Entrepreneurs
Eligibility
This page explains the requirements you must meet to be accepted into the entrepreneur category (Tier 1 Entrepreneur) of our points-based system to work in business in the United Kingdom.
On this page
Full details of all requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraphs 245H-N of part 6a and Appendix A which you can find on the right of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
What points you have to score to apply as an entrepreneur
To apply under our points-based system and be accepted into the entrepreneur category, you must pass a points-based assessment.
You must score:
- 75 points for your attributes which are different depending on whether you make an initial or extension application; and
- 10 points for English language; and
- 10 points for available maintenance (funds).
If you do not score a minimum of 75 points for your attributes and 10 points for English language and 10 points for available maintenance (funds), your application will be refused.
Use the points based calculator to calculate how many points you have and whether you are eligible to work in the United Kingdom as an entrepreneur under the points-based system.
How the points differ for first time applications and extension applications
The requirements that you must meet in order to be awarded points differ depending on whether you are:
- applying to enter the entrepreneur category for the first time (initial applications) ; or
- applying to extend your existing permission to stay in this category (extension applications).
You should read all the information in this section before you apply. You must pay the correct fee with your application, and send the correct supporting evidence to support your application. If you make an application and it is unsuccessful because you do not meet the requirements, we will not refund your fee. You should read the section on costs for details.
If you meet the requirements in this section, read the section on initial applications for information on how to apply.
If you are in the United Kingdom now under a different immigration category, read the section on initial applications as you can only switch into this category in certain circumstances.