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Innovator Founder Visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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Innovator Founder Visa

Investment PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

GBP £6,462–£7,598

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Starting an innovative, scalable business in the UK with endorsement from an approved body.

The UK Innovator Founder visa lets entrepreneurs start a new, innovative, and scalable business in the UK — no minimum investment required. Launched in April 2023, it replaced the Tier 1 Innovator and Start-up routes. Applicants must secure endorsement from an approved UK body before applying.

The visa grants 3 years' stay, extendable in 3-year increments; ILR is available after 3 years of successful operation. Dependants can join and work freely. Mandatory review meetings with the endorsing body occur at 12 and 24 months, and secondary employment is permitted at RQF Level 3 or above.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea who want a fast route to UK permanent residence without a minimum capital investment.

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Cost Breakdown

Application fee (outside UK)GBP £1,357
Application fee (extend/switch in UK)GBP £1,693
Endorsing body endorsement feeGBP £1,000
Review meeting fees (2 × £500, minimum required)GBP £1,000
Dependant funds — partnerGBP £285
optional
Dependant funds — first childGBP £315
optional
Dependant funds — each additional childGBP £200
optional
Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years)GBP £3,105
TotalGBP £6,462–£7,598

Processing Time

Standard (outside UK)2–4 weeks
Standard (extend/switch in UK)1–2 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Skilled Worker Visa
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Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)
Processing3 weeks
View Visa Details
Global Talent Visa
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Global Talent Visa

Validity5 years
Processing5 days – 2 months
View Visa Details
Spouse/Partner Visa
United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom

Spouse/Partner Visa

Validity33 months
Processing2 months – 1 year
View Visa Details
Student Visa
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Student Visa

ValidityUp to 5 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Business idea must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable

Endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body before applying

Age 18 or older

English language proficiency

Business must be new — cannot join an already-trading business

£1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days

Additional funds if bringing dependants: £285 (partner), £315 (first child)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

1,270 GBP

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body

Valid passport or travel document

Proof of English language proficiency

Bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days

Additional savings proof for any dependants

Business plan and supporting evidence of innovation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • ILR (indefinite leave to remain / permanent residence) qualifying after just 3 years
  • Extendable in 3-year increments with no upper limit
  • Can bring qualifying dependants
  • Secondary employment permitted at Level 3 qualification or above
  • Freedom to travel abroad and return

Worth Knowing

  • Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body — this is a prerequisite, not a post-application step
  • Additional mandatory costs: £1,000 endorsement fee + minimum £1,000 in review meeting fees
  • Mandatory endorsing body review meetings at 12 and 24 months
  • Visa may be curtailed if endorsement is withdrawn at a review meeting
  • No access to most public funds
  • Cannot work as a professional sportsperson

Application Process

1

Develop an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea

2

Apply to and obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body

3

Gather supporting documents (savings evidence, English language proof, passport)

4

Submit visa application online via the UK government portal

5

Complete biometric appointment if applying inside the UK

6

Complete mandatory check-ins with endorsing body at 12 and 24 months

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