United Kingdom

Residency by investment

UK Innovator Founder Visa

Launch your innovative business in the UK with the Innovator Founder visa, offering pathways to settlement and citizenship

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UK Residency in summary

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative, viable, and scalable businesses in the UK, with endorsement from an approved body. It offers a three-year visa with a pathway to permanent residency after three years, allowing applicants to bring their dependents and create thriving enterprises.

3 years

Permanent residency

None

Minimum investment

3-8 weeks

Time to citizenship

Benefits In brief

Pathway to Settlement

Qualify for permanent residency after 3 years of holding an Innovator Founder Visa, and then on to UK citizenship.

No Fixed Investment Requirement

Unlike other programs, there’s no set minimum investment, making it accessible for diverse business ideas.

Family Inclusion

Bring your spouse and dependent children to live, study, and work in the UK.

Business Flexibility

Set up multiple businesses or work for your own company while residing in the UK.

Access to Skilled Workforce

Tap into the UK’s robust market and skilled workforce to grow and scale your business globally.

Who can get United Kingdom Residency?

Eligibility Criteria for the Main Applicant

Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Criminal Record: Must have no criminal record or ongoing prosecution.
Health: Must have no serious illnesses or contagious diseases.
Financial Maintenance: Must meet the maintenance funds requirement (£1,270 for the main applicant).
English Language: Must meet the English language requirement (equivalent to IELTS level 5.5).

Eligibility Criteria for the Spouse

Age: Must be over 18 years old.
Criminal Record: Must have no criminal record or ongoing prosecution.
Health: Must have no serious illnesses or contagious diseases.
Relationship Proof: Must provide proof of marriage or a recognized partnership of at least 2 years.

Eligibility Criteria for Dependent Children Under 18

Residence: Must live in the family home or be under the care of the main applicant and spouse.
Marital Status: Must not be married or in a civil partnership.
Financial Maintenance: Requires £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child as part of the maintenance funds.

Eligibility Criteria for Dependent Children Over 18

Visa Status: Must already hold permission to stay in the UK as a dependent of the main applicant.
Financial Dependence: Must be financially reliant on the main applicant.
Living Arrangements: Must provide evidence of residence or financial support from the main applicant.

What are the Programme requirements?

Unlock opportunities in the UK with residency by investment—access top education, healthcare, and a pathway to citizenship.

Have an innovative business plan

To qualify, you must present a genuine and innovative business plan that addresses market needs or creates a competitive advantage. The business can be an existing one or new. Your plan must be realistic, achievable, and supported by adequate resources, along with your skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to run the business successfully. You must also demonstrate structured planning with credible growth projections and evidence of high-quality, skilled job creation potential. Additionally, your business should have the scope to expand into national and international markets. All projections must be grounded in thorough and credible research.

Get assessed and approved by an endorsing body

Endorsing bodies evaluate first-time applications for the Innovator Founder Visa to ensure that the applicant’s business idea aligns with the UK program’s goals of fostering innovation, viability, and scalability.

1. Initial Application Review

Business Plan Submission: Applicants must submit a detailed business plan outlining the innovation, market need, financial projections, and growth strategies.
Proof of Funds: Applicants may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to fund the business idea, such as savings or external investment.

2. Evaluation Criteria

Endorsing bodies assess applications based on three key factors:

Innovation: The business idea must be unique and original, addressing an unmet market need or providing a novel solution. Evidence of research or proprietary technology strengthens the application.
Viability: The business must demonstrate potential for successful implementation, and the applicant should have the necessary skills and experience.
Scalability: The business should show potential for growth, including job creation and market expansion nationally or internationally.

3. Interviews and Presentations

Applicants may be required to attend an interview or present their business idea to the endorsing body. This step assesses the applicant’s understanding of their business plan and ability to deliver the proposed solution.

4. Endorsement Decision

If the application meets the required standards, the endorsing body issues an endorsement letter. If declined, applicants may receive feedback and have the opportunity to revise and resubmit, depending on the endorsing body’s policies.

