UK Innovator Founder Visa | 2025 Complete Guide

The UK Innovator Founder Visa, also known as the Innovator Visa, is a pathway for entrepreneurs who want to set up a new, innovative, and scalable business in the UK. This visa was introduced as a replacement for the old Startup Visa and is designed for people who can demonstrate originality, strong business potential, and a clear growth plan. Successful applicants can bring their families with them and may be eligible for permanent residence (ILR) in just 3 years.

In this guide of GalaPath, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Innovator Visa: eligibility, requirements, endorsement, costs, pros and cons, processing time, and FAQs.

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Who Is the UK Innovator Founder Visa Suitable For?

The Innovator Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who:

Have a unique business idea that is not already established in the UK market.
Can demonstrate the innovation, viability, and scalability of their project.
Are ready to actively manage and develop their business in the UK.
Possess relevant entrepreneurial or managerial experience (not mandatory but very useful).
Have the financial capacity to cover both living expenses and the early stages of the business.

👉 In practice, this visa is not designed for people who simply want to open a traditional business (like a café or a retail shop) unless there is a clear innovative element.

Tip from past applicants: The most common reason for rejection is a weak or generic business plan. Successful cases highlight that preparing a solid, research-based business plan that matches real UK market needs significantly improves the chances of getting endorsement.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the UK Innovator Visa, you must meet several requirements:

Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Endorsement: Obtain an Endorsement Letter from an approved endorsing body confirming that your idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.
Financial requirement: Show at least £1,270 in savings held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying (additional amounts for dependants).
English language: Prove English proficiency at CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in all four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
Clean record & health checks: Provide a criminal record certificate and, if applicable (including Iranian applicants), a negative TB test result.

Required Documents

When applying, you’ll need to prepare:

Valid passport with at least one blank page.
Official translations of ID and supporting documents if not in English.
English language test result (IELTS for UKVI, PTE UKVI, etc.).
Endorsement Letter from an approved endorsing body.
Bank statements showing proof of funds (£1,270+).
Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
TB test result (if required).

📌 Additionally, you should have your business plan, CV, and any supporting evidence for your idea ready, as these are essential for endorsement (even if not submitted directly with the visa application).

Application Process – Step by Step

Develop your innovative idea: Create a business plan that demonstrates innovation, viability, and scalability.
Apply for endorsement: Submit your idea to an approved endorsing body. If approved, you’ll receive an official Endorsement Letter.
Prepare documents: Gather passport, proof of funds, language test, endorsement, and other required papers.
Submit visa application online: Apply via the UK government website and pay the application fees.
Biometric appointment: Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photos.
Wait for a decision: Processing usually takes about 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or up to 8 weeks if switching visas inside the UK.

Approved Endorsing Bodies

As of 2025, only certain organisations can issue Innovator Visa endorsements:

UK Endorsing Services (UKES): a consortium reviewing projects across multiple industries.
Innovator International: focused on businesses with international growth potential.
Envestors Limited: specialised in high-growth ventures with strong investor appeal.
Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP): run by the UK government, invite-only, focused on top global entrepreneurs (especially in tech).

⚠️ Note: Some older endorsing bodies (like Tech Nation) no longer accept new applicants but still support existing visa holders.

👉 Expect to pay £1,000 for endorsement review and around £500 per check-in meeting (every 6 months).

Costs of UK Innovator Founder Visa

Visa application fee: £1,191 (outside UK) / £1,486 (inside UK).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year per person (3 years = £1,872).
Endorsement costs: Around £1,000 + £500 per follow-up session.
Other expenses: IELTS test, translations, police certificate, TB test, travel.

💡 For a single applicant, the total government-related costs typically range £3,000–£4,000, excluding personal business investment.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages:

Direct route to permanent residence (ILR) in just 3 years.
Dependants included (spouse can work, children can study for free).
Flexibility to work in other skilled jobs besides your own business.
Ability to set up multiple businesses.
Prestige of doing business in the UK + easier international travel.

Disadvantages:

Difficult endorsement process – most applications are rejected at this stage.
Business risks – if your project fails, your visa may not be extended.
Regular check-ins and compliance costs with endorsing bodies.
High overall costs compared to some other visa routes.
Pressure to succeed quickly, as ILR depends on proving business growth.

Processing Time

Outside UK: Average 3 weeks after biometrics.
Inside UK (switching visas): About 8 weeks.
Priority services may be available at extra cost.

Visa Validity & Settlement

Initial visa is valid for 3 years.
Can be extended indefinitely in 3-year blocks if your business is still endorsed.
Eligible for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 3 years if your business meets growth and success criteria.
Eligible for British citizenship typically after 5 years (ILR + 12 months).

Conclusion

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a highly attractive pathway for ambitious entrepreneurs. It allows you to build a business in one of the world’s leading economies, bring your family, and achieve permanent residence much faster than many other routes.

However, it is also challenging and competitive. The endorsement process is strict, and success depends on your ability to present a truly innovative business plan with real potential. Careful preparation and professional advice can make a big difference.

If you have a groundbreaking idea and the determination to succeed, this visa could be your gateway to building a global business from the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa and how is it different from the Startup Visa?

The Innovator Visa is for entrepreneurs with serious, innovative, and scalable ideas. Unlike the old Startup Visa, it offers a direct path to permanent residence in 3 years. The Startup Visa was only 2 years, non-extendable, and is now closed.

2. Do I need investment funds?

There is no official minimum investment requirement. However, endorsing bodies usually expect applicants to have at least £50,000 or access to funding to realistically launch their business.

3. What are the financial requirements?

At least £1,270 in savings (plus £285 for spouse and £315 per child) held for 28 consecutive days before applying.

4. What English level is required?

Minimum B2 CEFR (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in all four skills).

5. Can I use assets (like property) instead of cash for proof of funds?

No. Only cash savings in a bank account are accepted.

6. Can my family join me?

Yes. Spouse can work without restrictions, and children under 18 can attend UK schools for free.

7. Can I work in another job besides my business?

Yes. Unlike the old Innovator route, you can now work in skilled jobs (RQF3 level or above) alongside running your business.

8. How long until I can apply for UK citizenship?

Usually around 5 years:

3 years on the Innovator Visa
apply for ILR
wait 12 months
apply for citizenship.