Your Coordinated Team
Mehdi Yavari
Viamora
Arbab Malik
Partner Representative · arbabmalik.com
United Kingdom
Innovator Founder Visa
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The Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs establishing an innovative business in the United Kingdom. It provides three-year permission, business-operation rights and a potential settlement pathway after three years. An endorsement from a Home Office-approved body is mandatory.
At a Glance
Key requirements summary
- Minimum investment or capitalization
- No fixed statutory minimum, but adequate lawful funding must be available for the plan. The endorsement fee is GBP 1,000, excluding VAT, plus GBP 500 for each mandatory progress meeting, excluding VAT.
- Net worth or available funds
- Usually GBP 1,270 in maintenance funds for the main applicant, held for 28 consecutive days, plus specified amounts for dependants: GBP 285 for a partner, GBP 315 for the first child, and GBP 200 for each additional child.
- Ownership requirements
- Founder plays a genuine, hands-on, day-to-day role in the business's management and development.
- Third-party involvement
- Mandatory endorsement by a Home Office-approved endorsing body before the visa application, with at least two mandatory progress meetings generally after 12 and 24 months.
- Operating obligations
- Maintain contact with the endorsing body, make progress against the business plan, attend progress meetings, and meet settlement performance criteria if seeking indefinite leave to remain.
- Key restrictions
- The business must satisfy innovation, viability and scalability tests together. Endorsement can be withdrawn, most public funds are not available, and outside employment is limited to eligible skilled work in addition to the endorsed business.
Commercial Eligibility
Suitable business profiles
Founders must be 18 or older with an original, viable and scalable UK business proposition, and must normally demonstrate English at CEFR level B2. The endorsed business must be new, innovative, viable and scalable, and the founder must have generated or significantly contributed to the idea and take a key day-to-day role.
Planning Document
Genuine and detailed business plan covering the founder's role, market problem, proposed solution, evidence of innovation, customer demand, competitors, business model, operations, staffing, growth strategy, funding requirements and financial forecasts.
The business plan is reviewed through the formal endorsement process, and the founder must be able to explain and defend it during that process.
What the document must demonstrate
- Innovation
- Viability
- Scalability
- Founder contribution
- Market need
- Competitive advantage and growth strategy
Viamora Services
What Viamora prepares for United Kingdom
Market & Industry Research|Competitor analysis, market sizing, and commercial positioning for the endorsement business case
Business Model Development|Target-market assessment, revenue model, and business-model refinement
Innovation & Competitive Positioning|Articulating and evidencing the innovation case and competitive advantage
Commercial & Growth Strategy|Revenue planning, go-to-market strategy, and scalability roadmap
Financial Planning|Investment allocation, cash-flow forecasts, funding plan, and financial projections
Implementation Planning|Implementation schedules, operational planning, and commercial supporting documents
Recommended package
Business Consulting Partnership
A dedicated business establishment partner for the launch phase, combining project management, representation and ongoing mentorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this pathway*
Who assesses the business plan for this visa?
What three qualities does the business need to show?
What are the current visa fees?
Discuss This Pathway*
Speak with Viamora about business planning and preparation for this pathway.
* Viamora is a business advisory firm. References to pathways on this site refer to business establishment routes. We do not provide immigration advice or legal counsel.
Professional Services & Representation Disclaimer
For United Kingdom, Viamora provides the applicable business consulting services. arbabmalik.com participates in marketing, referral, coordination, or administrative support for this destination and is not presented as the regulated immigration or legal representative for United Kingdom. Where regulated representation is required, it must be separately provided by an appropriately authorized professional.