Complete UK Innovator Founder Visa Guidance 2025 

Complete UK Innovator Founder Visa Guidance 2025 

Picture of Written by:  Liezel Comendador
Written by: Liezel Comendador

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UK Innovator Founder Visa Guidance 2025 

Table of Contents

What Is Innovator Founder Visa UK?

The UK Innovator Founder Visa, formerly in two Innovator types such as British Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1) or Start-Up, allows you to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business as a non-UK resident for up to 3 years, with a path to settlement (for you and your family). There are two types of application: 

  • Entirely ‘new’ business idea, yet to endorse 
  • ‘Same’ business idea, already endorsed 

Either way, you need to get an endorsement letter from a Home Office-approved authority first before you can proceed with the visa application and put your business ideas into practice.  

Need to Know! Points Based System

The Innovator Founder Visa is one of the visa routes that use the Points Based System (PBS). If you gain enough points, you will be granted the visa. This was introduced in 2021, post-Brexit, to align immigration with national interests by prioritising individuals who can positively contribute to the UK. 

Need to Know! Points Based System

What Are the Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa?

Here are some advantages you can enjoy when you hold a UK innovator founder visa: 

  • After 3 years, you can pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. 
  • There is no fixed minimum investment amount, just proof that you have sufficient funds for your business needs. 
  • You can bring your partner and children (under 18) to the UK, with the right to work and study. 
  • You can take on additional employment in skilled roles (RQF Level 3 or higher, like those on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list). 
  • You can undertake a course of study alongside running your business. 
  • Your family members can also undertake almost any type of work (employed or self-employed) and study. 
  • You can establish, operate, and fully manage your business without restrictions on business activities. 
  • You can work as a director or self-employed within your own enterprise. 
  • You have access to various incentives, tax reliefs, grants, and funding programs for innovative businesses. 
  • You also get access to the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for collaborations and funding. 
  • You can travel abroad and return to the UK.

What You Cannot Do with an Innovator Founder Visa

On the other hand, here are some restrictions you should know: 

  • You cannot apply for most ‘public funds.’ 
  • You cannot work as a professional sportsperson – for example, as a sports coach. 

Overview of Innovator Founder Visa Requirements

Initially, you need to meet the following: 

  • Be 18+ years old 
  • Have a business plan and an endorsement letter 
  • Have enough funds to support yourself 
  • Passing English language proficiency 
  • Passing general immigration requirements (history, criminal record) 

Read on for detailed information about the requirements, including points allocation. 

Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies Requirements

Securing endorsement is the very first step of your visa application. This comes in the form of an endorsement letter from an authorised UK endorsing body confirming your business idea is: 

• Innovative

New to the market, original, and different; you must be driving the innovation, not outsourcing it.   

• Viable

Realistic and achievable business plan with potential for growth, based on your resources and skills; must have a market for your product and affordable start-up costs. 

• Scalable

Potential for significant growth, job creation, and expansion into national and international markets with structured planning and researched projections. 

Only organisations authorised by the Home Office can provide endorsement. Currently, they include the following: 

  • Envestors Limited 
  • UK Endorsement Services 
  • Innovator International 
  • The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP – invitation only) 

These authorised bodies do not only provide initial endorsement but also monitor your business progress to ensure ongoing compliance. 

Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies Requirements

Innovator Founder Visa New Business Requirements

If your business idea is new, you need to get approval from the endorsing body first through the following: 

• New Idea

Present a business idea that has not been endorsed before (awarded 30 points); it is deemed innovative, viable, and scalable (awarded 20 points). 

• Funding Proof

Show you have enough funds and where they are coming from. 

• Your Contribution

Prove you have generated or significantly contributed to the ideas in the plan. 

• Day-to-Day Role

Show you will be actively involved in running the business.

• Contact Meetings

Agree to at least 2 regular check-in meetings with your endorsing body. 

• Founder Role

You must be the sole founder or a key member of the founding team.

You will get the endorsement letter if the endorsing body is satisfied that you meet the requirements above. 

Innovator Founder Visa Same Business Requirements

This option is available to applicants who are: 

  • extending their stay in the UK; or 
  • switching to the Innovator Founder visa whilst continuing a business that was already endorsed under a previous eligible visa (e.g., Start-up, Innovator, Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur). 

