UK SCALE-UP VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The UK Scale-up Visa is designed for talented individuals from Switzerland (Swiss citizens and non-Swiss citizens) recruited by UK Scale-up Sponsors, who possess the skills essential for the growth of Scale-up businesses. Scale-up Visa applicants from Switzerland need a highly-skilled job offer from a qualifying Scale-up business with a competitive salary.

The Scale-Up route provides a pathway to UK settlement. Applicants can be joined or accompanied by a partner and dependent children.

UK Scale-up Visa Application Routes

1. Sponsored Application: First-time Scale-up Visa applicants residing in Switzerland must apply via the Sponsored route.

2. Unsponsored Application: Available for those previously granted permission as a Scale-up Worker.

Requirements for a UK Scale-up Visa – Sponsored Application from Switzerland

To qualify for a Scale-up Visa via a Sponsored Application submitted in Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration by meeting the following criteria:

• Age: Be 18 or over.

• Sponsorship: Possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a qualifying UK Scale-up sponsor.

• Job Offer: The job offer must be genuine and at the appropriate skill level (SOC 2020 occupation codes listed in Table 2 or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations).

• Salary Requirement: Salary must be at least £36,300 per year and meet the ‘going rate’ for the occupation.

• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language proficiency (CEFR Level B1 or IELTS 4.0).

• Financial Sufficiency: Have sufficient funds to support yourself without public funds.

Requirements for a UK Scale-up Visa – Unsponsored Application

For an Unsponsored Scale-up Visa Application, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• Age: Be 18 or over.

• Previous Permission: Have previously been granted permission as a Scale-up Worker.

• Earnings Threshold: Have monthly PAYE earnings in the UK meeting the specified thresholds for at least 50% of your most recent permission period.

• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language proficiency (CEFR Level B1 or IELTS 4.0).

• Financial Sufficiency: Have sufficient funds to support yourself without public funds.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Requirement for Swiss (and non-Swiss) Residents of Switzerland

For a Sponsored Application for a Scale-up Visa, Swiss citizens and individuals of other nationalities living in Switzerland need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an authorised UK Scale-up Sponsor. Sponsors can register via:

1. Standard Pathway: Assessed by the Home Office based on employment and turnover growth (20% annualised growth over 3 years with at least 10 employees at the start).

2. Endorsing Body Pathway: For employers with insufficient HMRC history but potential to qualify in the next 4 years, confirmed by an approved endorsing body.

General CoS Requirements for Citizens of Switzerland and Others

Regardless of the pathway, your sponsor must be A-rated on the Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors and can issue a CoS for jobs listed in Table 2 or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, with a salary meeting the £36,300 per year threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the job.

UK Scale-up Visa Genuine Job Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

Individuals from Switzerland (Swiss citizens and non-Swiss citizens) who wish to apply for a UK Scale-up Visa must prove the job is genuine. The Home Office will refuse applications if the job appears fabricated, a sham, or created just to obtain a visa. Also, they will ensure you are not filling a position with a third party who is not the sponsor.

UK Scale-up Visa Job Skill Level Requirement for Persons Residing in Switzerland

Both Swiss passport holders and holders of other passports must demonstrate that the job is at or above the required skill level, typically verified by its listing in Table 2 or Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations. The Home Office will evaluate if the chosen SOC 2020 occupation code is appropriate.

UK Scale-up Visa Salary Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

Residents of Switzerland applying for a UK Scale-up Visa must have job offer with a salary of at least £36,300 per year and the ‘going rate’ for the occupation, based on guaranteed basic gross pay up to 48 hours per week.

UK Earnings Requirement for Unsponsored Application

You must have had monthly PAYE earnings equivalent to at least £36,300 per year during at least 50% of your most recent grant period. Periods of statutory leave will count towards this threshold.

Genuine Earnings Requirement

Your PAYE earnings must be genuine. The Home Office will refuse applications with fabricated or inflated earnings.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

Scale-up Visa applicants from Switzerland must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 (intermediate) in all four components. This can be proven by:

• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

• Passing a Secure English Language Test.

• Holding a degree taught in English.

• Having a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English from a UK school.

• Meeting the requirement in a previous successful application.

Financial Requirement for Scale-up Visa Applications from Switzerland

Applicants for a Scale-up Visa in Switzerland need cash funds of at least £1,270, held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date. Exemptions apply if the sponsor confirms maintenance support or if the applicant has been in the UK with permission for over 12 months.

Scale-up Immigration Skills Charge

Scale-up Sponsors are not required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge.

Switching into the UK Scale-up Worker Route

Swiss citizens (and citizens of other countries) already in the UK can switch into the Scale-up route from other immigration categories, except certain ones like Visitor, Short-term student, and others.

Duration of a UK Scale-up Visa

• Sponsored Application: Granted for 2 years, after which you can apply for an unsponsored extension.

• Unsponsored Application: Granted for 3 years.

Conditions of Stay

• Sponsored Application: You must work for your sponsor for 6 months before having the freedom to change jobs or work independently.

• Unsponsored Application: Full work rights from the start, including employment, self-employment, and voluntary work.

Settlement as a Scale-up Worker

To qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, Swiss nationals (and nationals of other countries) must:

• Spend 5 continuous years in the UK with valid leave.

• Be in employment with a salary of at least £36,300 per year on the date of application.

• Have had PAYE earnings of at least £36,300 per year for 24 months in the last 3 years.

• Meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement.

Dependants

Scale-up Visa holders can bring a dependent partner over 18 and dependent children under 18.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our business immigration lawyers assist talented individuals and UK employers with UK Scale-up Visa applications, ensuring compliance and achieving immigration goals.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland. Our dedicated UK immigration lawyers provide personalised support and expert advice to residents of Switzerland throughout the entire UK visa application process.

For professional assistance and expert advice on a UK Scale-up Visa application from Switzerland, contact our British visa specialists in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.