Innovative Business Setup
Launch in the UK market
Fast Track Residency
Accelerated UK settlement path
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative businesses in the UK. This visa offers a streamlined route to residency and eventual settlement, provided the business meets innovation and scalability criteria. Applicants must secure endorsement from an approved body and demonstrate a viable business plan. The programme replaces the previous UK Investor Visa and focuses on innovation-driven ventures.
The United Kingdom is one of the top economic and political actors in the world, with a first class financial center claiming the top spot in economic clout – ahead of New York, Paris and Beijing.
The UK is also a highly attractive relocation destination, being home to 5.6 million foreigners (2015). Its robust position in terms of standard of living, employment and business opportunities are just a few reasons why the country poses such an attraction to third country nationals. The UK is party to major political fora, both on a regional scale a well as on a global level, most notably the G8 and the European Union. Being home to the most reputable academic institutions and the top healthcare systems around the globe, the UK offers an ideal relocation destination to investors, and families alike. In this respect, the UK Investor Visa offers non-EU citizens, the opportunity to stay, study or work in the UK. The Programme also paves the way to Permanent Residence and Citizenship.
CAPITAL CITY: London LANGUAGES: English TIME ZONE: UTC+00.00 MEMBERSHIP: G8, EU, Commonwealth of Nations, OECD, WTO TOTAL AREA: 243,610 km sq. CURRENCY:
- With a £2million investment, an applicant may apply for settlement after 5 years.
- The waiting time may be reduced to 3 years if the investment is raised to £5million, and with a £10million investment, applicants are able to apply for settlement following 2 years of UK residency.
- One year from the obtainment of Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, an applicant may apply for British citizenship, under certain conditions.
- UK Work Visa
- Access to the Highest Standards of Academic Institutions
- Family Members are included
Benefits
Establish your business in UK
Gain direct access to one of the world’s most dynamic economies and launch your innovative business in the UK with full support from endorsing bodies.
Route to permanent settlement
The visa provides a clear path to UK residency and eventual indefinite leave to remain, subject to business performance and compliance.
Bring dependents with you
Applicants can include spouses and children under 18, allowing the entire family to benefit from UK residency and education opportunities.
Focus on innovation not funds
Unlike previous schemes, the Innovator Founder Visa does not require a fixed investment amount, focusing instead on the viability of the business idea.
Guidance from approved bodies
Applicants receive guidance and validation from UK-approved endorsing bodies, ensuring their business meets innovation and scalability standards.
Prestigious UK immigration route
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is recognised globally as a prestigious route for entrepreneurs seeking to expand into the UK.
The UK Investor Visa grants residency status in the UK in return for an investment. The legal framework for the Programme is set out in part 6A of the Immigration Act (1971), where the Immigration Rules, Instructions and Policy Guidance are outlined.
Launch Your UK Venture Today
- UK Investor Visa applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a clean criminal record. Eligible dependents include spouse, and children under 18.
- The main applicant must be able to maintain and accommodate himself/herself and any dependents without taking employment (this excludes self-employment or business).
- To be able to maintain the visa status, applicants must make the UK their main home by spending at least 6 months a year in the country.
- The applicant must be able to open a bank account with the intention to invest not less than £2million in the UK.
Who is this for
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who wish to establish operations in the UK.
It suits:
- Experienced business founders
- International entrepreneurs
- Start-up innovators
- Tech and scalable business leaders
Why this country
Why United Kingdom
The United Kingdom offers a globally respected legal and financial environment, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs seeking to launch innovative ventures. With access to world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a thriving start-up ecosystem, the UK provides fertile ground for scalable business growth. Its strategic location, strong intellectual property protections, and robust regulatory framework further enhance its appeal.
The UK’s reputation as a global business hub, combined with its cultural diversity and high quality of life, makes it a compelling choice for founders aiming to establish a long-term presence in Europe.
Key Contacts
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chetcuti
Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig
Magdalena Velkovska
Launch Your UK Venture Today
Requirements
UK Immigration Rules
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is governed by the UK Immigration Rules, specifically Appendix Innovator Founder, which outlines eligibility, endorsement, and settlement criteria.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have an innovative business idea endorsed by an approved UK body, and meet English language and financial maintenance requirements.
Business Viability Focus
There is no fixed investment threshold. Instead, applicants must demonstrate a viable, scalable, and innovative business model that meets endorsement criteria.
Endorsement Process
Applicants must secure endorsement from a UK-approved endorsing body, which assesses the business idea for innovation, viability, and scalability.
Process/Timeline
Assess business and eligibility
We begin with a strategic consultation to assess your business idea, eligibility, and readiness for the UK Innovator Founder Visa.
Develop viable business plan
Our team assists in refining your business plan to meet UK endorsement standards, focusing on innovation and scalability.
Submit to UK body
We guide you through the endorsement application process with an approved UK body, ensuring all documentation is complete.
Apply for UK visa
Once endorsed, we assist in preparing and submitting your UK Innovator Founder Visa application to the Home Office.
Add dependents to application
We help include eligible family members in your visa application, ensuring full compliance with UK immigration rules.
FAQs
[question]What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa?[/question]
[answer]The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a UK immigration route for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas endorsed by approved UK bodies.[/answer]
[question]Do I need a minimum investment for this visa?[/question]
[answer]No, the Innovator Founder Visa does not require a fixed investment amount. The focus is on the viability and innovation of the business idea.[/answer]
[question]Can I bring my family with me?[/question]
[answer]Yes, you can include your spouse and children under 18 in your visa application, allowing them to live and study in the UK.[/answer]
[question]How long does the visa process take?[/question]
[answer]The process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on endorsement timelines and UK Home Office processing[/answer]
[question]Can I apply for UK settlement through this visa?[/question]
[answer]Yes, successful applicants may apply for indefinite leave to remain after meeting residency and business performance criteria.[/answer]
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