--- title: "United Kingdom Scale-up Worker 2026: income £39.1k+/yr needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/scale-up-worker/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- United Kingdom · Work # United Kingdom Scale-up Worker **Income needed:** £39k+ a year ≈ $52k Scale-up Worker visa First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Income needed:** £39k+ a year ≈ $52k (Income of at least GBP 39,100 a year (≈ $51,700) · Minimum salary; the occupation going rate applies if higher. Savings of at least GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680) · Personal savings to support yourself on arrival, unless exempt or the employer covers the first month. A fee of GBP 937 (≈ $1,240) · Application fee per person; healthcare surcharge (usually GBP 1,035 per year) is extra.) - **First stay:** 2 yrs (2 years; extendable any number of times by 3 years while eligibility continues; settlement possible after 5 years.) - **Who can apply:** Most passports (Non-British, non-Irish nationals needing permission.) - **Work:** Yes (Work in the sponsored job for at least 6 months, then change or leave the job, self-employment, additional work, study and voluntary work are allowed.) - **Spouse work:** Can work (Partner and children can apply as dependants. Your spouse or partner may work in the United Kingdom without a separate permit.) - **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime: Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025.) ## Key facts Scale-up Worker is a work route for United Kingdom. Applicants need income of £39k+ a year ≈ $52k. You can stay 2 yrs, renewable. You can work locally. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Money needed:** £39k+ a year ≈ $52k - **Government fees:** £937 ≈ $1,240 - **Processing:** 21–56 days - **First stay:** 2 yrs ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fee £937 ≈ $1,240; income to show £39k+/yr ≈ $52k; decision: 21–56 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: £937 ≈ $1,240** - GBP 937 (≈ $1,240) Application fee per person; healthcare surcharge (usually GBP 1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year) is extra. **Shown, not spent: £39k+/yr ≈ $52k · £1,270+ ≈ $1,680** - GBP 39,100 a year (≈ $51,700) Minimum salary; the occupation going rate applies if higher. - GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680) Personal savings to support yourself on arrival, unless exempt or the employer covers the first month. **Renewal: Renewable** Extend as many times as you like, by 3 years each time, while you still meet the requirements. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa) **Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence** After 5 years you may be able to apply for settlement. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa) **Citizenship: After 6 years of residence** British citizenship needs 5 years living in the UK and then 12 months with settled status, so about 6 years on this route (no 12-month wait if married to a British citizen), with no more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain) **Processing: 21–56 days** Decisions usually come within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa) **Where to apply: Abroad or in-country** Apply online from outside the UK, or from inside the UK to extend or switch from another visa. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Needs a job offer from an employer in United Kingdom - Not open to passports from Ireland ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - A confirmed job offer of at least 6 months with an approved scale-up business holding a sponsor licence. - The job is on the list of eligible occupations. - English at CEFR level B2, or B1 for those extending a visa held before 8 January 2026. #### What you must show - Minimum salary of GBP39,100 (≈ $51,700) a year or the occupation going rate, whichever is higher. - Personal savings of GBP1,270 (≈ $1,680) unless exempt or the employer covers the first month. - Application fee: GBP937 (≈ $1,240) per person. - Healthcare surcharge, usually GBP1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year. #### Documents - A certificate of sponsorship. - English is proved by a degree, qualification or approved test, unless exempt by nationality. ## When you become tax resident How United Kingdom decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **2 years at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** Statutory Residence Test. - **Foreign-source income:** **New-resident relief (4 years)** Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025. - **Special regime:** **Four-year Foreign Income and Gains regime** · Tax relief [All tax rules for United Kingdom](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Sponsored visa for an eligible job with an approved fast-growing UK scale-up business. After the first 6 months in the sponsored job the holder can change or leave the job without telling the Home Office and can be self-employed. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) #### What you must show and pay - Income of at least GBP 39,100 a year (≈ $51,700) · Minimum salary; the occupation going rate applies if higher. (source 2) - Savings of at least GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680) · Personal savings to support yourself on arrival, unless exempt or the employer covers the first month. (source 4) - A fee of GBP 937 (≈ $1,240) · Application fee per person; healthcare surcharge (usually GBP 1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year) is extra. (source 4) #### Requirements - A confirmed job offer of at least 6 months with an approved scale-up business holding a sponsor licence. (source 1) - The job is on the list of eligible occupations. (sources 1, 2) - English at CEFR level B2, or B1 for those extending a visa held before 8 January 2026. (source 3) - Minimum salary of GBP39,100 (≈ $51,700) a year or the occupation going rate, whichever is higher. (sources 2, 4) - Personal savings of GBP1,270 (≈ $1,680) unless exempt or the employer covers the first month. (sources 2, 4) - Application fee: GBP937 (≈ $1,240) per person. (sources 2, 4) - Healthcare surcharge, usually GBP1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year. (sources 2, 4) - A certificate of sponsorship. (source 1) - English is proved by a degree, qualification or approved test, unless exempt by nationality. (source 3) #### Stay - 2 years; extendable any number of times by 3 years while eligibility continues; settlement possible after 5 years. - Initial permitted stay: 24 months. - Visa validity: 24 months. Validity is the window to use the visa, not the length you may stay. