UK Innovator Founder Visa 2025

What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder Visa is the latest business start-up visa for entrepreneurs with innovative and scalable business ideas in the UK, which came into force in 2023. It replaces the previously used Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Start-up Visa categories.

This visa is based not only on capital power, but also on the business idea being innovative, sustainable and able to contribute to the UK economy. In this respect, it offers long-term business start-up and residence opportunities in the UK for both entrepreneurs and investors.

👉 For general framework see: UK Business Startup and Investment Visas

Who Can Apply?

The Innovator Founder Visa is suitable for the following profiles:

• Entrepreneurs with an innovative business plan.
• Investors who want to develop their business plan.
• Professionals looking to start or expand their business in the UK.
• Those who want to switch from Start-up Visa or Tier 1 categories.

Application Requirements

1. Business Idea and Business Plan

• The business idea should be innovative, scalable and viable.
• The business plan should include sectoral analysis, financial projections and growth strategies.

2. Endorsing Body

• For the application to be accepted, the business plan must be approved by an endorsing body authorized by the UK Home Office.
• These organizations assess the viability of the business plan and issue a certificate of approval.

3. English Language Requirement

• The applicant must prove that he/she speaks English at level B2.
• Accepted documents: IELTS (UKVI), SELT or UK undergraduate/graduate diploma.

4. Financial Sufficiency

• Unlike previous Tier 1 visas, there is no specific minimum investment amount required.
• However, the applicant must prove that they have the financial capability to implement their business plan.

5. Other Conditions

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Clean criminal record.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be paid.

Application Process Step by Step

1. Preparation of the Business Plan: An innovative, scalable and viable business idea is developed.
2. Endorsing Body Approval: The business plan is reviewed and approved by the authorized body.
3. Online Application Form: filled in via gov.uk.
4. Payment of Visa Fee and Health Contribution: The application fee and IHS are payable.
5. Biometrics Procedures: Fingerprints and photographs are taken at VFS Global centers.
6. Submission of Documents: Business plan approval, financial documents, passport, language certificate are uploaded.
7. Outcome: The application is evaluated in 6-8 weeks on average.

Required Documents

• Valid passport.
• Endorsing body approval certificate.
• Business plan file.
• English language proficiency certificate.
• Bank statements or proof of financial support.
• Clean criminal record.
• Proof of health co-payment (IHS) payment.

Benefits and Risks

Advantages

• The right to start and grow a business in the UK.
• Possibility to bring family members (spouse and children) with you.
• After 3 years, apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
• Access to international trade networks.

Risks

• Inadequate business plan → visa refusal.
• Missing or incorrect documents → prolonged process.
• Losing the support of the approved organization → visa invalidation.

Comparison with Closed Visas

• Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa: Seeking a high investment requirement (200,000 GBP).
• Tier 1 Investor Visa: A minimum investment of GBP 2 million was mandatory.
• Start-up Visa: For new entrepreneurs, it was given for 2 years.

⚠️ These visas have been closed. For those who want to apply for the same purposes, the most current option is the Innovator Founder Visa.

Legal Basis

• Innovator Founder Visa – gov.uk
• Immigration Rules Appendix Innovator Founder (legislation.gov.uk)

Case Study

Situation: An entrepreneur living in Istanbul wants to start an artificial intelligence-based software company.

• The business plan was prepared in detail and approved by Tech Nation.
• Financial adequacy is shown by bank statements.
• The application was finalized in 7 weeks and the Innovator Founder Visa was granted.
• The entrepreneur settled in the UK with his family and after 3 years he was granted permanent residence.

Question and Answer Blocks

Is there a minimum investment requirement for the Innovator Founder visa?

Short Answer No.

Detail: There is no specific minimum investment amount, but you need to prove that you can afford to finance your business plan.

Can I take my family to England with this visa?

Short Answer Yes.

Detail: Spouse and children under 18 can apply with a dependent visa.

Can I get a residence after 3 years?

Short Answer Yes.

Detail: If the business plan continues successfully, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Professional Legal Support

The UK Innovator Founder visa involves complex steps such as business plan approval and approved incorporation process. Incorrectly prepared applications increase the risk of rejection.

MFY Legal | Law Firm manages your process safely with UK immigration law experts.

👉 Contact MFY Legal now for expert legal support tailored to you.