The innovator founder visa was introduced in April 2023 for non-UK residents seeking to establish a business in the UK. This visa category is the ultimate choice for foreign entrepreneurs, replacing both the Innovator route and Start-up visa.
The innovator founder visa incorporates the most appealing aspects of its predecessor routes, including:
- No minimum investment requirement of £50,000
- Reduced 'check in' requirement with endorsing body – only two, instead of three under the start-up rules
- Permitted secondary employment under certain conditions.
- Path to UK settlement – time spent in the UK under this route can contribute towards fulfilling the residence requirement for indefinite leave to remain.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, the business must receive endorsement by demonstrating that it is based on an innovative, viable, and scalable idea that the applicant has either generated or significantly contributed to. The innovator founder route allows successful applicants to come to the UK to put their business plans into practice.
Only organisations authorised by the Home Office can provide the required endorsement. These organisations, as listed on the Home Office website, are:
- Envestors Limited
- UK Endorsing Services
- Innovator International
- The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)
The previous Innovator route endorsing bodies, known as legacy endorsing bodies, can continue to endorse applicants who entered the Innovator visa scheme before 13 April 2023. However, they will only endorse applicants for the same business idea used in a previous application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Innovator Founder Visa Cost?
How much you pay for an application depends on where you apply from. It costs £1,191 per person if you apply outside the UK. It costs £1,486 per person if you apply to extend or switch your visa in the UK.
Does this visa route lead to settlement?
Innovator founders are initially granted permission to live and work in the UK for a maximum period of 3 years, at which stage, provided you meet the relevant requirements, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, otherwise known as settlement.
Can I bring dependents?
Your immediate relatives can also accompany you or follow on and join you in the UK under a dependant visa. This includes your partner and any dependent children. As dependants, your family members will be permitted to undertake any type of work during their stay, including self-employment and voluntary work, except as a sportsperson or coach. They can also pursue any studies.
Why Choose UK Visas?
Our individual visas services provide a comprehensive range of services to private individuals and their families. Our immigration and visa application experts will take the time to understand your requirements before recommending the most appropriate service to meet your needs.