5. Mandatory Monitoring

Once endorsed, applicants must commit to regular check-ins with the endorsing body (e.g., at 12 and 24 months) to demonstrate ongoing progress. The endorsing body monitors business development to ensure compliance with visa requirements.

Additional Requirements for First-Time Applicants

English Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove they meet the B2 level of English on the CEFR scale.
Maintenance Funds: Applicants must demonstrate personal savings of at least £1,270 to support themselves in the UK.
Commitment: Applicants must intend to work solely on their endorsed business(es) and not engage in unskilled work.
Health Requirements: Applicants must have no serious illnesses or contagious diseases. A tuberculosis test may be required depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
Passport & Biometric Data: Applicants must provide a valid passport or other travel document as proof of identity and nationality. Applicants must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process.

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How to apply for United Kingdom residency

Embarking on your Innovator Founder visa journey? Here are our streamlined steps to bring your innovative business vision to life in the UK!

Obtain an Endorsement: Contact an authorised endorsing body and secure an endorsement for your business idea.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all required documents, including your endorsement letter, proof of English proficiency, financial evidence, and valid passport.
Submit Your Application: Apply online for the Innovator Founder visa, paying the application and healthcare surcharge fees.
Provide Biometric Data: Submit your fingerprints and photo at a visa application center or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible.
Await a Decision: Receive a decision within 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK). You may pay extra for faster processing.
Meet Ongoing Requirements: Engage in mandatory contact point meetings with your endorsing body and demonstrate progress with your business.
Extend or Settle: Apply to extend your visa or for settlement after 3 years, ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to all your questions about the Innovator Founder visa, from eligibility to UK citizenship pathways.

What is the Innovator Founder visa?

The Innovator Founder visa allows entrepreneurs to establish and run innovative businesses in the UK that meet specific market needs or create a competitive advantage.

Who is eligible for the Innovator Founder visa?

Applicants must have an original, viable, and scalable business idea, receive endorsement from an approved body, meet English language requirements, and demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds.

Do I need investment funds to apply?

No initial investment funds are required if your business is already established or previously endorsed. For new businesses, you must show sufficient funding to support your idea.

How long is the visa valid?

The Innovator Founder visa is valid for 3 years. You can extend it indefinitely, and you may apply for settlement after 3 years of residence in the UK.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, your spouse, dependent children under 18, and older dependent children already in the UK as dependents can join you, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

What is the role of endorsing bodies?

Endorsing bodies assess the viability, innovation, and scalability of your business idea and issue the endorsement required for the visa application.

How much does it cost to apply?

The visa application fee is £1,191 for applicants outside the UK and £1,486 for those applying within the UK. Additional fees apply for dependents and endorsement-related costs.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Processing times are typically 3 weeks for applicants outside the UK and 8 weeks for those within the UK. Faster processing options may be available.

Can I work outside my business?

Yes, you can work outside your business as long as it’s skilled work, such as roles listed in the Skilled Worker category or requiring Level 3 qualifications.

What happens if my endorsement is withdrawn?

If your endorsement is withdrawn, your visa may be cut short. You’ll need a new endorsement to continue your business activities and extend your stay.

What is the path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR)?

After living in the UK for 3 years on an Innovator Founder visa and meeting specific business progress requirements, you may apply for ILR, granting permanent residency.

How can I become a UK citizen?

Once you hold ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for UK citizenship, provided you meet the residency, language, and life in the UK test requirements.

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Talk to one of our investment migration experts and begin your United Kingdom application today.

The investor and their immediate family will benefit..

3 years
Permanent residency

Minimum investment of None

Investor and immediate family all benefit

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information, immigration and investment programs are subject to change. Applicants should consult with our professional consultants to confirm program requirements, eligibility, and associated costs before proceeding. We are not responsible for any discrepancies or errors in the provided information or for decisions made based on this content.