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Nationality Non-British, non-Irish nationals needing permission. Not open to: United Kingdom, Ireland. #### Work Work in the sponsored job for at least 6 months, then change or leave the job, self-employment, additional work, study and voluntary work are allowed. #### Family Partner and children can apply as dependants. Your spouse or partner may work in the United Kingdom without a separate permit. Checked 2026-10-11 ## Official sources 1. [Scale-up Worker visa](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Scale-up Worker visa: your job](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/your-job) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Scale-up Worker visa: knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Scale-up Worker visa: how much it costs](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Scale-up Worker visa: your partner and children](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-12 6. [Apply for citizenship if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11 ## Scale-up Worker and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Scale-up Worker | Needs income of £39k+ a year ≈ $52k | 2 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Health and Care Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/health-care-worker/) | Needs income of £25k+ a year ≈ $33k | 5 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Senior or Specialist Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/senior-specialist-worker/) | Needs income of £53k+ a year ≈ $69k | 5 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Skilled Worker](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/skilled-worker/) | Needs income from £33k a year ≈ $44k | 5 yr, renewable | – | | [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/eu-blue-card/) Portugal | Needs income from €1,726 a month ≈ $1,930 | 2 yr, renewable | Limited | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Scale-up Worker? Income of at least GBP 39,100 a year (≈ $51,700). Minimum salary; the occupation going rate applies if higher. Savings of at least GBP 1,270 (≈ $1,680). Personal savings to support yourself on arrival, unless exempt or the employer covers the first month. A fee of GBP 937 (≈ $1,240). Application fee per person; healthcare surcharge (usually GBP 1,035 (≈ $1,370) per year) is extra. ### How long can I stay on the Scale-up Worker? 2 years; extendable any number of times by 3 years while eligibility continues; settlement possible after 5 years. ### How long does the Scale-up Worker take to process? Decisions usually come within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. ### Can I work on the Scale-up Worker? Yes. Work in the sponsored job for at least 6 months, then change or leave the job, self-employment, additional work, study and voluntary work are allowed. ### Can I bring my family on the Scale-up Worker? Partner and children can apply as dependants. ### Who can apply for the Scale-up Worker? Non-British, non-Irish nationals needing permission. Not open to: United Kingdom, Ireland. ### Does the Scale-up Worker lead to permanent residence in United Kingdom? Time on the Scale-up Worker counts toward permanent residence in United Kingdom, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Scale-up Worker counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 6 years of residence. ### Is there a tax break for Scale-up Worker holders in United Kingdom? Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime: Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Four-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/#tax-gb-fig-new-resident) Tax relief Foreign-source income: New-resident relief (4 years) **Details** - Who: UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test Qualifying new UK residents can claim relief on eligible foreign income and gains for their first four tax years of UK residence after at least ten years of non-UK residence; regime replaced the remittance basis on 6 April 2025. #### Taxed on Claimed eligible foreign income and gains arising in the first four UK tax-resident years after at least ten years’ non-UK residence. Examples include foreign trade conducted wholly outside the UK, overseas property-business profits, non-UK dividends and foreign interest. Foreign employment earnings and specified employment income are outside FIG. #### Who it applies to - UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test. - Within the first 4 years of UK tax residence after at least 10 years as non-UK resident. - Claim made annually; unused years do not roll over; temporary years abroad are skipped. - If the 4 years began before 6 April 2025, claims are available from 2025 to 2026 to the last year of the period. #### Exclusions - UK-source income stays taxable. - Foreign earnings and foreign specific employment income are not eligible, though Overseas Workday Relief may apply. - A claim loses Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax tax-free allowances, Marriage Allowance, Married Couples Allowance and Blind Person's Allowance. #### Tax residence Qualifying resident means UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test and within the first four years of UK residence after at least a 10-year period as non-UK tax resident. #### Visas Immigration permission does not qualify anyone; eligibility is tax residence only. #### Other taxes National Insurance, VAT, payroll, UK-source income, treaties and home-country taxes are outside the claim. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/) ## More in United Kingdom [Global Talent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/global-talent/) [High Potential Individual](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/high-potential-individual/) [India Young Professionals visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/india-young-professionals/) [Youth Mobility Scheme](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/youth-mobility-scheme/) [Innovator Founder](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/innovator-founder/) [UK Expansion Worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/uk-expansion-worker/) [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/student-visa/) [British citizenship by descent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/citizenship-by-descent/) ## Work visas elsewhere [🇪🇸 EU Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇪 IT sector permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/it-residence-permit/) [🇮🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇷 Large-company director permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-executive-b3/) [🇩🇪 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/eu-blue-card/) [🇫🇷 Talent · Company officer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/talent-corporate-officer/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Scale-up Worker visa](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Scale-up Worker visa: your job](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/your-job) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Scale-up Worker visa: knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Scale-up Worker visa: how much it costs](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Scale-up Worker visa: your partner and children](https://www.gov.uk/scale-up-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-12 6. [Apply for citizenship if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain) · GOV.UK (Home Office) · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.