UK Innovator Visa vs Scale-up Visa: Which is Right for You?

Introduction

The UK offers two main visa routes for entrepreneurs: the Innovator Visa and the Scale-up Visa (introduced in 2022). Understanding the differences is crucial for choosing the right path for your circumstances.

Innovator Visa Overview

Key Features

• For entrepreneurs starting or running an innovative business
• Requires endorsement from approved body
• Minimum investment: £50,000
• Initial visa: 3 years
• Path to settlement after 3 years

Ideal For

• Founders starting new businesses
• Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas
• Those who want to be their own boss
• Businesses that may start small but have scaling potential

Scale-up Visa Overview

Key Features

• For employees of fast-growing UK companies
• Requires job offer from qualifying scale-up
• Minimum salary: £33,000 (or going rate for role)
• Initial visa: 2 years
• Can work for other employers after 6 months
• Path to settlement after 5 years

Ideal For

• Talented professionals joining fast-growing companies
• Those who prefer employment over entrepreneurship
• Senior roles in scaling businesses
• Those seeking flexible work arrangements

Financial Considerations

Innovator Visa Costs

• Visa application fee: £1,191
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £624/year
• Endorsement fee: £500-£2,000
• Business investment: £50,000 minimum
• Legal and professional fees: £2,000-£5,000

Scale-up Visa Costs

• Visa application fee: £719
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £624/year
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: paid by employer
• Legal fees: £500-£2,000

Path to Permanent Residence

Innovator Visa

Can apply for ILR after 3 years if you meet at least 2 of 7 criteria:

• £50,000 invested and actively spent
• Created 10+ jobs
• Created 5+ jobs with average salary of £25,000+
• Significant revenue growth
• Developed intellectual property
• Significant expansion
• Secured investment or grant funding

Scale-up Visa

Can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence meeting income requirements.

Making Your Decision

Choose Innovator Visa if you:

• Have an innovative business idea
• Want to be your own boss
• Have access to £50,000+ investment
• Prefer faster path to settlement
• Are comfortable with entrepreneurial risk

Choose Scale-up Visa if you:

• Have a job offer from a fast-growing UK company
• Prefer stability of employment
• Want flexibility to change employers
• Don’t have significant capital to invest
• Value work-life balance over entrepreneurship

Conclusion

Both visa routes offer excellent opportunities to live and work in the UK. Your choice depends on your personal circumstances, career goals, risk tolerance, and available resources.

Need personalized guidance? Use TorlyAI’s visa assessment tool to determine which route is best suited for your situation.