Innovator Founder Visa
United Kingdom
Last updated: December 24, 2025
3 years (renewable)
$1,720-$2,147
4-7 months
High
About this Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa lets you start and run a business in the UK. It's for people with experience who have an original, innovative business idea that can grow. The visa replaced the old Innovator and Start-up visas in 2023. You get 3 years to prove your business works. If it succeeds, you can stay longer and eventually settle permanently in the UK. This is different from other work visas because you're starting your own business instead of working for someone else. You don't need to have a set amount of money to invest—just enough to support yourself.
Key Benefits
- Start and run your own business
- Work without any restrictions
- Do other skilled work (RQF Level 3 or higher) while building your company
- Bring your spouse and children under 18
- Access to UK National Health Service (after paying healthcare surcharge)
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
- After 3 years, apply for permanent settlement
- After 5+ years, apply for British citizenship
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a completely new business idea (not joining an existing business)
- Business idea must be genuinely innovative and different from what exists
- Business must be able to realistically grow
- Business must create jobs and scale to national/international level
- English language ability at B2 level (unless from exempted countries)
- Clean criminal record - no unspent convictions
- Must show you are trustworthy and a fit and proper person
- Enough money to support yourself
Financial Requirement
You must have $1,714 saved for 28 days before you apply. No minimum investment required for your business, but you need enough money to support yourself. If you have dependents, add $285/month for a partner, $315/month for your first child, $200/month for each additional child.
Documents
- Valid passportMust show your nationality
- Endorsement letterFrom an approved organization
- Bank statementsShowing $1,714 saved for 28 days
- English language proofB2 level (IELTS 5.5) - unless from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malta, or certain Caribbean nations
- Tuberculosis test resultsIf you've lived in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, or 20+ other countries
- Certified translationsFor any documents not in English
- Business planWith financial projections
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.