United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa

The route is open to applicants of any nationality who require UK immigration permission, provided they meet the rules. The founder must have generated, or significantly contributed to, the business idea and must take a key role in its day-to-day management and development. The applicant cannot normally use the new-business route simply to join an existing trading company.

The business must be new, innovative, viable and scalable. This means the concept should be genuinely original, respond to a market need or create a competitive advantage, have a realistic route to commercial success, and demonstrate credible potential for job creation and national or international growth.

There is no fixed minimum investment or net-worth requirement. However, the endorsing body must be satisfied that the founder has enough funding to execute the business plan and understands where the funds come from. The amount will depend on the proposed venture, its development stage and its operating needs.

The main applicant must usually hold at least £1,270 for personal maintenance for 28 consecutive days. This is separate from business investment. Where the dependant financial requirement applies, the additional amounts are £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child.

A genuine and detailed business plan is essential. It should explain the founder's role, the market problem, the proposed solution, evidence of innovation, customer demand, competitors, business model, operations, staffing, growth strategy, funding requirements and financial forecasts. The founder must be able to explain and defend the plan during the endorsement process.

Viamora can assist with market research, competitor analysis, business-model development, pricing, financial projections, funding allocation, operating plans, job-creation forecasts, implementation schedules and supporting commercial documentation.

A note on AI-generated plans: Generic, copied, inaccurate or unrealistic AI-generated material may damage credibility. All technology-assisted content should be independently verified and tailored to the founder and venture.

Applicants must normally demonstrate English at CEFR level B2 and be at least 18. The process begins with an application to an approved endorsing body. After receiving an endorsement letter, the founder applies online for the visa, provides identity and supporting documents, and pays the applicable charges.

From 8 April 2026, the visa application fee is £1,357 per person outside the UK or £1,693 per person for an in-country switch or extension. The endorsement fee is £1,000, excluding VAT. Successful founders must attend at least two mandatory progress meetings, generally after 12 and 24 months, costing £500 each, excluding VAT. The Immigration Health Surcharge is also payable and is normally £1,035 per adult for each year of permission.

An eligible partner and dependent children may accompany the founder. The founder may work for the endorsed business and may also undertake qualifying skilled employment outside it. Most public funds are not available.

The initial visa is granted for three years and can be extended repeatedly with a new endorsement. Settlement may be available after three years if the founder obtains a settlement endorsement, meets continuous-residence and Life in the UK requirements, and demonstrates significant business achievements under the official criteria. Family members may follow different settlement timelines.