Scale-up Worker visa
Official name: Scale-up Worker visa
For people with a job offer of at least 6 months from a fast-growing UK business approved as a Scale-up sponsor. The job must be on the eligible occupations list and pay at least £39,100 a year or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher, and you need English at level B2. The first visa lasts 2 years; after the first 6 months you can change jobs, become self-employed and extend (3 years at a time) without a sponsor if you meet the earnings requirements. After 5 years you may be able to apply for settlement. The application fee is £937 plus £1,035 a year healthcare surcharge.
Entry restrictions apply to 1 passports for United Kingdom
The government has suspended some or all visas for holders of these passports. Exceptions exist; see the source.
- Afghanistan
AfghanistanSource: GOV.UK - Visa brake: changes to the UK visa systemSource: UK Parliament - Written ministerial statement HCWS1379, 5 March 2026Source: GOV.UK - Explanatory memorandum to the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules HC 1691, 5 March 2026
Life in United Kingdom
Finance
3
Currency
British Pound
GBP
British Pound
Cost of living
92
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20% · social security 8%
Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.
Living
1
Happiness
#27 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved UK scale-up business.
Eligibility
Job offer from an approved scale-up
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need a confirmed job offer of at least 6 months from an approved scale-up sponsor, with a certificate of sponsorship.
- Employer must be listed with 'Scale-up Worker' in the route column of the sponsor register
- Apply within 3 months of receiving the certificate of sponsorship
- Scale-up sponsor is endorsed by an approved body or is a fast-growing business
- Fast-growing: 20% average annual growth in employment or turnover over 3 years, with at least 10 employees at start
Official wording
A confirmed job offer for at least 6 months from an employer on the register of approved sponsors with 'Scale-up Worker' in the route column, with a certificate of sponsorship (apply within 3 months of receiving it). A scale-up sponsor is endorsed by an approved endorsing body or is a fast-growing business: average annual growth of 20% in employment or turnover over the 3 years before Home Office approval, with at least 10 employees at the start of that period.
Salary
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need a job paying at least the minimum salary or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher.
£39,100
Minimum salary
- Job must be in an occupation on the eligible occupations table
- Employer must also pay at least the minimum wage
- Employer must follow working-hours rules
Official wording
At least £39,100 a year or the going rate for the occupation code, whichever is higher, in an occupation on the eligible occupations table. The employer must also pay at least the minimum wage and follow working-hours rules.
English B2
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow English at CEFR level B2, proven by an accepted qualification or test.
English level required
From 8 Jan 2026- New applicants
- B2
- Extending, visa before 8 Jan 2026
- B1
- Proof: UK school qualification, degree taught in English, or Secure English Language Test
- Non-UK degrees need Ecctis confirmation
- Nationals of some countries are exempt, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA
Official wording
English at CEFR level B2 (from 8 Jan 2026), proven by a UK school qualification, a degree taught in English (non-UK degrees need Ecctis confirmation) or a Secure English Language Test. Holders who had a Scale-up visa before 8 Jan 2026 and are extending need B1. Nationals of some countries (including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA) are exempt.
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