Innovator Founder Visa
United Kingdom
Last updated: December 29, 2025
3 years (renewable)
$1,720-$2,147
4-7 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you start a new business in the UK. Your business idea must be genuinely innovative—truly new, not just copying something that already exists. The UK government created this visa to attract entrepreneurs with original ideas that create jobs. You can work full-time on your business. You can hire employees. You can bring your spouse and children. After 3 years, you can stay permanently.
Key Benefits
- Start and run your own business
- Work a second job in skilled work
- Bring spouse and children
- Family gets work rights and study rights
- Free healthcare (NHS)
- Apply for permanent residence after 3 years
- Apply for British citizenship after 4 years
- Travel freely
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18 or older
- Brand new business (not already trading in UK)
- Genuinely innovative business idea
- Business is viable and scalable
- English B2 level OR from English-speaking country
- Clean criminal record
- Tuberculosis-free (if from affected countries)
- Minimum £1,270 in bank account
Financial Requirement
Minimum $1,610 in bank account held continuously for 28 days. No fixed business investment minimum, but sufficient funds needed to run business until profitable.
Documents
- Endorsement letterFrom approved organization
- Valid passportWith blank page
- Bank statementsShowing required funds for 28 days
- English language test resultsUnless from English-speaking country
- Tuberculosis testIf from high-TB countries
- Business planWith market research and financial projections
- Proof of fund sourcesShowing where money comes from
- Criminal record disclosureIf applicable
- Certified translationsOf non-English documents
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.