UK Innovator Founder Visa
Launch and scale an innovative business in one of the world’s leading financial and technology centres. Migrate Way guides global founders through the endorsement, the visa application and the path to settlement.
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For Founders of Innovative, Scalable Businesses
The Innovator Founder visa is for experienced businesspeople who want to set up a new business in the UK based on an original, innovative idea. It replaced the earlier Innovator and Start-up routes and removed the old fixed £50,000 investment requirement.
Instead of a set amount of capital, the route relies on endorsement from a Home Office-approved body, which judges whether your business is innovative, viable and scalable.
Why Choose the Innovator Founder Visa?
A flexible route with a fast track toward settlement.
A Route to Settlement
Founders may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after three years if the business meets the growth criteria, which is faster than most UK routes.
No Fixed Minimum Investment
The old £50,000 requirement no longer applies. You must still show you can fund and run the business described in your plan.
Flexible Founder Freedom
You can run your endorsed business and, in many cases, take additional skilled work alongside it, subject to the conditions.
Family Rights
Your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants, with the right to live, work and study in the UK.
A Global Capital Hub
The UK offers deep access to venture capital, accelerators and international clients.
World-Class Education
Children can attend UK schools, and families can use the NHS after paying the health surcharge.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
Endorsement is the most important step, and it is judged on the quality of your business.
An Endorsement Letter
Approval from a Home Office-approved endorsing body, which tests your business for innovation, viability and scalability.
An Innovative Idea
A new and original business idea that is different from anything else on the UK market.
Maintenance Funds
At least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days, unless you are exempt, with extra for dependants.
English Language
English at CEFR B2 level, shown by an approved test or a qualifying degree.
Age and Role
You must be at least 18 and play an active role in running the business.
A Business Plan
A robust plan with projections that shows genuine potential for job creation and growth.
Fees, Contact Points and Settlement
Budget carefully, because the total cost goes well beyond the visa fee.
- The 2026 visa fee is £1,357 from outside the UK and £1,693 from inside the UK, per person
- The Immigration Health Surcharge is about £1,035 per year, per person
- The endorsing body charges its own fee, commonly around £1,000, plus contact point meetings
- The visa lasts three years and can lead to settlement after three years if the growth criteria are met
- Settlement requires a fresh endorsement, and UK settlement rules are under review, so we confirm the current position
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Eligibility Assessment
We test your business concept against the innovative, viable and scalable criteria used by endorsing bodies.
Endorsement Application
We help you prepare the business plan and pitch for an approved endorsing body and secure your endorsement letter.
Visa Application
We prepare and file your online visa application, with your endorsement, English evidence, savings and documents for your family.
Company Incorporation
Once approved, we guide you through registering your company and setting up business banking in the UK.
Relocation and Settlement Planning
We help you plan your move and keep your endorsement and growth targets on track for a future settlement application.
What We Handle for You
Startup immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your idea before you pay any fees.
Endorsement Preparation
Guidance on a plan and pitch that persuades an endorsing body.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents for you and your family.
Cost Planning
A clear picture of visa, health surcharge and endorsement costs.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Settlement Planning
Guidance on keeping your business on track for future settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the UK Innovator Founder visa.
Can I bring my family with me on this visa?
Yes. Your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They can generally work and study in the UK, and each pays the application fee and the health surcharge, with extra maintenance funds required.
What are the requirements for settlement and citizenship?
You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after three years if your business meets the required growth criteria and you obtain a fresh endorsement. You must also meet residence, English and Life in the UK test requirements. British citizenship is a separate later step, and UK rules are under review.
What happens if I need to extend or renew my visa?
The visa lasts three years and can usually be extended if you obtain a new endorsement and continue to meet the conditions. Endorsing bodies also review your progress at set points, so it is important to keep your business on track.
Is there a minimum investment?
No fixed minimum applies. You must show that you have enough funds to set up and run the business described in your plan, and that you meet the personal savings requirement.
Can I take another job while on this visa?
You can generally take additional work alongside your endorsed business, within certain limits. The exact conditions matter, so we advise on them before you plan.
What does the endorsement process cost?
Endorsing bodies charge their own fees, commonly around £1,000 for the endorsement, plus fees for contact point meetings. We help you compare options and plan your total budget.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The decision rests with the endorsing body and the UK Home Office. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal advice. UK immigration rules, fees and settlement requirements change often, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash: Benjamin Davies and Robert Bye.
Ready to Launch Your Business in the UK?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know whether you are ready to apply and what your next steps should be.