UK Share Plans: EMI updates for 2026 — Is Your Business Ready?

1 May 2026 | Alasdair Friend

Following the 2025 Budget, significant changes to Enterprise Management Incentive (“EMI”) options have now come into effect, expanding both the scope and lifespan of EMI share-option schemes.

As of 6 April 2026, more companies now qualify to grant EMI options, the EMI share pool has doubled, and the lifespan of EMI options has been extended to up to 15 years. These are the most substantial changes to the EMI regime in some years and represent a meaningful opportunity for eligible businesses to reward and retain key talent on more favourable terms.

Read our updated guide to see whether your business can take advantage of the expanded EMI regime.

If you would like to understand whether your business qualifies under the expanded criteria, or how these changes affect existing or planned EMI arrangements, please refer to our guide on Tax Advantaged Share Schemes, EMI, which has been updated to reflect the current position.

For further information, contact Abbiss Cadres LLP on +44 (0) 203 051 5711 or email us at info@abbisscadres.com

Disclaimer

Content is for general information purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be comprehensive and it does not constitute or contain legal or other advice. If you require assistance in relation to any issue please seek specific advice relevant to your particular circumstances. In particular, no responsibility shall be accepted by the authors or by Abbiss Cadres LLP for any losses occasioned by reliance on any content appearing on or accessible from this article. For further legal information click here.

The author

Alasdair Friend
Alasdair Friend
Partner
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • International Assignments
F: +44 (0) 203 051 5712

Also by Alasdair Friend