EMI just got bigger!

Get ready now.

Plan with clarity: Get your share structure, documents and grants ready ahead of April.
Increased tax efficiency: EMI thresholds allow you to grant significantly more tax-efficient options than other schemes.
More efficient reward spend: EMI gains are taxed at capital gains rates so you can deliver more value for less.

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EMI EXPANSION

EMI has expanded!

6 April 2026

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01.

The headcount threshold has doubled. You can now qualify with up to 500 employees.

02.

Your company can have up to £120m in gross assets and still meet EMI criteria.

03.

You can grant more options than before. The company limit has increased to £6m.

04.

Your team will have up to 15 years to exercise, giving employees far more time to realise value.

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EMI eligibility expands from April 2026. Get ready now and skip the rush.

How Vestd shaped the conversation on employee ownership

Autumn Budget 2025: What changed for UK businesses?

We break down the key changes in the 2025 Autumn Budget that affect share schemes – including expanded eligibility for EMI, new liquidity frameworks, and shifts in investment limits. We explain what’s changed and why it matters. Read more.

EMI schemes in 2026 - what larger businesses need to know

EMI schemes in 2026: what larger businesses need to know

From April 2026, the rules around EMI are changing, bringing larger companies into scope. This post explains what’s changing, who it affects, and the key considerations for larger businesses reviewing EMI for the first time — or revisiting it after previously being ineligible. Read more.

Moving from CSOP to EMI - When it does (and doesn’t) make sense

Moving from CSOP to EMI: When it does (and doesn’t) make sense

With expanded EMI eligibility, some companies are reconsidering whether EMI is a better fit than CSOP. This post outlines the key differences between the two schemes and explains what’s involved in moving from CSOP to EMI, including when a switch does (and doesn’t) make sense. Read more.

EMI - Could eligibility changes reshape your growth plans

EMI: Could eligibility changes reshape your growth plans?

Larger companies now have access to a scheme they previously couldn’t use. This post explores how those changes could influence hiring, retention, and long-term growth planning for UK businesses. Read more. Read more.

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Companies House synchronisation, FCA regulation, plus ISO and B Corp accreditation.

Launch share schemes quickly; get the valuation you need, all docs and support.

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Configure vesting schedules and conditions to suit your business needs.

Offboarding

Replace messy spreadsheets with a 100% accurate digital cap table.

Efficiency

Automate shareholder admin and personalise comms.

Clarity

Built with growing UK businesses front of mind.

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Step 1.

Book a demo and explore how equity can fuel your growth journey.

Step 2.

Launch a share scheme, digitise ownership, or model funding rounds with ease.

Step 3.

Enjoy as Vestd automates makes ongoing admin and compliance far easier!

FAQs

What is the EMI scheme?
Why has the EMI scheme been expanded?
What are the key changes to the EMI eligibility criteria?
From 6 April 2026, the main changes include:
- Employee limit increase: from 250 to 500.
- Gross assets limit increase: from £30 million to £120 million.
- Company‑wide option pool: the total value of unexercised EMI options increases from £3 million to £6 million.
- Option life (exercise period): extended from 10 to 15 years.
- EMI grant notifications to HMRC will no longer be required from April 2027.
These expansions widen the range of companies that can qualify.
Are the changes retroactive for existing EMI options?
When do the new EMI rules take effect?
What makes Vestd different from other platforms?
Can I move my existing share scheme onto Vestd?
Does Vestd provide valuations as part of its service?
Do I need lawyers or accountants to use Vestd?
Who uses Vestd?
How much does Vestd cost?

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