Yes, as long as you have the right to live and work in the UK. Being on a visa doesn't rule you out. What matters is that your visa or immigration status gives you that right, and that you can show it.
What you'll need to show
- Your visa, or other paperwork that proves your right to live and work in the UK.
- It must be valid, and it must allow you to be self-employed or run your own business.
Your advisor will tell you exactly which documents to upload. See What documents do I need?.
Your visa can limit the loan term
Your loan must be fully repaid at least six months before your visa expires. The time left on your visa therefore caps how long you can borrow over. For example, if your visa has four years left, the longest term you could choose is three and a half years.
This doesn't apply if you have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Everything else is the same
The other criteria are the same for everyone: you need to be 18 or over, live in the UK, and run a UK business that is pre-launch or has been trading for up to 60 months. See Start Up Loan eligibility: am I eligible?.
Check in 60 seconds
Our eligibility check takes 60 seconds and doesn't involve a credit search. If you're not sure your visa qualifies, call us on 0800 870 8739.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026