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Innovator Founder Visa

Investment PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

£6,462–£7,598 GBP

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Starting an innovative, scalable business in the UK with endorsement from an approved body.

The UK Innovator Founder visa lets entrepreneurs start a new, innovative, and scalable business in the UK — no minimum investment required. Launched in April 2023, it replaced the Tier 1 Innovator and Start-up routes. Applicants must secure endorsement from an approved UK body before applying.

The visa grants 3 years' stay, extendable in 3-year increments; ILR is available after 3 years of successful operation. Dependants can join and work freely. Mandatory review meetings with the endorsing body occur at 12 and 24 months, and secondary employment is permitted at RQF Level 3 or above.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea who want a fast route to UK permanent residence without a minimum capital investment.

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Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (outside UK)£1,357 GBP

Application fee (extend/switch in UK)£1,693 GBP

Endorsing body endorsement fee£1,000 GBP

Review meeting fees (2 × £500, minimum required)£1,000 GBP

Dependant funds — partner£285 GBP

optional

Dependant funds — first child£315 GBP

optional

Dependant funds — each additional child£200 GBP

optional

Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years)£3,105 GBP

Total£6,462–£7,598 GBP

Processing Time

Standard (outside UK)	2–4 weeks
Standard (extend/switch in UK)	1–2 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Processing5 days – 2 months

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Global Talent Visa

Validity5 years

Processing5 days – 2 months

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Spouse/Partner Visa

Validity33 months

Processing2 months – 1 year

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Student Visa

ValidityUp to 5 years

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Business idea must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable

Endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body before applying

Age 18 or older

English language proficiency

Business must be new — cannot join an already-trading business

£1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days

Additional funds if bringing dependants: £285 (partner), £315 (first child)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

1,270 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body

Valid passport or travel document

Proof of English language proficiency

Bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days

Additional savings proof for any dependants

Business plan and supporting evidence of innovation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

ILR (indefinite leave to remain / permanent residence) qualifying after just 3 years
Extendable in 3-year increments with no upper limit
Can bring qualifying dependants
Secondary employment permitted at Level 3 qualification or above
Freedom to travel abroad and return

Worth Knowing

Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body — this is a prerequisite, not a post-application step
Additional mandatory costs: £1,000 endorsement fee + minimum £1,000 in review meeting fees
Mandatory endorsing body review meetings at 12 and 24 months
Visa may be curtailed if endorsement is withdrawn at a review meeting
No access to most public funds
Cannot work as a professional sportsperson

Application Process

Develop an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea

Apply to and obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body

Gather supporting documents (savings evidence, English language proof, passport)

Submit visa application online via the UK government portal

Complete biometric appointment if applying inside the UK

Complete mandatory check-ins with endorsing body at 12 and 24 months

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Develop an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea; Apply to and obtain endorsement from an a…

gov.uk

Dependent Visa

Dependent

gov.uk

Fee Breakdown

Application fee (outside UK): 1357 GBP; Application fee (extend/switch in UK): 1693 GBP; Endorsing b…

gov.uk

Fees

£1,357 application (outside UK) or £1,693 (extend/switch in UK)

gov.uk

Forms

—

gov.uk

Included Nationalities

—

gov.uk

Investment Amount

gov.uk

Job Offer Required

false

gov.uk

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Starting an innovative, scalable business in the UK with endorsement from an approved body.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea who want a fast route to UK permanent residence without a minimum capital investment.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (outside UK)£1,357 GBP

Application fee (extend/switch in UK)£1,693 GBP

Endorsing body endorsement fee£1,000 GBP

Review meeting fees (2 × £500, minimum required)£1,000 GBP

Dependant funds — partner£285 GBP

optional

Dependant funds — first child£315 GBP

optional

Dependant funds — each additional child£200 GBP

optional

Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years)£3,105 GBP

Total£6,462–£7,598 GBP

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Processing5 days – 2 months

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Global Talent Visa

Validity5 years

Processing5 days – 2 months

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Spouse/Partner Visa

Validity33 months

Processing2 months – 1 year

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Student Visa

ValidityUp to 5 years

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Business idea must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable

Endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body before applying

Age 18 or older

English language proficiency

Business must be new — cannot join an already-trading business

£1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days

Additional funds if bringing dependants: £285 (partner), £315 (first child)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

1,270 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body

Valid passport or travel document

Proof of English language proficiency

Bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days

Additional savings proof for any dependants

Business plan and supporting evidence of innovation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

ILR (indefinite leave to remain / permanent residence) qualifying after just 3 years
Extendable in 3-year increments with no upper limit
Can bring qualifying dependants
Secondary employment permitted at Level 3 qualification or above
Freedom to travel abroad and return

Worth Knowing

Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body — this is a prerequisite, not a post-application step
Additional mandatory costs: £1,000 endorsement fee + minimum £1,000 in review meeting fees
Mandatory endorsing body review meetings at 12 and 24 months
Visa may be curtailed if endorsement is withdrawn at a review meeting
No access to most public funds
Cannot work as a professional sportsperson

Application Process