Innovator Founder Visa
Launch an innovative, viable and scalable UK business.
Sourced from GOV.UK · Updated April 2026For experienced businesspeople setting up a business endorsed by an approved body. Replaced the old Start-up and Innovator visas in April 2023.
Who can apply
- Endorsement from an approved endorsing body (list updated annually on GOV.UK)
- Business idea is innovative, viable and scalable — assessed at endorsement
- English language B2 CEFR
- Sufficient personal savings (£1,270+, held 28 days)
- Contact points with endorsing body at 12 and 24 months
How to apply
- Refine your business planFocus on innovation (new product/service), viability, and scalability.
- Get endorsedPitch to an approved endorsing body — fees vary £1,000-£5,000.
- Apply for visaSubmit application within 3 months of endorsement.
- Launch and meet contact pointsBuild the business; attend review meetings at 12 and 24 months.
- SettleEligible for settlement after 3 years if business criteria are met.
Documents you’ll need
- Passport
- Endorsement letter
- Detailed business plan
- English language B2 certificate
- Bank statements
Good to know
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
No. The £50,000 minimum investment requirement was scrapped in April 2023. You need a credible business plan, founder skills, and endorsement from an approved body — investment level is now an ILR criterion (£50k+ invested), not an entry requirement.
As of 2026, four approved bodies: Envestors Limited, UK Endorsement Services Limited, Innovator International, and the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP). Each has its own application portal, fee (£500–£3,000), and assessment process. Approval rates are typically 30–40%.
In as little as 3 years — the fastest non-Global-Talent route. You must demonstrate the business has met at least 2 of 7 ILR criteria (investment, jobs, revenue, foreign customers, R&D, institutional investment, profitability/taxes).
Yes. Unlike its predecessor (the old Innovator visa), the Innovator Founder visa allows full work rights. You can take other employment alongside running the business, useful in the early stages before the business generates founder salary.
It must be innovative, viable and scalable. Endorsers look for novel products, business models or market approaches with potential to scale beyond a single locality and generate jobs. Generic restaurants, retail stores, franchises and standard consultancies typically do not qualify.
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