Residency · Europe
Residency · EuropeUK Innovator Founder Visa
A UK visa for founders of new, innovative and scalable businesses endorsed by an approved body, with a route to settlement after three years.
Decision summary
- What do you obtain?
- UK Innovator Founder VisaRoute to citizenshipSettlement may be possible after three years;
- What does your family invest?
- No fixed minimum investment.
- What is additional?
- Visa fee GBP 1,357 per person from outside the UK, plus the immigration health surcharge.
- How long does it take?
- Usually 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside, once identity and documents are provided.
- Must you travel or live there?
- No more than 180 days' absence in any 12-month period counts towards settlement.
- What is the main drawback?
- English language requirement; the business must be endorsed.
- Family inclusion
- Spouse, Children · conditions apply
- Program status
- Operational
Overview
The UK has no investor visa: the Tier 1 Investor route closed in 2022. Business founders can apply for the Innovator Founder visa if an endorsing body confirms their idea is new, innovative, viable and scalable.
The visa lasts three years and can be extended in three-year periods. Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) may be possible after three years.
There is no fixed minimum investment, but applicants must speak English and pay the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge.
Path to citizenship
Ordinary naturalisation rules only
Settlement may be possible after three years; citizenship follows the ordinary naturalisation rules.
See every residency route to citizenship →Who this program may not suit
Taken from the facts recorded on this page. It may not suit you if:
- You cannot meet the stay rule: No more than 180 days' absence in any 12-month period counts towards settlement.
Investment pathways
- Investment pathway
- Endorsement of an innovative, viable and scalable business idea by an approved endorsing body.
- Minimum investment
- No fixed minimum investment.
Checked against official programme sources
Family inclusion
Spouse
Named in the rule
Children
Named in the rule
Parents
Not named in the rule
Siblings
Not named in the rule
Ages, dependency and other conditions are in the rule below; confirm them for each family member.
- Eligible dependents
- Partner and children can apply as dependants.
Checked against official programme sources
Application process
- 1The founder has the business idea assessed by an approved endorsing body, which issues an endorsement letter if the idea qualifies; the endorsement costs £1,000.
- 2The applicant applies online and proves their identity either with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.
- 3UK Visas and Immigration usually decides within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK (about 8 weeks inside the UK), longer if documents need checking or an interview is needed.
- 4The visa is granted for 3 years, and the holder must meet the endorsing body after 12 and 24 months to show the business is progressing.
- 5To extend for a further 3 years, the business is assessed again by an endorsing body and the holder applies before the current visa expires; decisions usually take about 8 weeks.
- 6After 3 years in the UK on this route, the holder may be able to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
Steps and timings can change; your advisor confirms the current process before you apply.
Indicative timelines
- Indicative processing timeframe
- Usually 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside, once identity and documents are provided.
Checked against official programme sources
Investment and fees
Qualifying investment amounts and government fees are always shown separately. We do not publish single "total price" figures, as the total depends on family composition and circumstances.
Government & due diligence fees
- Visa fee (per person, outside the UK)
- GBP 1,357
- Estimated additional costs
- Visa fee GBP 1,357 per person from outside the UK, plus the immigration health surcharge.
- To be confirmed
- Government fees · Due diligence fees · Investment holding period
Checked against official programme sources
Residence requirements
- Residence requirements
- No more than 180 days' absence in any 12-month period counts towards settlement.
- Renewal requirements
- Three years, extendable in three-year periods.
- Potential route to citizenship
- Settlement may be possible after three years; citizenship follows the ordinary naturalisation rules.
Checked against official programme sources
Due diligence and documentation
Applicants and included dependants undergo background and source-of-funds checks by the relevant authority. Documentation requirements are confirmed during preparation — no documents are needed for an initial consultation.
Considerations, limitations and risks
Important restrictions
English language requirement; the business must be endorsed.
- Published entry thresholds are not comprehensive costs; taxes, professional fees and dependent charges may apply.
- Immigration law, visa access and naturalisation rules can change without notice.
- Individual eligibility depends on nationality, financial background, due diligence and program-specific criteria.
Status and authority
- Operational status
- Operational
- Official government authority
- UK Visas and Immigration, Home Office
- To be confirmed
- Legal basis · Nationality restrictions
Programme rules change; your advisor confirms every figure before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Does the UK have an investor visa?
No. The Tier 1 Investor visa closed in 2022. Founders can use the Innovator Founder visa, which requires an endorsed business idea rather than a fixed investment.
What is the minimum investment for UK Innovator Founder Visa?
No fixed minimum investment.
Can my family be included?
Partner and children can apply as dependants.
Is there a minimum stay requirement for UK Innovator Founder Visa?
No more than 180 days' absence in any 12-month period counts towards settlement.
How long does the process take?
Usually 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside, once identity and documents are provided.
Does the UK Innovator Founder Visa lead to citizenship?
Settlement may be possible after three years; citizenship follows the ordinary naturalisation rules.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Every application is decided by the government concerned after due diligence, and requirements can change.
Discuss United Kingdom with an advisor.
Share your objectives in confidence. An advisor will outline the options that may be relevant to your family and circumstances.