UK Innovator Founder Visa
United Kingdom GBR
Last verified 2024-09-01Official source
The UK Innovator Founder Visa replaced the Innovator Visa in April 2023, removing the previous £50,000 minimum investment requirement. Applicants must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body. Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) can be sought after three years if the business has achieved prescribed milestones.
Program Details
- Category
- Entrepreneur
- Processing Time
- 2 months
- Application Fee
- $1,490
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Dependant partner and children may be included; each requires a separate application and fee
- Path to PR
- Yes — 3 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 6 years
- Physical Presence
- Must not be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period; must actively develop the endorsed business
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- Business income is subject to UK corporation tax and founders are liable for income tax on salaries or dividends drawn. The UK has no minimum investment requirement for this route, but tax residency applies from arrival.
- Renewal Cost
- $1,490
Key Requirements
- ✓Endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body confirming the business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable
- ✓No minimum personal investment required (as of April 2023)
- ✓Applicant must be a founder or co-founder of the business
- ✓English language proficiency (B2 CEFR or equivalent)
- ✓Sufficient personal savings (£1,270 held for 28 consecutive days)
- ✓Business must be new or not previously traded in the UK
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