The Start-up visa is for entrepreneurs who are seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time. This category was made to replace the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category.

You will need to have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea that has been assessed and supported by an approved endorsing body.

You may instead apply as part of an entrepreneurial team.

if you can show £50,000 of available investment funds for your business you can switch from Start-up to Innovator. However, you do not need any funds other than £945 as maintenance to enter the Start-up category.

The maximum period you can spend in the Start-up route is 2 years. If you have been initially granted a  Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa, this will count towards the 2 years. Once you have set up your business you may apply for the Innovator visa.

Those switching to the Start-up category in the UK will be Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Migrants, who will be recent graduates, Tier 2 Migrants, Tier 4 (General) Students and Visitors who are here as prospective entrepreneurs.