Scale-up Worker Visa UK 2025

The Scale-up Worker Visa UK is a golden opportunity for talented professionals overseas who want to work for some of the UK’s most ambitious and fast-growing companies. If you’ve landed a job offer from a scale-up business in the UK, this visa could be your pathway to a rewarding career and long-term future here.

With more flexibility than traditional work visas, it allows skilled individuals to not only work in the UK but also progress towards permanent residency. This guide explains everything you need to know about the Scale-up Worker Visa in 2025 from eligibility and application steps to benefits and key differences from the Skilled Worker route.

What Is the Scale-up Worker Visa UK?

Launched in 2022, the Scale-up Worker Visa UK was designed to help high-growth United Kingdom companies attract global talent without being tied down by excessive red tape.

It’s part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and is aimed at individuals who’ve been offered a high-skilled job by a company that meets the government’s definition of a “scale-up.”

The visa offers a faster and more flexible route into the UK compared to traditional work visas. Most importantly, after just six months, you’re no longer tied to your original employer, giving you freedom to change jobs or even become self-employed.

Who Is Eligible for the Scale-up Visa UK?

To qualify for the Scale-up Worker Visa, you’ll need to tick a few key boxes:

• You must have a genuine job offer from a registered scale-up company in the UK.
• The role must be at RQF Level 6 or above, which is equivalent to graduate-level roles.
• You need to meet the salary threshold (we’ll cover that shortly).
• Your English should be at least CEFR level B1 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
• You may need to provide a criminal record certificate, especially if you’re working with vulnerable people or in specific regulated roles.

What Counts as a Scale-up Business?

Not every company can sponsor a Scale-up Worker Visa. The UK Home Office has clear criteria to define a scale-up business.

A company must:

• Have grown by at least 20% in either revenue or staff count year on year over a three year period.
• Have had at least 10 employees at the start of that three year window.
• Be officially listed as a scale-up sponsor with the UK Home Office.

The idea behind this is simple: to help companies that are growing rapidly to attract skilled workers and keep that momentum going.

Scale-up Worker Visa UK Requirements

To apply for the Scale-up Worker Visa, you’ll need to meet several requirements. Let’s break them down.

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

This is an electronic document issued by your UK employer. It contains details about your job offer, including your salary, job description, and confirmation that the role meets visa standards.

Salary Requirement

In 2025, the minimum salary you need to be offered is:

• £36,300 per year

Some jobs may have different salary benchmarks, so it’s worth checking if your role is subject to an occupation-specific rate.

English Language

You must prove that you can speak, read, write, and understand English to a reasonable level. Most applicants meet this requirement by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT), although certain nationalities or qualifications may exempt you.

Tuberculosis Test

If you’re applying from a country where TB testing is required, you’ll need to provide a certificate to confirm you’re clear.

No Need for Maintenance Funds

If your employer is sponsoring you, you don’t need to show personal savings to support yourself in the UK. That’s one less thing to worry about.

How to Apply for a Scale-up Worker Visa UK

Application Process

Here’s how the application usually works:

• Get your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer.
• Apply online via the UK Home Office website.
• Upload your documents and proof of English ability.
• Attend a biometrics appointment, either at a visa application centre or through an app.

You can apply from either outside the UK or switch from another visa inside the UK, such as a Student or Graduate visa.

Required Documents

• Current passport or travel ID
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) number
• Proof of English language level
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
• Criminal record certificate (for certain roles)

Visa Fees and Processing Times

The application fee for the Scale-up Worker Visa is often lower than the Skilled Worker Visa. On top of that, you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to NHS healthcare.

As for the timeline:

• Standard applications usually take around 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK.
• Priority and Super Priority services may be available at an additional cost if you need a quicker decision.

How Long Does the Scale-up Visa Last?

Initially, you’ll be granted a 2 year visa.

For the first 6 months, you must work for your sponsoring employer. After that, you’re free to:

• Change jobs without needing a new sponsor
• Work in any sector or role
• Become self-employed or freelance

This level of flexibility is a major draw for many applicants.

Benefits of the UK Scale-up Visa

There are quite a few perks that make this visa stand out:

• You’re not tied to your employer after 6 months
• You can take up any job or start your own business
• Your family can join you, and they’ll have full rights to work or study
• There’s a clear path to settlement, with the visa counting towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Differences Between Scale-up Visa and Skilled Worker Visa

Feature	Scale-up Visa	Skilled Worker Visa
Sponsorship	First 6 months only	Required for full stay
Flexibility	Can change jobs freely	Must stay with sponsor
ILR Path	Yes	Yes
Salary Threshold	Higher	Lower
Self-employment	Allowed	Not allowed

Both visas have their strengths, but if you value freedom and flexibility, the Scale-up route could be more suitable.

Can You Bring Dependants on the Scale-up Visa?

Yes, you can.

Your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and any children under 18 can apply as dependants.

Each family member needs to submit a separate application. You’ll need to show:

• Proof of your relationship
• Evidence that you can support them financially

Once in the UK, your dependants can work or study without restriction.

Pathway to ILR and British Citizenship

Time spent on the Scale-up Visa counts towards permanent residency.

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years, provided you meet the residency and English language criteria, and you’ve not spent long periods outside the UK.

After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible for British citizenship, which gives you the full rights of a UK national.

FAQs – Scale-up Worker Visa UK (2025)

What is a scale-up company in the UK?

It’s a business that has grown by 20% or more in staff count or turnover over three years and had at least 10 employees at the start of that period.

Is the UK Scale-up Visa better than the Skilled Worker Visa?

It depends on your needs. The Scale-up Visa offers more freedom after six months, but it does have a higher salary requirement.

Can I switch jobs on a Scale-up Visa?

Yes, once you’ve completed six months with your sponsor, you can switch employers without applying for a new visa.

How long does it take to get a Scale-up Visa UK?

Most decisions are made within 3 weeks, but faster processing options may be available.

Can I apply for permanent residency on this visa?

Yes. After five continuous years, you can apply for ILR, and then for citizenship a year later.

The Scale-up Worker Visa UK is one of the most attractive visa options for skilled professionals in 2025. It provides a route to meaningful employment in high-growth companies, flexibility to switch roles or become self-employed, and a long-term future in the UK.

If you’ve been offered a job with a scale-up sponsor, this visa gives you the freedom to build your life and career in Britain with fewer hurdles.

Not sure if you or your employer qualify for the Scale-up Worker Visa UK?

We offer free legal advice at solicitors in Manchester to help you understand your options and make the process as smooth as possible. Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment to speak with an immigration solicitor.