As you are continuing an endorsed business, you only need confirmation from the original endorsing body that your business is making progress and meeting its goals.  

The letter must confirm that you meet the following:  

• Previous Assessment

Your business was previously assessed by an endorsing body (current or ‘legacy’); you hold previous permission on a relevant visa route (awarded 10 points). 

• Contact Point Meetings (if applicable)

If you previously had Innovator Founder permission, you must have attended at least 2 regular contact point meetings with your endorsing body (or similar checkpoints with a legacy body) and agree to at least 2 more. 

• Active and Trading

Active and Tradingyour business is currently active, trading, and sustainable (awarded 20 points). 

• Companies House Registration

Your business is registered with Companies House, and you are listed as a director or member. 

• Progress on Business Plan

You have made significant progress against your original business plan. 

• Active Management

You are actively involved in the day-to-day management and development of the business (awarded 20 points). 

Note that if you were endorsed before 13 April 2023 by a ‘legacy’ body, your assessment can still be used. 

Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan Requirements

Refer to the ‘new business’ requirements above for more details. It’s the same criteria. You need to prove your: 

  • Significant contribution to the business plan 
  • Day to day active involvement in carrying out the plan 
  • Regular check-in meetings with endorsing body (at least 2) 
  • Founder role (or vital member) 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your business plan: 

  • You can get professional help to write the plan and detail how you meet the innovative, viable, and scalable criteria, but the core business ideas must be yours. 
  • You must intend to be fully involved in your business venture. 
  • Be aware that generic or AI-generated business plans are easily identified. 

Innovator Founder Visa Fees and Other Costs

Be prepared for several costs, including visa application fee, healthcare surcharge, endorsement fee, and contact point meeting fees. 

Application Fee (varies by location):

  • If outside the UK – £1,274 per person 
  • If inside the UK (to extend or switch) – £1,590 per person 

Healthcare Surcharge (paid as part of your application):

  • Adults – £1,035 per year of stay 
  • Children/Students – £776 per year of stay 

Endorsement Fee

£1,000 payable directly to the endorsing body when you apply for their endorsement 

Contact Point Meeting Fee

Generally £500 per meeting with your endorsing body; you need at least two during your 3-year leave 

Innovator Founder Visa English Proficiency Requirement

Take the ‘IELTS for UKVI’ for this. Here are the required scores for the B2 level: 

  • Listening – 5.5 
  • Speaking – 5.5 
  • Reading – 5.5 
  • Writing – 5.5

This earns you 10 points in total. You generally need to prove your English proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) unless you did so successfully in a previous UK visa application.  

Here are other ways to prove your English language knowledge:  

  • Pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) – from an approved provider. 
  • UK Education – have a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification (level 4 or 5), Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English from a UK school you started before age 18. 
  • English-Taught Degree – hold a degree-level academic qualification taught in English. If studied abroad, you need confirmation from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) that it is equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. 

Innovator Founder Visa Financial Requirement

You need to have held at least £1,270 in a cash bank account for 28 consecutive days. This financial proof is required when you: 

  • first apply for the Innovator Founder visa; 
  • apply to extend or switch to the Innovator Founder visa if you have been in the UK for less than a year. 

Meeting this £1,270 for 28-day requirement earns you 10 points (unless you have been lawfully in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of application).  

Here are other things to keep in mind: 

  • Investment accounts are not acceptable as financial proof. 
  • Your bank statement must be dated no more than 31 days before the date you pay for your visa application. 
  • The ‘date of application’ for the 31-day rule is the date you make the online payment. 
  • The Home Office uses the closing balance date on your bank statement, not necessarily the statement’s issue date, to determine the 28-day period. 
  • If you are a UK entry clearance applicant, you will need to show these funds held for the 28-day period before your application date. 

Innovator Founder Visa Compliance Conditions

When you get the Innovator Founder Visa, here are the conditions you need to agree and comply with: 

• 3-Year Stay

You can stay in the UK for 3 years if you enter on this visa or switch to it from within the UK. 

• Mandatory Endorsing Body Check-ins

You must meet with your endorsing body around the 12-month and 24-month marks to show progress with your business. 

• Visa Curtailment Risk

If your endorsing body withdraws their endorsement, your visa can be cut short. 

