Scale-up sponsor licence
Sponsor skilled workers for a fast-growing business. Built for companies demonstrating at least 20% annual growth and scaling rapidly.
- 20%
- Annual growth required
- 10+
- Employees at the start of the growth period
- 8 weeks
- Standard processing time
- £611
- Licence fee — small or charity sponsor
What makes the Scale-up licence different
Designed specifically for fast-growing companies, with flexibility the standard routes do not offer.
For high-growth businesses
Exclusively for companies demonstrating at least 20% annual growth in employment or turnover for 3 consecutive years.
Greater worker flexibility
After 6 months, sponsored workers gain flexibility to work for other employers while maintaining their visa, unlike traditional sponsor routes.
Streamlined process
Scale-up sponsors often benefit from faster processing and fewer bureaucratic hurdles due to the nature of qualifying businesses.
Growth criteria
You must demonstrate rapid business growth over 3 consecutive years.
20% annual growth
Average annualised growth of at least 20% in either employment or turnover over the previous 3 years.
10+ employees
You must have had at least 10 employees at the start of the 3-year growth period.
Verification required
Growth must be verified by an endorsing body — for example Companies House data, audited accounts, or endorsement from a recognised body.
Company requirements
UK registered
Must be a genuine UK-registered business operating lawfully.
Trading and operational
Must be actively trading and able to demonstrate genuine need for skilled workers.
HR and compliance systems
Must have robust HR systems in place to monitor sponsored workers and maintain compliance records.
No immigration breaches
Clean record with no serious breaches of immigration rules or employment law.
Job requirements
RQF Level 6 (graduate)
Jobs must be at RQF Level 6 (bachelor's degree level) or above — higher than the Skilled Worker route.
Minimum salary £36,300
Annual salary of at least £36,300 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
Genuine vacancy
The role must be genuine, necessary for the business, and appropriately skilled.
Key personnel
Authorising Officer
Senior person — director or senior manager — responsible for sponsor licence compliance.
Key Contact
Day-to-day contact for Home Office liaison on sponsorship matters.
Level 1 User (optional)
Additional staff member who can issue Certificates of Sponsorship.
Application process
- 1
Verify growth eligibility
Gather evidence of 20%+ annualised growth over 3 years — accounts, employee records, endorsement.
- 2
Prepare documentation
Compile company registration, HR policies, compliance systems and key personnel details.
- 3
Submit online application
Complete the application via the UK Visas and Immigration online portal with all supporting documents.
- 48 weeks
Home Office decision
Wait 8 weeks for a decision. Approval grants a licence valid for 4 years, renewable.
- 1
Verify growth eligibility
Gather evidence of 20%+ annualised growth over 3 years — accounts, employee records, endorsement.
- 2
Prepare documentation
Compile company registration, HR policies, compliance systems and key personnel details.
- 3
Submit online application
Complete the application via the UK Visas and Immigration online portal with all supporting documents.
- 48 weeks
Home Office decision
Wait 8 weeks for a decision. Approval grants a licence valid for 4 years, renewable.
Licence fees
A one-off application fee — the licence is valid for 4 years.
- Small or charity sponsor
- £611
- Medium or large sponsor
- £1,682
- Certificate of Sponsorship, per worker
- £525
- Immigration Skills Charge, per worker
- £480–£1,320 / year
- Priority processing
- £500
Which sponsor size applies to you
Benefits for your business
Attract top global talent
Access the global talent pool to fill critical high-skilled roles. The Scale-up route appeals to professionals seeking flexibility and career growth.
Worker flexibility advantage
Sponsored workers gain job flexibility after 6 months, making your roles more attractive. They can explore other opportunities while staying with you part-time.
Recognition as a high-growth business
Being a Scale-up sponsor demonstrates your company's growth trajectory, which can help with investors and clients.
Pathway to settlement
Workers on a Scale-up visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years, encouraging long-term commitment to your business.
You can hold more than one licence type at the same time, so a Scale-up licence does not prevent you from also sponsoring under the Skilled Worker route.
Related
Other routes worth checking
Skilled Worker sponsor licence
The main route for employers recruiting skilled workers from overseas.
Read moreGlobal Business Mobility
Five routes for multinational employers transferring existing staff to the UK.
Read moreTemporary Worker routes
Short-term sponsorship for creative, charity, seasonal and exchange workers.
Read moreReady when you are
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