Innovator
Founder Visa
Set up your own innovative business in the UK and secure Indefinite Leave to Remain in just 3 years. Available to clients inside the UK or from anywhere in the world.
3yr
Path to ILR
3yr
Initial Duration
No min.
Avg Processing
QUICK OVERVIEW
Overview
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for experienced business people seeking to establish a business in the UK. Unlike previous entrepreneur routes, there is no minimum investment requirement — the focus is on the innovation, viability, and scalability of your business idea.
Your business concept must be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body before you can apply. Once approved, you can set up or run your business in the UK with full flexibility — and after 3 years, you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
At AK Immigration Services, we guide you through every stage — from assessing your business idea and securing endorsement, to preparing and submitting your full visa application.
Eligibility
Do You Qualify?
To be eligible for the Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet the following requirements. Our team will assess your situation in a free consultation before any fees are charged.
Innovative Business Idea
Your business must be genuinely innovative — something new or significantly different from what is currently available in the UK market.
Endorsement from Approved Body
Your idea must be endorsed by a UK Home Office approved endorsing body before you can submit your visa application.
Viable & Scalable
The business must be commercially viable with realistic potential to grow, create value, and ideally create jobs in the UK.
English Language
You must demonstrate English language ability at B2 CEFR level through an approved test or qualifying academic route.
Maintenance Funds
You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying, unless your endorsing body confirms this requirement is met.
Switch or Entry
You can apply from outside the UK or switch from most existing UK visa categories including Skilled Worker, PSW, Student Visa, and more.
Application Process
How It Works
Our step-by-step process ensures your application is built on a strong foundation — starting with your business concept and ending with your visa approval and arrival in the UK.
Free Consultation & Business Assessment
We assess your business idea, background, and immigration situation to confirm you meet the eligibility requirements and identify the right endorsing body for your sector.
Endorsement Application
We help you prepare a compelling endorsement application — including your business plan, innovation statement, and supporting evidence — and submit it to the appropriate UK-approved endorsing body.
Endorsement Letter Received
Once your endorsement is approved, you receive a letter confirming your business idea has been endorsed. This is required before your visa application can be submitted.
Visa Application Preparation
We prepare your full visa application including all supporting documents — ID, financial evidence, English language proof, and endorsement letter — and submit through the official Home Office portal.
Biometric Appointment
You attend a UKVCAS centre (or overseas application centre if applying from outside the UK) to provide your biometric information. We guide you through the full process.
Visa Approval & Setup in the UK
Once approved, you receive your visa and begin setting up your business in the UK. After 3 years of active business operation meeting the endorsing body’s milestones, you can apply for ILR.
Documents Required
What You'll Need
Below is the standard list of documents required. Your exact checklist will be confirmed during your consultation as requirements may vary based on your circumstances.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No — there is no minimum investment requirement for the Innovator Founder Visa. Unlike previous entrepreneur routes, the focus is entirely on the innovation, viability, and scalability of your business idea rather than how much money you invest.
Yes. You can switch to the Innovator Founder Visa from most existing UK visa categories including Skilled Worker, Post-Study Work (PSW/Graduate), Student Visa, and others — without needing to leave the UK. We will confirm whether your current visa allows a switch during your free consultation.
An endorsing body is a UK organisation approved by the Home Office to assess business ideas for the Innovator Founder Visa. Different endorsing bodies specialise in different sectors. We identify the right one for your business, help you prepare your application, and guide you through the endorsement process from start to finish.
Yes. Your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of 2+ years) and children under 18 can apply as your dependants. They can live, work, and study in the UK for the same duration as your visa. We can assist with their applications simultaneously.
Yes. After 3 years on the Innovator Founder Visa, provided you have met the business milestones set by your endorsing body and received a further endorsement confirming your progress, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. After 12 months of ILR, you may be eligible for British Citizenship. We assist with both.
Free Consultation
Speak with our immigration lawyer today
🔒 Your information is 100% confidential
VISA DETAILS
IAA Accredited Firm
Accredited Reg: F202200016
Ready to Build Your
Business in the UK?
Book a free consultation today — we assess your business idea and guide you from start to approval.