• Extension Requires New Endorsement

To stay longer than 3 years, you need to re-apply for the visa with a new endorsement before your current one expires. 

• Work in Your Business

You are expected to work for the business(es) you establish. 

• Skilled Secondary Employment Allowed

You can take on employment outside your business if it is in a skilled role (at least RQF Level 3). 

• Business Must Be Active and Trading

Whilst secondary employment is allowed, your business needs to be generating some revenue to qualify for extensions or ILR. Relying solely on your outside job will not be sufficient. 

• No Public Funds

You cannot claim most public benefits (e.g., Job Seeker’s Allowance).

• NHS Access Allowed

You can use the NHS as you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

• Government Business Grants

Generally permissible if they go directly to your company (not you personally). It is best to double-check in case of doubt. 

How to Apply for an Innovator Founder Visa Step-by Step

Simply put, it’s a two-step process: 

  1. Get your business plan approved by an authorised endorsing body. 
  2. Appy to the Home Office online for the visa.  

Visa application is always done online whether you are outside the UK, extending your current visa, or switching from another visa within the UK.  

Here are more details of the process, from start to waiting for Home Office decision: 

Step 1: Write Your Business Plan

Develop a thorough plan detailing your innovative, viable, and scalable business idea, market analysis, strategy, financials, and growth potential. This is crucial for endorsement and the Home Office. Quality business plan is the core of your endorsement application. 

Step 2: Secure Endorsement

  • Identify and research approved endorsing bodies relevant to your sector. Be sure to choose the right endorsing body in this step. You can attend their talks/webinars to understand their criteria and focus. 
  • Submit your business plan and required documents to your chosen body. 
  • Undergo their assessment process (initial review, detailed evaluation, potential interview/presentation). 
  • If successful, receive an endorsement letter, then you can proceed with your visa application. 

Step 3: Prepare Your Visa Application Documents

See above for more details. Generally, documents include: 

  • Endorsement letter 
  • Detailed business plan 
  • Evidence of sufficient investment funds 
  • Proof of English language proficiency 
  • Financial maintenance evidence 
  • Passport and previous UK immigration documents

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete the online form on the UK government portal, ensuring accuracy and consistency with your documents. Pay the visa application fee (£1,274 if outside UK; £1,590 inside the UK for switching). You can save your online application and finish it later. 

Step 5: Verify Your Identity

How your proof of identity is verified depends on your nationality and passport:  

  • ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ App: Scan your identity document and create/sign into your UKVI account. 
  • Visa Application Centre: Provide fingerprints and photo (biometric information). 

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Processing time is typically around 8 weeks but can vary. You may be able to pay for expedited decision or processing. You will receive notification of the next steps, such as setting up an eVisa. 

Are your expired Biometric Residence Permits still usable? Find out.  

How to Apply for Innovator Founder Visa from Outside the UK

It is the same process as above, but if your method of identity verification is visiting a Visa Application Centre, be aware that you might need to travel to the nearest centre, possibly in another country.  

The decision timeline is usually within 3 weeks after you have applied online, proved your identity, and provided documents.  

How to Apply for Innovator Founder Visa Extension

You can usually extend your innovator founder status if you still meet the eligibility requirements and are still running a business in the UK or want to start a new one. It s crucial to apply for the extension before your current visa ends. Here’s everything else you need to know:  

  • Your partner and children’s visas will not automatically extend with yours. They need to apply separately (either with you or before their current visa expires). 
  • You need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body again when you extend. 
  • You will need to pay a fee to extend your visa and demonstrate you can financially support yourself. 
  • You will need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo), but there’s no separate fee for this during an extension. 
  • There is no limit on how many times you can extend this visa. 

See more below for guidance on extending your dependants’ visa. 

How to Switch into the Innovator Founder Visa Category

You might be able to switch if you are already in the UK on a different visa. Like the visa extension, your dependant’s visas will not automatically switch with yours—they need to apply separately. Applying for the switch must also be done before your current visa ends. 

If you are on a Student Visa, you must have either completed your sponsored course or studied for a PhD for at least 24 months.  

If you have been in the UK for less than a year, you will also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself. 

