Scale-up Visa Cost in London 2026
How much a Scale-up visa costs in London in 2026. Government fees, attorney fees and total estimated cost.
Applying for a Scale-up visa in 2026? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Scale-up
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Scale-up application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | £937 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 | £1,035 per year of the visa. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£2,700 – £6,750 in London. Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Scale-up
- 1
Secure a job offer
From a Home Office-approved "scale-up" sponsor for a role at RQF Level 6+ meeting the salary requirement.
- 2
Get a Certificate of Sponsorship
Commit to working for that sponsor for a minimum of 6 months.
- 3
Apply online
Up to 3 months before starting; pay fees and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
After 6 months you can switch employer without further sponsorship for the remainder of the 2-year visa.
Typical processing time: Around 3 weeks outside the UK; 8 weeks inside the UK.
Documents you'll need
- Certificate of Sponsorship from a qualifying scale-up sponsor
- Valid passport
- Proof of English language ability
- Personal savings evidence (£1,270 for 28 days), if not certified by sponsor
- Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sponsor doesn't actually hold qualifying scale-up sponsor status
- Salary below the specific occupation code's going rate
- Changing employer within the mandatory first 6 months, breaching visa conditions
- Role/title inflated relative to actual duties, failing the genuineness test
Sources: gov.uk — Scale-up Worker visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £1,972 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £4,672 – £8,722 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £6,207 – £11,292 |
How to save money on your Scale-up
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £2,700–£6,750.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Scale-up cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Scale-up visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Scale-up visa in 2026 ranges from about £4,672 to £11,292, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Scale-up application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Scale-up visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Scale-up visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Scale-up visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Scale-up visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.