Overview

You can apply for a Start-up visa if:

• you want to set up an innovative business in the UK - it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market

• you meet the other eligibility requirements

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Eligibility

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

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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

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What you can and cannot do

With a Start-up visa you can:

• work in another job, as well as working for your business

• travel abroad and return to the UK

• bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You can also switch to this visa from some other visa categories.

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

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Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you need to provide an ‘endorsement letter’ to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business.

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You’ll also need to provide:

• a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

• bank statements showing you’ve had savings in your bank accoun

• proof that you meet the English language requirement

• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test