Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa replaced the Innovator and Start-Up visa routes in April 2023 and is designed for applicants experienced in their relative field, seeking to start a new & innovative business within the UK.

Under this route, applicants are required to demonstrate an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which is then reviewed and supported (endorsed) by one of 3 main, accessible endorsing bodies. Whilst there is no pre-defined minimum investment amount, applicants should have available at least £20,000 to invest in their business. Successful visa holders would be eligible for permanent residence: Indefinite Leave to Remain, in 3 years.

It is not a requirement to be the sole founder of your business and you may be a member of an innovator team. However, innovator team members are each required to satisfy all relevant criteria, particularly when looking at ILR at the end of the visa duration.

Applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsement body. For a new business, the endorsing body will decide if the business plan and required documentation meets the endorsement criteria of innovation, viability and scalability and is genuine and credible. If so, an endorsement letter will be issued to the applicant in support of their application to the Home Office.

Innovation – The applicant must have a genuine, original business plan that is in line with new or existing market needs and/or has a competitive advantage.

Viability – The applicant is actively developing or already has the required skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to run their business successfully.

Scalability – There needs to be evidence of structured planning and of job creation prospects as well as potential to grow into national markets.

The endorsing body must be satisfied that applicant will spend their entire working time in the UK on developing business ventures. Applicants must remain in contact with their endorsing body with checkpoints at 6, 12 and 24 months after approval of application, to allow the endorsing body to ensure that the migrant is continuously working on their business venture.

After migrants have been in the UK for 3 years, they can apply for permission to permanently settle in the UK – Indefinite Leave to Remain. Having lived in the UK with an Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months, migrants can apply for British Citizenship.

Updated – Sep 2024