When You Cannot Switch

You cannot switch if you have one of the following visas:  

  • Visit visa 
  • Short-term student visa 
  • Parent of a child student visa 
  • Seasonal worker visa 
  • Domestic worker in a private household visa 
  • Immigration bail 
  • Permission to stay outside the immigration rules (e.g., on compassionate grounds). 

How to Apply for an Innovator Founder Visa as Part of a Team

You do not have to be the only founder to be eligible for the Innovator Founder visa. You can be part of a founding team. Here’s what you need to know about applying for an Innovator Founder Visa in this situation: 

  • You need to be a crucial and significant member of that team. 
  • Each team member applying for the visa must receive their own, separate endorsement from an approved endorsing body. One endorsement for the entire team is not sufficient. 

How to Bring Your Family on the Innovator Founder Visa

You can bring your partner and children on the Innovator Founder Visa if they meet the requirements:  

  • Eligibility as Dependants 
    • Partner – Must be your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner you have lived with for at least 2 years, or in a committed relationship for 2 years even if not cohabiting. 
    • Child – Must be under 18 (or over 18 if they already have UK dependant permission). They must live with you (unless in full-time education) and not be married or in a civil partnership. 
  • Proving the Relationship 
    • You will need to provide evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, cohabitation proof, evidence of ongoing commitment if not living together). 
    • For children, you will need proof of their address (bank statement, bills, etc.). 
  • Financial Requirements 
    • In addition to your own £1,270, you need extra funds:  
      • £285 for your partner 
      • £315 for the first child 
      • £200 for each additional child 
    • This money needs to have been in your or their bank account for at least 28 days before applying (unless applying from inside the UK after being there for 1 year or more). 

How Dependants Apply from Outside the UK

  • Each dependant (partner and child) must apply online separately before traveling to the UK. 
  • They need your application number (GWF or UAN). 
  • They need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre. 
  • Decisions usually take around 3 weeks. 

How Dependants Apply from Inside the UK

This is for the purpose of extending or switching visas: 

  • Dependant’s current visa must be valid until its original expiry. 
  • They can apply to extend or switch at the same time as you or before their current visa expires. This includes children who turn 18 during your stay. 
  • They will need your application number (GWF or UAN). 
  • They need to provide biometric information at a UKVCAS service point. 
  • They must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man whilst their application is pending. 

Key Considerations:

  • Dependant visas usually expire on the same date as yours. 
  • Children born in the UK do not automatically become British citizens and need to apply for a dependant visa. 
  • Successful dependants will get an eVisa. 
  • They can work (with some exceptions), study, and travel. 
  • After 5 years in the UK, they may be eligible for permanent settlement. 
  • They cannot claim most public funds or the State Pension. 
  • Your Innovator Founder visa must be granted for their dependant visas to be approved. 

What Is the Timeline for the Innovator Founder Visa Process?

The timeline varies. If you are well-prepared (or pay for an expedited decision), the process can be faster. Here are the estimated timelines for each step: 

  • Initial business plan development – 1 to 3 months 
  • Securing endorsement – 4 to 8 weeks 
  • Preparing visa application – 2 to 4 weeks 
  • Biometric appointment – 1 to 2 weeks 
  • Visa processing outside the UK – around 3 weeks 
  • Visa processing inside the UK – around 8 weeks 

Key Considerations:

  • Once issued, the endorsement letter is usually valid for three months. You must use it within this timeframe. 
  • The Home Office stage has more standard timelines, but delays can occur. 
  • Applying for family members (dependants) can sometimes extend the processing time. 

What to Do If Your Innovator Founder Application is Refused

If your application is rejected, you will receive a refusal notification clearly stating the reasons. Your actions will depend on why your application was refused. There are two options in this case: 

  • If it is a new application, address the reasons for refusal and submit a fresh application. 
  • If the refusal was due to a Home Office procedural mistake, you may be able to challenge the decision. 

Innovator Founder specialists can review your case and advise on the best course of action. 

What Is the Validity Period for Innovator Founder Visa?

Your first Innovator Founder Visa is valid for 3 years. You can then apply to extend your visa for further periods of 3 years at a time.  

Each time you want to extend, you will need to secure a new endorsement. There is no limit on the total amount of time you can stay in the UK under the Innovator Founder category, as long as you continue to meet the requirements and get re-endorsed. 

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) after you have spent 3 years in the Innovator Founder Visa category. 

