Seed enterprise investment scheme ― scheme criteria

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
Produced by a Tolley Owner-Managed Businesses expert
Owner-Managed Businesses
Guidance

Seed enterprise investment scheme ― scheme criteria

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
Produced by a Tolley Owner-Managed Businesses expert
Owner-Managed Businesses
Guidance
imgtext

The seed enterprise investment scheme (SEIS), like the enterprise investment scheme (EIS), is designed to encourage individuals to invest money in shares issued by qualifying unquoted companies, although it is specifically aimed at very small companies which have only recently begun to carry on a qualifying trade, see the Seed enterprise investment scheme (SEIS) ― introduction guidance note. This guidance note summarises the criteria which need to be met in order to be eligible for SEIS; details of the application process and how to apply for advance assurance that the scheme meets the criteria can be found in the Seed enterprise investment scheme (SEIS) ― introduction guidance note.

HMRC’s guidance is at VCM30000 onwards.

Scheme criteria

To be eligible for relief, the scheme imposes conditions for the investor and the company, and has a number of general requirements.

These apply to two particular periods in relation to the incorporation of the company and the issue of shares. These are referred to in the legislation as periods A and B.

Period A runs from

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  • 03 Sep 2026 08:40

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