Overview
The Innovator Founder visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. You must have a business idea that is original and different from anything currently on the market. Your business plan must be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body before you apply. This visa allows you to manage your business full-time and also pursue additional skilled employment or study.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and have a business idea that has been assessed as innovative, viable, and scalable by an approved endorsing body. You must demonstrate sufficient personal maintenance funds (£1,270 held for 28 days, unless exempt) and meet the B2 English language requirement. You must also be a genuine applicant intending to play a key role in the day-to-day management of the business.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Develop your business plan
Create a detailed business plan that proves your idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.
- 2
Step 2: Obtain endorsement
Apply to a Home Office-approved endorsing body to have your business idea evaluated and receive an endorsement letter.
- 3
Step 3: Prepare financial evidence
Ensure you have the required personal maintenance funds in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.
- 4
Step 4: Submit online application
Complete the online visa application form, pay the visa fee, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 5
Step 5: Biometric appointment
Book and attend an appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Required documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body (dated within 3 months)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of personal maintenance funds
- TB test results (if applicable)
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
You may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years of continuous residence in the UK on this visa, provided you meet all settlement requirements, including endorsement of your business progress.
Family options
Your partner and children can apply to join you as dependants. They must submit their own applications and meet the relevant requirements.
Language notes
You must prove your knowledge of English to at least level B2 (CEFR). You may be exempt if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have an academic qualification taught in English equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree.
After arrival
Once in the UK, you must focus on developing your business, attend mandatory checkpoint meetings with your endorsing body at 12 and 24 months, and maintain compliance with your visa conditions.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to prove the business is 'innovative' or 'different' from existing market offerings
- Insufficient evidence of personal maintenance funds
- Missing the 12-month or 24-month checkpoint meetings with the endorsing body
- Applying with a business that has already started trading (unless joining as a key team member)
FAQs about Innovator Founder visa
Who is the Innovator Founder visa for?+
Entrepreneurs with a new, original business idea that is different from anything else on the market and has been endorsed by an approved UK body.
What are the eligibility requirements for Innovator Founder visa?+
To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and have a business idea that has been assessed as innovative, viable, and scalable by an approved endorsing body. You must demonstrate sufficient personal maintenance funds (£1,270 held for 28 days, unless exempt) and meet the B2 English language requirement. You must also be a genuine applicant intending to play a key role in the day-to-day management of the business.
How much does the Innovator Founder visa cost?+
Typical fees listed for Innovator Founder visa: Visa fee: £1,357 (outside UK) or £1,693 (inside UK). Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year. Endorsement fee: Typically £1,000 (varies by body).. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Innovator Founder visa processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Typically 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK..
How long can I stay on the Innovator Founder visa?+
Up to 3 years; leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (PR) after 3 years.
Can I work on the Innovator Founder visa?+
You can work for your own business (as a director or self-employed) and take on additional skilled work at RQF Level 3 or above. Spouses and children can join as dependants.
Does Innovator Founder visa lead to permanent residence in United Kingdom?+
You may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years of continuous residence in the UK on this visa, provided you meet all settlement requirements, including endorsement of your business progress.
What are common mistakes with Innovator Founder visa?+
Failing to prove the business is 'innovative' or 'different' from existing market offerings Insufficient evidence of personal maintenance funds Missing the 12-month or 24-month checkpoint meetings with the endorsing body