Innovator Founder

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish a new, innovative business in the UK. It replaced the earlier Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa routes in April 2023.

To qualify, your business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body — such as a university, accelerator, or trade body — that is authorised by the Home Office. The endorsing body will assess whether your business is innovative, viable, and scalable.

You must demonstrate that you have a genuine, original business idea that is your own — not a copy of an existing model — and that you will be actively involved in running the business. There is no minimum investment or capital requirement for this route.

The Innovator Founder Visa is initially granted for three years. It can be extended or lead to settlement after three years if you meet the specific business milestones set by your endorsing body and the Home Office at the time of your initial grant.

Your business must be based in the UK, and you must spend a significant amount of your time developing it. You are not permitted to work in a second job under this route, with limited exceptions.

Terence Ray Solicitors works with entrepreneurs, founders, and early-stage businesses to navigate the endorsement process and prepare thorough visa applications that clearly meet the Home Office criteria.

Call us urgently on 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.