Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa Service
The Innovator Founder Visa is a UK immigration route designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish and scale an innovative business in the United Kingdom. It has replaced both the Innovator Visa and the Start-up Visa. Prior to these, the UK offered the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa, which was closed in 2019.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a bold idea that can disrupt the UK market, the Innovator Founder Visa could be your gateway to permanent residency—and eventually, British citizenship. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process: eligibility, endorsement, requirements, timeline, restrictions, and how LawSentis can help you build your future in the UK.
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is for foreign nationals looking to launch or continue running an innovative business in the UK. Your idea must be unique, viable, and scalable. Unlike traditional business visas, this route is designed to bring high-impact entrepreneurs to the UK—those whose businesses offer something new to the market and have strong potential to grow nationally or internationally.
This route replaced the previous Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa and is now the single main pathway for founders seeking to build innovative companies in the UK.
Key Features of the Innovator Founder Visa (2025)
- No minimum investment requirement
- No need to be a sole founder—you can apply with co-founders
- Access to settlement (ILR) after just 3 years
- Eligibility for British citizenship after 5 years
- Flexibility to work in your business and take on secondary jobs (subject to conditions)
Who can apply?
You can apply for the Innovator Founder Visa if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have a genuine, innovative business idea
- Have a business endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body
- Can prove your role in the business is crucial and hands-on
- Any existing UK connections (family, business, or property).
- Meet the English language requirement (currently B2 level)
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK (at least £1,270)
- Can prove the idea is new, viable, and scalable
- Have a clean criminal and immigration history
Endorsement requirement
Before applying, you must get an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body. These bodies evaluate your business proposal based on:
- Innovation – Is your idea unique and not already present in the UK market?
- Viability – Can the business realistically operate, with potential for success?
- Scalability – Is there a plan to expand the business, hire UK-based employees, or grow internationally?
Your endorsing body will issue an endorsement letter, valid for 3 months, which must be included in your visa application.
Eligible endorsing bodies (2025)
The UK Home Office regularly updates the list of recognised endorsing bodies. Common examples include:
- Envestors
- Innovator International
- UK Endorsement Services
- Seedcamp
- Tech Nation (when available)
Note: Check current Home Office guidance or consult LawSentis for up-to-date lists
English language requirement
To meet the English requirement, you must prove B2 level proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Accepted evidence includes:
- A SELT certificate (e.g., IELTS Life Skills B2)
- A UK degree or a foreign degree taught in English (with ECCTIS certification)
- GCSE, A-Level, or Scottish Highers in English earned from a UK school
You are exempt if:
- You are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country
- You are 65 or older
- You have a proven physical or mental condition
How long can you stay?
The visa is initially granted for 3 years. During this time:
- You must work in your business full-time
- You must maintain regular check-ins with your endorsing body (usually after 12 and 24 months)
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years if:
- Your business is active and sustainable
- You meet all endorsement and income conditions
- You have not breached immigration laws
Can you extend it?
Yes. You can extend your Innovator Founder Visa as many times as needed, in 3-year increments, as long as your business continues to meet the endorsement criteria.
Once you have completed 3 years, you may become eligible for:
- Permanent residence (ILR)
- British citizenship (after 5 years total residency)
Bringing family members
You can bring your partner and children under 18 as your dependants. Each dependant will need to submit a separate application and prove access to funds:
- Partner: £285
- One child: £315
- Each additional child: £200
What you can and cannot do
You CAN:
- Start and run one or more businesses
- Work for your business (including being a director or self-employed)
- Work second jobs if they are on the Skilled Worker occupation list
- Apply for settlement after 3 years
- Bring family members
You CANNOT:
- Access public funds or most state benefits
- Work as a professional sportsperson
- Work second jobs if they are on the Skilled Worker occupation list
Required documents
- Endorsement letter (issued within last 3 months)
- Valid passport or travel document
- Financial proof of maintenance funds
- Proof of English language (SELT or equivalent)
- Criminal record certificate (if applying from outside the UK)
- Tuberculosis test results (for applicants from listed countries)
- Biometric information (photo + fingerprints)
Application timeline
- Applying from outside the UK: Decision in approx. 3 weeks
- Applying inside the UK (switching or extending): Decision in 8 weeks
Faster decisions may be possible with priority services.
Switching from other Visas
You may switch to the Innovator Founder Visa from:
- Start-up visa
- Student visa (if you've completed studies)
- Skilled Worker visa
- Global Talent visa
- Other long-term work or business routes
You must meet all Innovator Founder criteria at the time of switching.
Common reasons for refusal
- Business idea lacks innovation or scalability
- Weak or incomplete business plan
- Inadequate financial proof
- Failure to meet English language level
- Criminal history or previous immigration violations
- Fake or unverifiable documents
How LawSentis can help you
At LawSentis, we’re not just advisors—we’re your strategic partners in building a sustainable and endorsed business in the UK. Regulated by the Immigration Advice Accreditation (IAA), we help founders navigate complex immigration rules with clarity and compliance. Contact us now to assess your eligibility and move forward with confidence. our advisers provide:
- Business plan review or creation tailored to endorsement standards
- Endorsement support, including connecting you with endorsing bodies
- Eligibility assessment
- Application preparation, submission, and biometric support
- Liaising with the Home Office
- ILR and citizenship planning
We also assist with bringing your partner and children and offer post-arrival services, including company registration, banking setup, and tax advice.
Ready to launch your Business in the UK?
If you’re passionate about building a scalable business in the UK and ready to bring your innovation to the global stage, the Innovator Founder Visa is your ideal route.
Contact LawSentis today to begin your application process with professional guidance every step of the way.
We also assist with bringing your partner and children and offer post-arrival services, including company registration, banking setup, and tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
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