Other Work Visas

Other Work Visas

The UK government provides several immigration pathways for business founders, skilled workers, and cross-border employees. Each route is tailored to support innovation, economic growth, and international collaboration.

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is for individuals who wish to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. Your idea must be new, different from anything else on the market, and endorsed by an approved body. This visa is best suited for experienced entrepreneurs with a scalable and original business plan. It replaces and improves upon previous business visa routes, offering greater flexibility and long-term opportunities.

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Scale-up Worker Visa

The Scale-up Worker Visa allows fast-growing UK businesses to sponsor highly skilled individuals. To be eligible, applicants must have a high-skilled job offer from a registered UK scale-up company that meets salary and skill thresholds. After six months, visa holders can switch jobs without needing additional sponsorship, giving them career mobility and flexibility.

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Frontier Worker Permit

The Frontier Worker Permit is available to EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals who started working in the UK by 31 December 2020 but live primarily outside the country. This route allows eligible individuals to continue working in the UK without relocating permanently. Regular work history and cross-border activity are key criteria.

Apply here →

Start-up Visa (Now Closed)

The Start-up Visa is no longer accepting new applicants. It was previously aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs. Those looking to launch a business in the UK should now apply under the Innovator Founder Visa, which provides a more robust framework for long-term growth and innovation. If you want to set up a business in the UK you may be able to apply for an Innovator Founder visa.

See alternative routes →

Ready to Apply?

Each visa route has unique eligibility requirements and benefits. Before applying, carefully review the detailed guidance on the official UK government website.