The Innovator Founder visa enables overseas entrepreneurs to establish and operate businesses in the UK. Applicants must secure an endorsement from an authorised body, confirming that their business proposal is innovative, viable, and scalable. This visa has replaced both the Innovator route and the Start-up visa, making it the main pathway for entrepreneurs aiming to launch businesses in Britain.
The Innovator Founder Visa is a dedicated immigration route introduced by the UK Government to attract entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas. It allows successful applicants to establish and manage their businesses in the UK while also engaging in limited secondary employment at RQF Level 3 or above. Visa holders are initially granted 3 years’ leave, with eligibility to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after meeting the relevant criteria. Dependants, including spouses and children, may accompany the applicant and enjoy full work and study rights, with limited restrictions.
To qualify for the Innovator Founder visa, applicants must secure an endorsement from an approved organisation. This endorsement confirms that the business meets the requirements of being innovative, viable, and scalable. Applicants are required to score 70 points in total under the points-based system, which includes points for endorsement, English language ability, financial maintenance, and business plan evaluation.
| Category | Requirement | Points |
|---|---|---|
| New Business | Business plan assessment | 30 |
| New Business | Business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable | 20 |
| Same Business | Continuation of previously endorsed business | 10 |
| Same Business | Active, trading, and sustainable business with significant achievements | 20 |
| Same Business | Day-to-day involvement in business management and growth | 20 |
| All Applicants | English language requirement at level B2 | 10 |
| All Applicants | Financial requirement – minimum £1,270 savings | 10 |
| Total Required | - | 70 |
Applicants must first prepare a comprehensive business plan, then secure endorsement from an approved body. Following endorsement, they must submit an online application with supporting documents, pay the relevant fees, and verify their identity. Standard processing takes approximately 8 weeks. Supporting documents typically include the endorsement letter, business plan, proof of funds, evidence of English language proficiency, and passport.
Endorsement is a critical requirement for Innovator Founder visa applicants. Authorised bodies such as Envestors, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International, and the Global Entrepreneurs Programme assess whether business ideas meet the criteria of being new, innovative, viable, and scalable. Applicants undergo a staged evaluation, including initial assessment, detailed review, and final decision-making.
The visa offers flexibility with no set minimum investment, opportunities for settlement, access to UK business networks, and the ability to bring family members. Visa holders can benefit from the UK’s strong legal framework, entrepreneurial support programmes, and tax incentives.
After the initial 3-year grant, applicants may extend their visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to meeting ongoing eligibility criteria and continued endorsement. Dependants must apply separately for extensions. Time spent under this visa counts towards settlement requirements.
Common challenges include securing endorsement, demonstrating adequate funds, adapting to the UK market, meeting business milestones, and complying with reporting obligations. Regular contact meetings with endorsing bodies cost £500 each and are mandatory. Applicants must remain actively involved in business operations.
Visa holders may establish various business structures such as sole trader, partnership, limited company, or LLP. They must register with Companies House (for limited entities), obtain necessary licences, open a UK business bank account, comply with employment law when hiring staff, and ensure compliance with tax requirements such as VAT registration and Corporation Tax filings.
The Innovator Founder visa provides a clear pathway for entrepreneurs to establish businesses in the UK. It requires endorsement, active involvement in the business, and compliance with strict monitoring requirements. While offering significant opportunities, applicants must be mindful of potential risks if the business fails to meet progress criteria.
KD Immigration Experts provides tailored advice for Innovator Founder visa applicants, including guidance on business plan preparation, endorsement applications, and visa submissions. Contact our specialists for comprehensive support.
