Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa, formally known as the ‘Innovator Visa’, is designed for individuals aiming to establish and manage an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK, endorsed by an approved body.

You can apply for an Innovator Founder visa if:

  • you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK – it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market
  • your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body
  • you meet the other eligibility requirements

Key benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa

  • The ability to establish one or more businesses.
  • The opportunity to work within your business, including as a director or self-employed partner.
  • The option to undertake ‘skilled work’ outside your business.
  • The possibility of bringing eligible partners and children with you.
  • The freedom to travel abroad and return to the UK.
  • The chance to apply for permanent settlement in the UK after 3 years, provided you meet the necessary criteria.

Eligibility

  • You must be able to show that your business idea is:
    • new – you cannot join a business that is already trading
    • innovative – you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
    • viable, with potential for growth
    • scalable – you must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets
  • Your business idea is assessed by an endorsing body
  • Knowledge of English
    • You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English
  • Meet the financial requirements
    • Have at least £1,270 in your bank account.

You’ll need to get an endorsing body to assess that your business idea meets the requirements.

How long can you stay in the UK?

You can stay for 3 years if you either:

  • come to the UK on an Innovator Founder visa
  • switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK

You’ll need to meet with your endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to show you’re making progress with your business. Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn by the endorsing body. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

We can help you apply to extend your stay for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire.

There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.

We can also assist with applying for settlement once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.