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Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is a UK immigration route introduced in April 2023 for non-UK residents looking to establish a business in the UK. This visa replaces both the Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa, offering a streamlined pathway for foreign entrepreneurs.

Key Benefits

The Innovator Founder Visa incorporates the most attractive aspects of its predecessor routes, including:
✅ No minimum investment requirement (£50,000 investment is no longer mandatory).
✅ Reduced endorsing body check-ins (only two required instead of three under the Start-up Visa).
✅ Permitted secondary employment (under certain conditions).
✅ Path to UK settlement (time spent in the UK under this visa counts toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Have a business idea endorsed by an authorised UK endorsing body.
  • Demonstrate that the business is innovative, viable, and scalable.
  • Have generated or significantly contributed to the business concept.
  • Meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B2 in speaking and listening).
  • Show sufficient personal funds (£1,270 in savings for at least 28 days before applying).

Approved Endorsing Bodies

Only Home Office-authorised organisations can provide the required endorsement. These include:

  • Envestors Limited
  • UK Endorsing Services
  • Innovator International
  • The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)

Legacy endorsing bodies (previously part of the Innovator Visa scheme) can still endorse applicants who entered the Innovator Visa before 13 April 2023, but only for the same business idea used in their previous application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Innovator Founder Visa cost?

  • £1,191 per person (if applying from outside the UK).
  • £1,486 per person (if extending or switching within the UK).

Does this visa lead to settlement?

Yes. Innovator founders are granted permission to live and work in the UK for up to 3 years. After this period, provided they meet the relevant requirements, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Can I bring dependents?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can accompany or join you in the UK under a Dependant Visa. They can:

  • Work in any sector, including self-employment and voluntary work (except as a sportsperson or coach).
  • Pursue any studies while in the UK.

Why Choose UK Visas?

At UK Visas, we provide expert guidance to entrepreneurs, ensuring a smooth, stress-free visa application process. Our specialists take the time to understand your business goals and recommend the best solutions for a successful UK expansion.

  • I can honestly say everyone that I deal with at UK Visas are very efficient, super helpful and informative and extremely nice (especially Ana and Garima). Also patient with all my questions – nothing is ever too much trouble, and very prompt with their responses.

    Jackie Thompson
    HR Assistant
  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for almost 10 years now, and the support and advice never fails. From the sponsorship of new employees to training for the whole team, UK Visas are always extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend their services!

    Helena Wittenbach
    Head of Human Resources,
  • Having worked with UK Visas for more than eight years, I cannot recommend their services enough. We have worked with them on a wide variety of immigration topics, including complex licence matters (following acquisitions), day to day sponsorship processes, and reporting; and we have always received an amazing service.

    Members of the team are responsive and come back to our queries quickly, they are always polite, and go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. Thank you to all of the team for the wonderful ongoing support you provide!

    Amy Gadsby
    Director, Human Resources - EMEA
  • We have worked with UK Visas for a number of years and the service that is provided is excellent.

    No query is too big or too small. Always accommodating and helpful. Thank you team!

    Louise Goddard
    Executive Business Partner to CEO and the Board
  • We have worked with UK Visas for over 10 years, since we initially requested obtaining a Sponsor Licence. From day one, their guidance, communication, professionalism, efficiency and support has been and continues to be exemplary, with no request too much.

    Thank you and we look forward to continuing the relationship.

    Sara Searle
    Head of Human Resources and Payroll
  • I’ve worked with UK Visas for over 6 years and always find them helpful, friendly and experts in what they do. I know I can always call them up or send them an email and I will get a detailed response, fast. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone to help and support with your visa journeys.

    Gerry Weiss
    HR Business Partner
  • We have been using UK Visas for many years and service is always expeditious, even as number of requests have increased in recent years. The team advise on a wide range of queries and are always supportive, informative and clear in their advice.

    Jodie Plom
    HR Administrator CVS Vets
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