UK visas
UK Innovator Founder visa for business founders
For experienced businesspeople who want to start a new innovative business in the UK. An approved endorsing body must back your idea.
- Needs
- Endorsement of your idea
- Length
- 3 years
- Settlement
- Possible after 3 years
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- You want to start a new business in the UK
- Your idea is original, viable and scalable
- You have the skills and experience to run it
The basics
What the authorities look for
- An endorsement from an approved endorsing body
- A business that is new, not one you are joining
- English language at the required level
- Check-ins with your endorser during the visa
- Partner and children can be included
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. Last reviewed October 2026. GOV.UK: Innovator Founder visa
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- **Idea first.** The endorser judges innovation, viability and scalability, not only your funds.
- **Endorser reviews.** They check progress at set points. A weak review can end your visa.
- **Endorsement costs money.** The endorsing body charges its own fee. Ask early.
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
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Innovator Founder visa questions
Do I have to invest a fixed amount?
The route no longer sets a fixed investment sum. The endorser judges the business itself.
Can I switch to this from another UK visa?
Often yes, if you meet the requirements while in the UK. Check the current switching rules.
Keep reading
Other UK visa pages
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