Scale-up Worker Visa UK: Requirements, Costs and Process in 2026
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What is a Scale-up Worker visa?
Two years of initial permission, with sponsorship for six months.
Five qualifying years can lead to settlement in the UK.
Who can apply for a Scale-up Worker visa?
You may qualify as a worker if:
- You are aged 18 or over when you make the application.
- Your job appears in the current list of eligible occupations.
- Your guaranteed salary meets the general threshold and going rate.
- You meet the English, financial, validity, and suitability requirements.
The business may qualify as a sponsor if:
- It meets the standard pathway through its employment or turnover growth.
- It had at least ten employees when the three-year growth period began.
- An approved body endorses a younger business with a shorter HMRC history.
- It obtains the correct Scale-up visa sponsor licence before assigning sponsorship.
What are the Scale-up Worker visa requirements?
How do you apply for a Scale-up Worker visa?
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Cost Breakdown
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Frequently Asked Questions
Route and sponsor pathways
Check Scale-up Visa eligibility for both the employer and worker before submitting. You will need to verify salary, role code, and growth records beforehand.
Extensions, charges and settlement
Yes. You can qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five continuous years, provided you meet the 24-month PAYE earnings requirement.
Extensions, charges and settlement
You must earn at least £39,100 per year through UK PAYE during at least half your initial two-year grant.
Extensions, charges and settlement
Only UK PAYE employment earnings count toward a Scale-up Visa extension. Income from self-employment, dividends, or overseas work does not qualify.
Extensions, charges and settlement
Yes. A Scale-up Visa extension grants an additional three years of permission without requiring a Sponsor Licence or a new CoS.
Extensions, charges and settlement
No. The Immigration Skills Charge does not apply to this route, saving qualifying employers thousands of pounds per sponsored worker.
Route and sponsor pathways
Sponsorship duties for that specific worker end after six months. Your business must still maintain general compliance records while holding the licence.
Route and sponsor pathways
A Scale-up Sponsor Licence lasts four years and cannot be renewed. You will need to consider alternative sponsor routes after four years.
Route and sponsor pathways
This pathway supports younger businesses with shorter HMRC histories. An approved endorsing body confirms your growth credentials before you apply for your licence.
Route and sponsor pathways
The standard pathway checks HMRC records for sustained growth. The business must show 20% annualised growth in turnover or employment over three years.
Route and sponsor pathways
A Skilled Worker Visa requires continuous employer sponsorship. The Scale-up Worker visa requires only six months of sponsorship, giving you full career freedom thereafter.
Working and family
Most UK visa holders can switch into this route. You will need to check current student course-completion rules before applying in-country.
Working and family
Eligible partners and children can submit dependant applications. Each family member receives permission matching your visa dates and applies on their own form.
Working and family
You can work as self-employed after your first six months. However, you will need UK PAYE earnings for later extension and settlement.
Working and family
Yes. After six months in your sponsored role, you can change employer or become unsponsored without notifying the Home Office.
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