have a Tier 1 graduate entrepreneur visa.
Next, your business idea must be assessed and approved by a UK endorsing body. The criteria for endorsement are;
1. Innovation: Your business should be authentic and unique. It should be different from what everyone else is doing and aimed at meeting new or existing market needs. You must also have a solid competitive advantage.
2. Viability: Your business must have a high potential to succeed. Ensure you have or are actively developing the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to make your business profitable.
3. Scalability: Is your business scalable? Does it have the capacity to grow and meet increased market demands? Do you have the necessary structures and resources required to scale? These are the questions the endorsing body will ask.
READ: How to Relocate to the UK with a Student Visa
The endorsing body could be either a:
- UK higher education institution.
- A business organization with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs.
The endorsing body will verify if you will actually spend most of your time in the UK working and developing your business. If the endorsing body is satisfied with its findings, it will endorse you. However, you must ensure that the endorsement letter is issued three months before your visa application.
If your endorsement is withdrawn at any moment, your visa automatically becomes invalid. You will only be allowed to remain in the UK if you re-apply with a new endorsement before your visa expiry date.
Funding Requirements
Ideally, you don’t need initial capital for your business to migrate to the UK with a start-up visa. However, most endorsing bodies will only accept that your business is viable and scalable if you meet a certain level of funding. Thus, you should money to invest in your business, even if it’s just your start-up capital.
In addition to that, you will be required to prove that you have enough funds to take care of yourself in the UK. You must show proof of having personal savings of at least £1270 to support yourself. If you are married, you must have an additional £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional child.
Phew! That’s a lot of money. Well, that’s the package deal that comes with having a family. What does that tell you? It’s easier to migrate you are single.
Language Requirement
Another requirement you need to migrate to the UK with a start-up visa is your proof of English Language proficiency. You will be doing business with the Brits, so you should be able to communicate fluently in English. You can show evidence of English proficiency by submitting your IELTS result or a document showing your degree program was delivered in English.
READ: How to Migrate to the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa
Finally, you will also provide your means of identification, passport photographs, international passport, and other travel documents.
How to Apply for a Start-up Visa
To migrate to the UK with a start-up visa, you must apply online through the UK Home Office website. You can apply from within the UK or outside. You can also switch from a different visa route to a start-up visa.
After applying online, you may have to book an appointment to submit the required documents. Next, you will have to pay a visa application fee. The amount you pay depends on where you apply. Here is a breakdown of the cost.
| Applicant | Outside the UK | Inside the UK |
| Yourself | £378 | £508 |
| Your Partner and Children (below 18 years) | £378 for each person | £508 for each person |
As you can see, it’s more expensive for anyone applying within the UK or switching visas.
You will also be required to pay the healthcare surcharge. Click here to find out how much it costs.
Once your application is complete, all you have to do is keep your fingers crossed and wait for feedback. You will probably get a response within three weeks if you are outside the UK. If you are in the UK, it will take longer, a maximum of 8 weeks. However, during your appointment at the embassy, you can pay to fast-track the process. As we said earlier, it depends on whether you apply from within or outside the UK.
Now, you know that migrating to the UK is not just for students and healthcare workers. You too can migrate to the UK as a business owner. If you need more guidance on how to apply for a start-up visa, click here to schedule a call with our career advisors.