United Kingdom - Innovator Founder Visa Business Migration

United Kingdom - Innovator Founder Visa Business Migration

United Kingdom’s Innovator Founder visa is the primary route for non‑UK entrepreneurs to launch and scale innovative businesses in Britain. The route replaced the Innovator and Start‑up visas in 2023 and targets founders with ideas that are innovative, viable, and scalable. Applicants must obtain an endorsement from a Home Office‑approved endorsing body, demonstrating a credible business plan, market advantage, and the founder’s day‑to‑day role in building the venture.

Unlike previous schemes, there is no fixed minimum investment, but you must show realistic funding to deliver the plan. Core requirements include English at CEFR B2, maintenance funds, clean criminal record, and TB screening where applicable. The endorsement letter is time‑limited and entails check‑ins (typically at 12 and 24 months) to evidence progress against milestones.

Visas are granted for up to three years, with options to extend or obtain indefinite leave to remain after three years if the business meets Home Office scaling criteria (e.g., revenue growth, job creation, IP/R&D, customer traction). Spouses/partners and dependent children can accompany you, and you may take additional skilled employment (RQF 3+) alongside running the business. Typical steps: refine the proposition, prepare a pitch deck and financial model, secure endorsement, submit the online application, pay the healthcare surcharge, attend biometrics, and relocate to execute your UK market strategy.