Innovator Founder Visa

Program Overview

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is the United Kingdom's primary immigration route for experienced entrepreneurs from outside the UK who want to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in Britain. Launched in April 2023 as a replacement for the previous Innovator Visa, it removes the previous requirement for a £50,000 investment in cases where the applicant has already been endorsed and is re-applying, making it more accessible for serial entrepreneurs and those building capital-light technology businesses.

The UK remains one of the world's premier destinations for startup founders, with London consistently ranked as Europe's leading startup hub and one of the top three globally. The UK's fintech, AI, life sciences, and creative industries sectors are world-class, and the country's deep capital markets, world-renowned universities, and English-language environment make it a natural destination for ambitious founders from across the globe.

Applicants must have their business idea endorsed by a UK Home Office-approved endorsing body — typically a leading accelerator, university, or trade body — which assesses the innovation, viability, and scalability of the proposed venture. After three years of continuous residency and meeting the business milestones set by the endorsing body, founders can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and, after a further year, British citizenship.

Key Highlights

Suited For

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-UK nationals aged 18 or over
• Innovative, viable, and scalable business idea — must be genuinely new to the UK market
• Endorsement from a UK Home Office-approved endorsing body
• Minimum £50,000 investment available (may be waived on re-application if previously endorsed)
• English language proficiency: B2 level (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent)
• Sufficient personal funds: at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days before application
• Clean criminal record and no adverse immigration history

Investment Options

Key Benefits

• Access to the world's leading startup ecosystem outside the US — London, Manchester, Edinburgh
• Path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after three years, and British citizenship after four
• British passport: visa-free access to 185+ countries
• No minimum salary requirement — the visa is based on business milestones, not employment income
• Spouse and dependent children can accompany the main applicant and have full work rights
• Access to the UK's world-class universities, research institutions, and talent pool
• UK's R&D tax credit scheme: up to 33% of qualifying R&D expenditure recoverable
• English-speaking environment with a mature legal system and strong IP protection