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) 28 days before completing 3 full years in the Innovator Founder visa category. Here are the criteria: 

  • You must have spent 3 years in the UK as an Innovator Founder. The qualifying 3-year period starts from when you were first granted entry clearance (even before your initial entry to the UK).  
  • You cannot have spent more than 180 days total outside the UK during those 3 years. Exceeding this breaks your ‘continuous residence’ and resets the 3-year clock. 
  • You must have sufficient knowledge of the English language and have passed the Life in the UK test. 
  • You must be physically present in the UK when you submit your ILR application. 

For the main Innovator Founder applicant, you also need to meet two of the following: 

  • At least £50,000 invested and actively spent on the business. 
  • Created at least 5 full-time jobs for settled employees with an average salary of at least £25,000 per year. 
  • Created at least 10 full-time jobs for resident employees (no average salary requirement). 
  • Customer base has at least doubled in the last 3 years and is higher than the mean for comparable UK businesses. 
  • Engaged in significant Research and Development and applied for UK intellectual property protection. 
  • Generated a minimum annual gross revenue of £1 million in the last full year. 
  • Generated a minimum annual gross revenue of £500,000 in the last full year, with at least £100,000 from exports. 

ILR Eligibility Criteria for Dependants

Spouse/Partner

  • Generally 5 years of continuous residence in the UK (often requiring a visa extension at the main applicant’s ILR point). 
  • Also subject to the 180-day absence rule over those 5 years. 
  • Needs to meet English language and Life in the UK test requirements (unless exempt). 

Child (Born Outside the UK)

  • Can usually apply for ILR once both parents have obtained ILR (typically after the spouse/partner also gets ILR). 

Child (Born in the UK)

  • May be eligible for ILR once one parent obtains ILR. 

What Happens If ILR is Refused

The Home Office may grant you and your dependants a further 3-year extension of your Innovator Founder visa if you do not meet the ILR requirements. 

Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies Requirements

What Are the Challenges in the Application Process?

To increase the chance of getting your visa approved, be aware of the challenges along the process and be one step ahead. Many applicants usually get stuck in any of these: 

Securing an Endorsement

Meeting the strict criteria of approved endorsing bodies (innovation, viability, scalability). It’s even more difficult as there are only a few endorsing bodies in the UK, each with specific focus areas. 

Demonstrating Sufficient Funds

Another challenge is to prove you have enough funds to start and sustain your business, as you need to provide complex financial documentation, especially for multiple or foreign sources. 

Adapting to the UK Market

Understanding UK consumer behavior, competition, and regulations, as well as mastering cultural and operational differences (legal, employment, business practices), can be truly challenging. 

Time and Resource Management

Some entrepreneurs also find it hard to balance business demands with visa administrative requirements.

Meeting Business Milestones

There is also the risk of losing endorsement if the business does not progress according to the plan.

Regular Reporting Requirements

It can also be challenging to provide accurate and up-to-date reporting to the endorsing body and Home Office. It’s worth noting that for every mandatory contact point meeting with the endorsing body, you pay £500 per meeting. 

Lack of Active Involvement

Your visa will be at risk if you are not actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business. 

Adapting to Regulatory Changes

The legal, tax, and immigration laws change from time to time. Not keeping up to date can be detrimental to your application. 

Read our UK Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules for 2025 to stay updated.  

How to Increase Your Innovator Visa UK Success Rate

  • Submit a detailed, well-researched plan demonstrating innovation, viability, and scalability. 
  • Double-check that all required documents are complete, accurate, and consistent. 
  • Clearly demonstrate sufficient funds for both business set-up and personal maintenance. 
  • Do not ignore the English language requirement. 
  • Use the expertise of business immigration solicitors and the resources of your chosen endorsing body. 

The pathway to entrepreneurship in the UK will always have challenges. With comprehensive Innovator Founder Visa guidance, the application becomes easier. Have a glimpse of our innovator founder visa examples at Legend Consults, about one of our clients’ successful applications in this category. 

How to Set Up Business in the UK as an Innovator Founder

Once you are successfully granted the Innovator Founder Visa, set your business up properly: 

1. Choose a Business Structure

Decide on the legal form (sole trader, partnership, or most commonly, a limited company for liability protection). 

