What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a unique immigration route that allows ambitious entrepreneurs to establish and grow innovative businesses in the United Kingdom. It replaces the old “Innovator” and “Start-up” routes with a single, more flexible option. The visa is tailored for founders who can present a genuine, viable, and scalable business idea that contributes to the UK’s economic landscape.
Who is the Innovator Founder Visa designed for?
This visa is for experienced entrepreneurs, innovators, or business professionals who wish to create or expand a business in the UK. It suits individuals who have identified a market opportunity and can demonstrate the potential for long-term growth. Unlike traditional investment visas, this route focuses on creativity and entrepreneurial skill rather than simply financial capital.
What makes your business idea “innovative”?
To qualify, your business concept must be original – something that meets a new or underserved market demand. The Home Office expects that your product, service, or business model introduces something distinctive and forward-thinking. Incremental improvements or generic business ideas rarely qualify. Your proposal must show genuine innovation, backed by a clear strategy and realistic execution plan.
Do you need an endorsement to apply?
Yes. A critical requirement is obtaining an endorsement from an approved endorsing body before you apply. The endorsement confirms that your business meets the three essential pillars – innovation, viability, and scalability. Without this confirmation, your application will not proceed, regardless of your professional achievements or prior business experience.
Who can endorse your business proposal?
Only organisations approved by the Home Office can issue endorsements. These bodies are experienced in assessing business proposals and mentoring founders. They evaluate your plan’s originality, growth potential, and your personal capacity to deliver it. Applicants must maintain regular contact with their endorsing body throughout the visa duration to ensure continued progress.
How much investment funding is required?
Unlike previous routes, there is no fixed minimum investment threshold under the Innovator Founder Visa. However, you must show that your business has adequate funding to operate and achieve its goals. The amount needed varies depending on your business model, industry, and scale. What matters is that your financial projections are realistic and your resources are sufficient to support your plan.
What are the personal eligibility requirements?
Age requirement:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
English language proficiency:
You must demonstrate English language ability at a minimum of level B2 on the CEFR scale, equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This ensures you can effectively run your business and integrate into the UK’s professional environment.
Financial maintenance funds:
Applicants must prove they can support themselves upon arrival. As of October 2025, you must have held at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to applying. This requirement prevents financial dependence on public funds during the initial phase of settlement.
Can existing business owners or teams apply?
Yes, existing entrepreneurs can apply if they are launching a new venture or restructuring a previous one. Team applications are also possible, but each founder must receive their own endorsement and meet all eligibility criteria independently. Shared endorsements are not permitted.
What role must the applicant play in the business?
The applicant must be directly involved in the day-to-day operations and decision-making of the business. Passive investors or silent partners do not qualify. You should be an active founder responsible for strategy, management, and growth.
What type of businesses are most likely to qualify?
Industries that emphasise innovation – such as technology, renewable energy, biotechnology, fintech, and digital solutions – tend to perform strongly under this route. However, originality matters more than sector. Even traditional industries can qualify if your business introduces an inventive approach or process improvement.
Can dependants accompany the main applicant?
Yes. Your partner and children under 18 can join you in the UK as dependants. They will have access to work, education, and healthcare services. Each dependant must meet the financial maintenance requirements set by the Home Office.
How long is the visa valid, and can it lead to settlement?
The Innovator Founder Visa is granted for three years. You may extend it or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after this period, provided your business remains endorsed and you meet all settlement conditions. Continuous innovation, job creation, and business sustainability are key factors for ILR success.
What factors can lead to refusal of an application?
Applications may be refused if the business plan lacks originality, the applicant cannot prove active involvement, or financial and English requirements are not met. Failing to maintain endorsement contact or providing inconsistent information may also lead to rejection.
How can professional guidance increase your chances of success?
Given the complexity of business evaluation and Home Office expectations, professional advice is invaluable. Immigration experts can refine your business plan, ensure documentation accuracy, and align your application with the latest regulatory standards.
How LawSentis can help you navigate the Innovator Founder Visa process
LawSentis offers end-to-end support for entrepreneurs aiming to secure the Innovator Founder Visa. Our experienced advisors assist in preparing strong business plans, obtaining endorsements, and guiding you through every stage of the application. From idea validation to settlement strategy, we ensure your entrepreneurial journey in the UK begins on solid ground.
Whether you’re launching a visionary start-up or expanding internationally, LawSentis provides the expertise and precision your application deserves. Contact us today to discuss your business goals and start your path toward UK innovation success.
Top 10 FAQs About the UK Innovator Founder Visa (2025)
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
It’s a UK visa for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. It replaced the old Innovator and Start-up visas and doesn’t require a fixed investment amount.
Do I need a business idea before applying?
Yes. You must have a unique, innovative, and scalable business concept approved by an endorsing body.
Is there a minimum investment requirement?
No fixed amount, but you must show enough funds to start and run your business effectively.
What are the English language requirements?
You need at least a B2 level in English (IELTS 5.5 equivalent) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Do I need an endorsement?
Yes. An approved UK endorsing body must confirm that your business is innovative, viable, and scalable.
Can I work outside my business?
Yes, you can. Innovator Founder visa holders are permitted to take on secondary employment outside of their endorsed business, provided the role is at a skill level of RQF Level 3 (A-Level equivalent) or above. This is a key feature of the new route.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your partner and children under 18 can join you as dependants and can work or study in the UK.
How long can I stay?
The visa is valid for three years. You can extend it or apply for settlement after that if you meet the requirements.
Why are applications refused?
Common reasons include weak business ideas, missing endorsements, or not meeting financial or language criteria.
Can I get permanent residence (ILR)?
Yes, after three years if your business remains endorsed and meets the Home Office’s success criteria.