Guide
Recruit international talent with Scale-Up Visa
How to sponsor skilled workers on the Scale-Up Visa route for high-growth businesses.
Retail & Consumer Goods
UK-wide
The Scale-Up Visa is an immigration route designed for fast-growing UK businesses. It allows you to sponsor skilled workers from overseas with more flexibility than the standard Skilled Worker visa.
Scale-Up Visa requirements
Key differences from Skilled Worker Visa
| Feature | Scale-Up Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Employer tie-in | 2 years only | Duration of visa |
| Switching sponsor | Free after 2 years | Requires new sponsorship |
| Employer requirements | 20% growth, 10+ employees | Any licensed sponsor |
| Settlement path | 5 years | 5 years |
How to become a Scale-Up sponsor
- Check you meet the growth criteria (20%+ over 3 years, 10+ start employees)
- Apply for a sponsor licence with Scale-Up route
- Pay the licence fee and submit supporting documents
- Wait for approval (typically 8 weeks)
- Issue Certificates of Sponsorship to workers you want to hire