2. Register with Companies House

If forming a limited company, register your business with Companies House. This involves choosing a name, providing business details, and registering directors/shareholders.  

3. Obtain Necessary Licences

Identify and secure any specific licences or permits required for your business operations (industry-specific, health & safety, environmental, etc.). 

4. Open a Business Bank Account

Set up a UK business bank account to manage company finances separately from personal funds. Banks will require proof of registration and your immigration status. 

5. Hire Employees (Only If Applicable)

  • Familiarise yourself with UK employment law (employee rights, contracts, wages, working conditions). 
  • Get a Sponsor Licence if you want to hire overseas employees; ensure all employees have the right to work in the UK. 
  • Provide written employment contract outlining terms and conditions. 
  • Register as an employer with the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)and set up a PAYE system to manage income tax and National Insurance contributions. 

6. Set Up Accounting and Taxation

  • VAT Registration – Register for VAT with HMRC if your turnover exceeds the threshold (£90,000 currently) or consider voluntary registration. 
  • Establish Accounting System – Implement a system for managing finances (invoicing, expenses, payroll), potentially using accounting software. 
  • Corporation Tax – Register for corporation tax with HMRC within three months of starting your business and submit annual accounts and tax returns. 
  • Consider hiring an accountant or financial advisor for tax guidance. 

How to Get Citizenship for You and Your Family

Getting your ILR does not mean you get automatic British citizenship. You must apply for it after you get an ILR by year 3. Usually, you are allowed to apply for permanent residency starting in year 5. As the main applicant, you need to meet the following criteria: 

  • You need to have lived in the UK for at least 5 years and prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before applying. 
  • You must hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which you become eligible for after 3 years on the Innovator Founder visa. 
  • Maximum of 450 days total outside the UK during the 5-year period (averaging 90 days per year is a good planning target). 
  • No more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months before your citizenship application. 

Partner's Route to Citizenship

  • Your partner typically needs to wait 5 years to get ILR (extending their dependant visa by year 3). 
  • After obtaining ILR, your partner needs to wait an additional year, totaling 6 years of UK residency before applying for citizenship. 

Child's Route to Citizenship

Child Born in the UK

They can apply for citizenship once you obtain ILR at year 3 through a registration process. 

Child Born Outside the UK

  • They can apply for ILR at year 5 when your partner becomes eligible. 
  • They can then apply for citizenship in year 6, but only if they are 18 or older. If under 18, they must wait until they turn 18. 

What Alternatives Are There for the Innovator Founder Visa?

If you do not qualify for the Innovator Founder visa, you might be eligible for other UK work visas. One popular route is self-sponsorship, where you can get a Skilled Worker or an Expansion Worker Visa and sponsor yourself to employment in your own business.  

Innovator Founder Visa vs Self-Sponsorship Route
  • For entrepreneurs with new, innovative, and scalable business ideas needing endorsement.
  • For owners of established businesses.
  • Offers flexibility in building the business and a direct path to settlement.
  • No endorsement needed, but requires meeting salary and job requirements as a self-sponsored employee.
  • The endorsement process can be challenging.
  • Simpler route regarding innovation but potentially less flexible initially.
  • Check out our guide to Self Sponsorship Visa. 

    Got More Questions? Talk to Our UK Immigration Law Expert

    If you have what it takes to start entrepreneurship in the UK as an Innovator Founder, get things started! At Legend Consults, we provide comprehensive Innovator Founder Visa guidance, from assessing your eligibility and helping you write your business plan to helping you set up your UK business once you are successfully granted the visa!  

    We are a team of UK immigration lawyers and specialists with a track record of helping many foreign entrepreneurs get into and succeed in the UK. Let’s see how we can help – contact us today! 

    To simplify the application, there is now only one Innovator route for foreign entrepreneurs, the Innovator Founder Visa, which replaced the Tier 1 (Innovator) and Start-Up visa routes in 2023—also the year the minimum investment requirement of £50,000 was abolished.  

    This route is for bold entrepreneurs with new business ideas, whether first-time or experienced founders. The key is to get endorsed by an approved UK body, and with the right support and due diligence, everything else will fall into place.  

    Here’s your ultimate Innovator Founder Visa guidance for 2025. For accurate UK immigration law advice, be sure to consult with an expert. 

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