Business visa

Innovator Founder Visa: The Complete Guide

The Innovator Founder visa is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved body as innovative, viable and scalable. There is no minimum investment set in the rules.

Who can apply

An endorsement from an approved endorsing body for your business
A genuine, original business plan that meets the innovation criteria
English at CEFR level B2 and maintenance funds

Endorsement and check-ins

Your endorsing body assesses your business at the start and reviews your progress at set contact points during the visa. Meeting the endorsement and business criteria is what unlocks settlement after three years.

Always check the official rules

This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice, and the rules change. Confirm the current requirements on the official Innovator Founder page on GOV.UK or speak to a qualified immigration adviser before applying.

At a glance

Sponsor needed: No, but you need an endorsing body
Business: Must be new, innovative, viable and scalable
Typical length: 3 years per grant
Leads to settlement: Yes, after 3 years
English level: B2 (upper intermediate)

Innovator Founder Visa: The Complete Guide

Who can apply

Endorsement and check-ins

At a glance

Tools for this route

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