Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa UK

If you’re working in the UK on a Scale-Up visa, you might be thinking about bringing your loved ones to join you. The Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa UK makes that possible. Whether it’s your partner or children, this visa gives them the chance to live, work and study in the UK while you build your future.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through who can apply, what you need to prove, and how to get everything sorted without the stress.

What Is a Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa?

The Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa is designed for family members of people already in the UK on a Scale-Up visa. It gives partners and children the legal right to join the main visa holder and live in the UK.

Once granted, the dependant visa allows them to:

• Work in most roles
• Study at school or university
• Use the NHS
• Apply for permanent settlement later

Importantly, the dependant’s visa is tied to the Scale-Up worker visa holder’s status. As long as the main visa remains valid, the dependant can remain in the UK too. There’s no need for separate job sponsorship for the dependant.

Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

To apply as a dependant, the relationship with the Scale-Up visa holder must fall into one of the categories below.

Eligible Relationships

• Spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried partner, as long as you’ve lived together for at least two years in a genuine relationship
• Children under 18
• Children over 18, but only in specific cases (for example, if they’re already in the UK as dependants and remain part of the household)

Proof You’ll Need

To show your relationship is real and ongoing, you’ll need documents such as:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Joint tenancy agreements, bills, or bank statements (for unmarried couples)
• Birth certificates for children
• Any other documents showing you live together and share a household

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is quite strict about evidence, so it’s worth checking that your documents are up to date and clearly linked to the main visa holder.

Scale-Up Dependant Visa Requirements

The requirements are fairly straightforward, but accuracy matters. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Proof of your relationship to the Scale-Up visa holder
• The visa holder’s BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or visa reference number
• Financial evidence to show you can support yourselves, unless exempt
• A TB (tuberculosis) test certificate, if you’re applying from a country where it’s required

Unlike the main visa applicant, dependants don’t need to meet the English language requirement unless they apply later for permanent settlement.

How to Apply for the Scale-Up Dependant Visa

Application Process

• The whole application is done online. Here’s a step-by-step outline:
• Fill out the online form via the UK government visa portal
• Upload your documents as required
• Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Attend a biometric appointment (or use the ID Check app, if eligible)
• Wait for a decision most are made within a few weeks

Supporting Documents Checklist

Make sure you have the following ready:

• Valid passport
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, joint tenancy, etc.)
• Financial evidence (bank statements or sponsor letter if your employer is covering costs)
• TB test certificate (if applicable)
• Main visa holder’s BRP or visa details

Costs and Processing Time

Applying for a Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa isn’t free, so it helps to plan your budget ahead of time.

Visa Fees (as of 2025)

• £880 per applicant (may be updated in future)
• Immigration Health Surcharge:
  • £1,035 per year per adult
  • £776 per year per child under 18

This fee gives you access to NHS healthcare in the UK, so there’s no extra charge for doctor visits, hospital stays, or prescriptions in most cases.

Processing Time

• Standard decision time: 3 to 8 weeks
• Priority service (if available): 5 working days or faster, at an extra cost

What Can a Scale-Up Dependant Do in the UK?

Once your family is granted the visa, they’ll have a lot of freedom to live their lives in the UK.

Allowed:

• Work in most types of jobs, including full-time and part-time roles
• Start their own business
• Study at any level
• Use the NHS (once the IHS is paid)

Not Allowed:

• Claim public funds or benefits like Universal Credit
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
• Apply for student finance (unless they later settle)

The visa comes with plenty of flexibility, especially for partners who want to work or study independently while supporting the main applicant.

Can Dependants Apply from Inside the UK?

Yes, but only in certain situations.

If your partner or child is already in the UK on a different visa (other than a visit visa), they might be able to switch to the dependant visa from within the country.

However, you cannot switch if:

• You’re currently in the UK on a visit visa
• You have no legal immigration status

Make sure all application requirements are met before applying to avoid delays or refusals.

Pathway to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

Dependants on this visa also have the chance to settle permanently in the UK if they meet the criteria.

Requirements for ILR (after 5 years):

• You must have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years
• Time must align with the main visa holder’s continuous residence
• You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period
• You must pass the Life in the UK Test
• You may also need to meet an English language requirement (at settlement stage)

Once ILR is granted, your family can live in the UK permanently. After holding ILR for 12 months, they may also be eligible for British citizenship.

FAQs About the Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa UK

Can dependants of Scale-Up visa holders work in the UK?

Yes. Partners and adult children on this visa can take on most types of work.

Can I bring my partner to the UK if I’m on a Scale-Up visa?

Yes. As long as you can prove a qualifying relationship and meet the requirements, your partner can join you.

Is there a financial requirement for dependants?

Yes. You may need to show that you can support your family unless you’ve been in the UK for over 12 months or your employer has confirmed they’ll cover maintenance.

How long does the dependant visa last?

The visa is valid for the same length of time as the main Scale-Up Worker visa. So if your visa is for two years, your family’s visa will also be for two years.

Can dependants extend or switch their visa in the UK?

Yes. They can usually extend their visa if they remain eligible. They may also be able to switch from another visa type, depending on their current status.

The Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa UK is a great way to keep families together while building a life in the UK. It gives your partner and children the right to join you, work, study, and take steps toward permanent settlement.

As long as you provide the right documents and meet the requirements, your application can be smooth and successful. Bringing your loved ones over doesn’t have to be stressful when you’ve got the right support behind you.

Need Help Applying for a Scale-Up Worker Dependant Visa?

We at solicitors in Manchester, offer free legal advice to help you get started and avoid mistakes that can slow things down. Whether you’re applying for the first time or need help with a refusal, we’re here for you.

Call us now on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment for friendly, reliable help from a legal team.