Innovator Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is for potential entrepreneurs and experienced businesspersons seeking to establish a business in the UK.

Overview

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for ambitious entrepreneurs and experienced businesspersons who wish to establish and operate a business in the UK. This visa offers a pathway to long-term success — allowing you to live, work, and grow your venture in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Unlike previous visa routes, applicants are not required to have a fixed investment amount, but must present an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea supported by a well-structured business plan. Your idea must be validated and approved by an authorised endorsing body.

The visa is granted for three years and can lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. You can also bring your partner and children under 18 as dependents, ensuring your family can join your entrepreneurial journey.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be at least 18 years old
Have a business plan endorsed by a Home Office–approved endorsing body
Maintain £1,270 in your personal bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying
Meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B2) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
May apply as an individual or as part of an Innovator team, with each member holding their own endorsement

Documents Required

When applying for the Innovator Founder Visa, you’ll need to submit:

An endorsement letter from an authorised endorsing body
A valid passport or travel document
Bank statements showing proof of maintenance funds (£1,270 for 28 days)
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
Proof of English language proficiency (CEFR Level B2 or higher)
A blank page in your passport for the visa vignette

Migration With Family

The Innovator Founder Visa allows you to bring your family along to the UK. Eligible dependents include your spouse and children under 18.

To include dependents, you must show that you can financially support them:

Your family will also have access to free education and healthcare through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) — ensuring a safe and secure future for your loved ones.

Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After three successful years in the UK, meeting all compliance and business performance requirements, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This status paves the way to British citizenship and a UK passport, giving you long-term stability and global mobility.

Approved Endorsing Bodies

As of April 13, 2023, the UK Home Office recognises only four approved endorsing bodies for the Innovator Founder Visa:

Private Endorsing Bodies

Government-Run Endorsing Body

Our Promise

At Viso Expert, we make your UK business journey seamless.
We’ll help you craft a compelling business plan, prepare your endorsement application, and guide you through every step of the visa process – ensuring your idea stands out to endorsing bodies and the UK Home Office.

Why Choose Us

Expert guidance for visa and business endorsement
100% compliance with UK Home Office requirements
Transparent process and written service agreements
Support for business setup, payroll, and reporting
Assistance with ILR and family migration
“No Win, No Fee” service guarantee

Start Your UK Business Journey Today

Let’s turn your innovative idea into a thriving UK business.
Contact Viso Expert today – your trusted partner in UK business and immigration success.

Investment Requirement

To qualify, you must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to establish your business in the UK. While there’s no fixed investment amount, you must satisfy your endorsing body that your business plan is financially achievable and sustainable.

Get in Touch With Viso Expert

Reach out to our team for expert advice on Innovator visa and UK Self Sponsorship Visas. We’re here to help.