UK Innovator Founder Visa

UK Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to establish an innovative, scalable, and viable business in the UK.

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs looking to establish an innovative, scalable, and viable business in the UK. Unlike the previous Innovator Visa, this route no longer requires a minimum investment of £50,000, making it more accessible to a wider range of entrepreneurs.

What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa?

The UK Innovator Founder Visa allows entrepreneurs to establish and run a business in the UK if they have:

  • An innovative, viable, and scalable business idea.
  • Endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body.
  • Credible investment or funding sources (no minimum threshold, but must be viable).

This visa replaces the previous Innovator and Start-up Visas and provides a faster route to settlement.

Who Can Apply for a UK Innovator Founder Visa?

To qualify for an Innovator Founder visa in the UK, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a new business idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable.
  • Obtain endorsement from a UK-approved endorsing body.
  • Have at least £1,270 in personal savings (not related to business funding).
  • Meet the English language requirement (B2 level).
  • Not have previously established a business in the UK under this visa (unless switching).

Your business must be:

  • New (not already trading in the UK).
  • Different from existing UK businesses.
  • Scalable with a credible growth plan.

Unlike the previous Innovator Visa, you no longer need to prove £50,000 in investment, but your business idea must have sufficient funding to be credible.

Endorsement for the UK Innovator Founder Visa

Who Can Endorse Your Business?

To apply, you must secure endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body. These organisations assess whether your business meets the criteria of being:

  1. Innovative – A unique business idea with no existing market saturation.
  2. Viable – A sustainable and realistic business model.
  3. Scalable – Potential for national and international growth.

Endorsing bodies typically expect:

  • A well-structured business plan.
  • Clear evidence of market research and competitive advantage.
  • Proof that you will play a leading role in developing the business.

After endorsement, you will receive a Letter of Endorsement, which is required for the visa application.

How Long Can You Stay on a UK Innovator Founder Visa?

What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Innovator Founder Visa

You can:

  • Start and run your business in the UK.
  • Work full-time in your business.
  • Work outside your business in limited roles (must still be primarily involved in your startup).
  • Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years.
  • Bring dependants (partner and children).

You cannot:

  • Work as a doctor, dentist, or professional sportsperson.
  • Apply for public funds or benefits.
  • Establish a business that does not meet the innovation, viability, and scalability requirements.

Required Documents for a UK Innovator Founder Visa

To apply, you should typically provide:

  • A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
  • Letter of Endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
  • Business plan and supporting documents.
  • Proof of personal savings (£1,270).
  • TB test certificate, if required for your country.
  • English language qualification (B2 CEFR level).

All documents must be in English or Welsh, or a certified translation must be provided.

How to Apply for a UK Innovator Founder Visa

Step 1: Secure Endorsement

  • Prepare a detailed business plan.
  • Apply to an approved endorsing body.
  • If approved, receive a Letter of Endorsement.

Step 2: Submit Your Visa Application

  • Apply through the official UK government website.
  • Upload required documents and financial proof.
  • Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

  • If eligible, use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
  • Otherwise, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 4: Await a Decision

  • Processing time: 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK).
  • If approved, you will receive a digital status or a visa vignette in your passport.

Once granted, you can move to the UK and start your business immediately.

UK Innovator Founder Visa Fees and Costs 

Visa Application Fee:

  • £1,191 (if applying from outside the UK).
  • £1,486 (if applying from inside the UK).

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

  • £1,035 per year (Total: £3,105 for 3 years).

Total Expected Cost:

  • £4,296 to £4,591 (visa fee + IHS).

How to Qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

You can apply for ILR after 3 years if you meet at least two of the following criteria:

  • Your business has created at least 10 full-time jobs for UK residents.
  • Your business has generated at least £1 million in revenue.
  • Your business has attracted at least £50,000 in investment.
  • Your business has shown substantial market growth (e.g., customer base has doubled).

After 12 months on ILR, you may apply for British citizenship.

Alternatives to the UK Innovator Founder Visa

The UK Innovator Founder Visa offers a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs, but securing an endorsement can be highly competitive. The bar for approval is set high, with endorsing bodies requiring clear evidence of an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. If you face challenges meeting these criteria, there are alternative routes to establish or expand your business in the UK.

UK Self-Sponsorship Visa (For New Businesses in the UK)

The UK Self-Sponsorship route allows entrepreneurs to start a business in the UK and sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker Visa. Unlike the Innovator Founder Visa, it:

  • Does not require endorsement from an endorsing body.
  • Does not require proof of business innovation.
  • Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years.

This option is viable for those who want greater control over their business and visa status.

UK Expansion Worker Visa (For Established Businesses Expanding to the UK)

If you already own or work for a business trading outside the UK, the UK Expansion Worker Visa allows you to set up a UK branch or subsidiary. This visa:

  • Requires your overseas business to have been trading for at least 3 years.
  • Allows up to 5 senior employees to enter the UK to expand the business.
  • Can switch into a Skilled Worker Visa route for long-term residency.

This visa can be a route to UK market entry for businesses already operating successfully outside the UK.

Which Option is Right for You?

  • If you're an entrepreneur without an existing overseas business, consider Self-Sponsorship.
  • The Expansion Worker Visa may be a better fit if you own a trading business outside the UK.
  • If your business is truly innovative, scalable, and meets endorsement criteria, the Innovator Founder Visa remains a strong option.

Our team can guide you through your options if you're unsure which route is best.

Start Your Business in the UK

Turn your innovative idea into a thriving UK business with expert support.

Further Reading

UK Business Residency: UK Self-Sponsorship and Expansion Worker Visas

A Guide to UK Business Residency. Leverage the UK Self-Sponsored and Expansion Worker Visas in 2025

UK Expansion Worker Visa - Global Business Mobility Visa

Secure a UK Global Business Mobility Visa with the UK Expansion Worker Visa Sub-Category

Self Sponsorship Visa UK

Mastering the UK Self Sponsorship Visa Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?

Your Guide to the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK: Meeting Eligibility and Navigating Compliance

UK Scale-Up Visa

Your Guide to the UK Scale-Up Visa

The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers

Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence

Choose the Right UK Immigration Consultancy for Your Business

Finding the Right Immigration Partner for Your Business Success

How Much Do UK Business Immigration Consultants Charge?

A Guide to Understanding UK Business Immigration Consultant Charges in 2025

UK Skilled Worker Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa: Navigate to Working in the UK

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"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

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"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

Smooth & Fast Service

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Damini Naidu

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Anbu Arasan

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

Smooth & Fast Service

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Anbu Arasan

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

Smooth & Fast Service

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Damini Naidu

I don't have words...

I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

Anbu Arasan

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah