Innovator Founder Visa UK Guide 2025

Section A: What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder route is for entrepreneurs who intend to establish and grow a UK business that is new to the market, viable and capable of scaling. Entry is via endorsement from an approved body that assesses both the business and the applicant. Applications can be made from overseas or, where switching is allowed, from within the UK. The route replaced the Innovator and Start-up categories and brings the endorsement and monitoring model into a single framework. Permission is normally granted for three years, with a route to settlement if the ongoing criteria are met. Dependants can accompany or join, and they can work in any role except as a professional sportsperson or coach.

Unlike general work visas, the focus here is on the business plan and the founder’s active, day-to-day role. Endorsing bodies are expected to monitor progress during each grant of leave, including scheduled contact point meetings. The Home Office expects applicants to be genuine founders who will run the endorsed venture as their primary purpose in the UK. Substantial changes to the business concept, ownership or the founder’s role may require fresh consideration by the endorsing body.

1. What does the Innovator Founder Visa allow?

Holders can establish and work for the endorsed business and take additional employment where the role is at or above RQF Level 3 and does not undermine the commitment to the venture. Study is permitted. Permission is usually granted for three years, and extensions are available provided the applicant secures fresh endorsement confirming continued satisfaction of the route requirements. The route allows you to apply for ILR after 3 years, if you meet the conditions.

a. No fixed £50,000 investment threshold

There is no prescribed minimum investment figure in the rules. In practice, endorsing bodies will expect funding that is appropriate for the plan and evidence of lawful source of funds where relevant. Applicants should be ready to evidence how the venture will be financed to launch and scale.

b. Structured but lighter monitoring

At least two contact point meetings are expected during each grant of leave. These are formal checkpoints with the endorsing body to review progress against the business plan. Missing or failing a checkpoint can lead to endorsement being withdrawn, which risks curtailment of permission.

c. Limited secondary employment is permitted

Paid work outside the endorsed venture is allowed where the role is skilled at RQF Level 3 or above and remains secondary to running the business. Any arrangement that compromises the founder’s active management of the venture carries compliance risk.

d. Fast-tracked route to settlement

After three years, applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided the business is “active, trading and sustainable” and the applicant can show “significant achievements” judged against the business plan. Continuous residence and Life in the UK requirements apply. Only time in the Innovator Founder route qualifies for the accelerated three-year settlement provision.

2. Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa is designed to attract entrepreneurs whose ventures bring new ideas and investment to the UK economy. It combines flexibility for founders with a structured compliance framework overseen by endorsing bodies. The route offers the freedom to operate and expand a business while providing a clear progression path to settlement. It also enables founders to bring dependants, creating a more stable basis for long-term establishment in the UK.

There is no fixed minimum investment requirement under Appendix Innovator Founder, unlike the £50,000 threshold that applied under the former Innovator route. Instead, the Home Office expects applicants to demonstrate access to sufficient funding to launch and scale their venture in line with the business plan. Endorsing bodies will assess whether funding levels are realistic and whether the source of funds is legitimate. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to focus resources where they are most needed rather than meeting arbitrary thresholds.

Visa holders can work for their own business and take secondary employment provided that the additional role is at least RQF Level 3, equivalent to A-level standard, and does not undermine their primary responsibility for running the endorsed business. This allows founders to generate supplementary income while their business grows, provided the employment does not conflict with their obligations under the visa.

After three continuous years on the Innovator Founder route, applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain if they continue to meet endorsement requirements and have maintained continuous residence. Settlement is subject to proving that the business remains active, trading and sustainable, and that the founder continues to be involved in day-to-day operations. Dependants can apply for settlement once the main applicant qualifies. After holding indefinite leave to remain for 12 months, applicants can apply for British citizenship if they meet residence and other nationality requirements.

Endorsing bodies often provide access to structured business support, accelerators, and investor networks. Founders can also benefit from wider initiatives such as Innovate UK, the British Business Bank, and sector-specific trade associations. These connections can accelerate growth, attract funding and strengthen the business’s strategic position in the UK market.

Operating within the UK gives founders the advantage of a predictable legal system and clear regulatory standards. Intellectual property rights are well protected, and the UK has a supportive business environment for entrepreneurs, including favourable tax incentives such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme and R&D tax reliefs. The route also encourages compliance discipline by linking immigration status to continued business progress, providing confidence to investors and partners that endorsed ventures are subject to oversight.

Dependants, including partners and children under 18, can join or accompany the main visa holder in the UK. They are permitted to work, study or undertake self-employment without restriction except as a professional sportsperson or coach. This makes the route suitable for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a long-term base in the UK while maintaining family stability.

There is no cap on the number of extensions available to Innovator Founder visa holders. As long as the applicant continues to meet endorsement criteria, the business remains viable and active, and the business continues to meet the endorsement criteria and a fresh endorsement is obtained, permission can be extended.

3. Alternatives to the Innovator Founder Visa

For entrepreneurs who find the Innovator Founder route too restrictive or difficult to secure endorsement for, several alternative visa options can support business or career goals in the UK.

The most popular alternative is self-sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. This option allows you to set up a UK company, secure a sponsor licence, and sponsor yourself as a skilled employee of your own business. It removes the need for endorsement and avoids the innovation and scalability tests. However, it requires that your business can offer a genuine job role that meets the Skilled Worker skill and salary thresholds. Self-sponsorship is often used by established entrepreneurs or consultants who plan to operate a service business with clients or contracts already in place.

For those who recently completed a UK degree, the Graduate visa can provide up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) to work, look for work or start a business. While this route does not directly lead to settlement, it provides flexibility to test a business model in the UK before moving into another category such as Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder once the venture is ready to scale.

Other options can also be viable depending on circumstances. The Global Talent visa suits founders or professionals recognised for excellence in digital technology, science, arts or research. It allows self-employment, consulting and business ownership without sponsorship. The High Potential Individual visa offers a short-term route for top graduates from eligible international universities to live and work in the UK, though it cannot be extended and does not lead directly to ILR.

Choosing between these routes depends on your business stage, funding and long-term plans. Each has different compliance duties, costs and settlement pathways, so legal and tax advice is essential before deciding which option best fits your goals.

Section B: Innovator Founder Visa Endorsement Process

Securing endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body is mandatory before submitting an Innovator Founder visa application. The endorsement process is intended to filter for genuine, high-potential ventures that demonstrate strong prospects for sustainable growth and job creation in the UK. Endorsing bodies are formally licensed by the Home Office and are responsible for both assessing the business plan and monitoring progress throughout the visa period.

1. Innovator Founder Endorsing Bodies

The current approved business endorsing bodies are listed on the official Home Office list. As at October 2025, the following organisations can issue endorsements for new Innovator Founder applications:

Each organisation operates under its own published framework and may charge assessment fees in addition to the standard endorsement fee. Legacy endorsing bodies from the previous Innovator and Start-up routes are permitted to continue supporting applicants already under those schemes but cannot endorse new ventures. Endorsing bodies are required to comply with Home Office oversight and submit regular reports confirming that the businesses they endorse remain compliant and active.

2. How to Get Endorsed for the Innovator Founder Visa

The endorsement process varies slightly between endorsing bodies but generally follows a three-stage model:

Step 1: Initial assessment

The endorsing body conducts a preliminary review of your business concept, examining whether it meets the core requirements of innovation, viability and scalability. They may request a short summary, presentation deck or executive overview before proceeding to a full assessment. The body will also check your identity and conduct due diligence on your background and the source of any investment funds.

Step 2: Detailed evaluation

If the initial review is satisfactory, you will be invited to provide a full business plan and supporting materials. Endorsing bodies may hold interviews or require a live pitch session. They will consider the strength of the commercial proposition, evidence of market demand, and your experience and ability to deliver the plan. Your proposal must show realistic funding needs and financial projections that align with the growth strategy.

Step 3: Endorsement decision

If the body is satisfied that the business meets all requirements, it will issue an endorsement letter. The letter must confirm that the business is innovative, viable and scalable, that you are the founder or instrumental member of the founding team, and that you will have at least two contact point meetings during your permission period. It will include the organisation’s name, endorsement reference number and confirmation that the endorsement is valid for three months from the date of issue. The letter is submitted with your visa application to the Home Office.

3. Criteria for Endorsement

To receive endorsement, your business must meet the specific statutory tests under Appendix Innovator Founder. Endorsing bodies must assess each application against four key principles.

a. New business

If applying under the new business criteria, the business has to be new to the founder (i.e., not trading at the time of endorsement). You have to be leading the venture as a founder or co-founder and have developed or significantly contributed to the business plan. The plan must show that the business will be new to the UK market, not a replication of an existing enterprise.

b. Innovative

The business must introduce a product, service or model that offers a new approach or competitive advantage. It should not be a standard franchise, distribution or reselling arrangement. Endorsing bodies expect to see clear differentiation from existing market offerings, supported by research or pilot evidence.

c. Viable

The plan must demonstrate financial sustainability and credible delivery. This includes a realistic operating model, clear understanding of market conditions, achievable projections and evidence that you have or can access the necessary funding. The endorsing body will also consider whether you have the skills, experience and commitment to deliver the plan.

d. Scalable

The venture should show the potential for measurable growth, job creation and expansion beyond local markets. Endorsing bodies will look for structured planning and realistic scaling milestones over the first three to five years of trading. Applications with limited growth prospects or no clear plan for scale are unlikely to receive endorsement.

4. Monitoring and Reporting Duties

After endorsement, the endorsing body retains ongoing responsibility for monitoring the business during each grant of leave. Founders must attend at least two contact point meetings at regular intervals to demonstrate progress against the endorsed plan. Missed or failed meetings can lead to endorsement withdrawal. The endorsing body must report to the Home Office if it believes the business no longer meets the endorsement criteria or the business changes materially without notification.

Applicants should maintain transparent communication with their endorsing body, update them on material business changes, and provide documentation requested during reviews. Substantial changes in business model, ownership or funding may require new endorsement before continuing under the Innovator Founder route.

Section C: Innovator Founder Visa Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must secure endorsement from a Home Office approved endorsing body before they can apply for the Innovator Founder visa. Endorsement confirms that both the business and the applicant satisfy the route’s innovation, viability and scalability requirements. Once endorsed, the applicant must meet the English language and financial requirements and score a total of 70 points under Appendix Innovator Founder.

1. Endorsement by an Approved Body

Endorsement is the foundation of an Innovator Founder application. Only approved Home Office endorsing bodies can issue the necessary letter. As at October 2025, four active business endorsing bodies are authorised to issue endorsements for new Innovator Founder applications: Envestors Limited, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International and the Global Entrepreneurs Programme. Each has its own sector focus, fees and procedures. Legacy endorsing bodies from the previous Innovator or Start-up schemes can continue to support founders they previously endorsed, but only under the “same business” criteria.

Endorsing bodies are required to assess:

• whether the business proposal is genuinely innovative, viable and scalable, and meets a UK market need
• whether the applicant has played a significant role in developing the plan and will hold a day-to-day leadership role
• whether the applicant is a fit and proper person, with lawful source of funds and genuine intent to work on the business
• whether the business shows potential for job creation and growth

The endorsement letter must be dated within three months of the visa application and must confirm the endorsing body’s name, reference number, and that the applicant and business meet the Home Office criteria. Endorsing bodies are also required to monitor the business during each grant of leave through formal contact point meetings.

2. New Business or Same Business Criteria

Applicants can qualify for endorsement under either the new business or same business criteria. Each counts for 50 points under Appendix Innovator Founder. Applicants cannot claim points for both.

a. New Business Criteria

Where the application relates to a new venture, the applicant must demonstrate that they have created or made a significant contribution to the business plan, that they will lead delivery of the plan on a day-to-day basis, and that they will participate in at least two contact point meetings with the endorsing body during each period of permission. If multiple founders are applying, each applicant will need to secure their own endorsement letter issued in their name by the endorsing body, confirming their individual role, contribution and the business meeting the Innovator Founder criteria.

The business plan must be assessed as innovative, viable and scalable. Specifically, the applicant must show:

• a genuine and original plan that meets a new or existing market need and offers competitive advantage
• a realistic and achievable plan based on their available resources
• the skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to deliver the plan
• structured planning and credible potential for job creation and expansion into national or international markets

b. Same Business Criteria

Where the applicant has existing permission as an Innovator Founder, or previously held leave under the Innovator, Start-up or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) routes, they can apply under the “same business” provisions. The endorsing body must confirm that:

• the business was previously endorsed and has been assessed again during this permission period
• the applicant has attended at least two contact point meetings at regular intervals during their leave, or equivalent checkpoints if operating under a legacy endorsing body
• the business is active, trading and sustainable and has made significant progress against the endorsed business plan
• the applicant continues to be actively involved in the day-to-day management and development of the business

The endorsement must confirm these matters in writing. Legacy endorsing bodies can only endorse for the same business and cannot issue new endorsements for fresh ventures.

3. English Language Requirement

Applicants are required to demonstrate English language ability to at least level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages across reading, writing, speaking and listening. Evidence can be provided through an approved Secure English Language Test, an academic qualification taught in English and recognised by Ecctis, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country. Ten points are awarded for meeting this requirement.

4. Financial Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate personal maintenance funds of at least £1,270 held for at least 28 consecutive days before application unless they have been in the UK with valid leave for at least 12 months. Ten points are awarded for meeting this requirement. In addition, endorsing bodies will expect to see that the applicant has, or has access to, funding appropriate to launch and operate the business, and that the source of any investment is lawful and verifiable.

5. Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old on the date of application. Each applicant must apply individually and meet the route requirements in their own right.

Section D: Innovator Founder Visa Application Process

The Innovator Founder application process is structured to ensure only credible applicants with sound business plans and genuine intentions are approved. The process involves endorsement, visa application, and ongoing monitoring once permission is granted. Each stage requires careful preparation, supporting documentation and timely communication with the endorsing body and the Home Office.

1. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a comprehensive business plan

The first stage is creating a detailed and practical business plan. It should describe the business concept, market gap, competitive advantage, financial forecasts and growth potential. The plan must demonstrate that the idea is innovative, viable and scalable. Endorsing bodies assess both the strength of the proposal and the applicant’s ability to deliver it. The plan should also outline job creation, scalability and compliance with UK legal and tax obligations.

Step 2: Obtain endorsement from an approved body

Applicants must apply to one of the approved Home Office endorsing bodies. Each body has its own application process and may charge additional assessment fees beyond the standard £1,000 endorsement charge. Applicants are typically required to provide the business plan, financial documentation, and details of their qualifications or business experience. Some bodies may request interviews or pitch presentations. If successful, the body issues an endorsement letter confirming that the business meets the Innovator Founder requirements. The endorsement letter is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Step 3: Prepare your Home Office application

Applicants must complete the Innovator Founder visa form online, pay the visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees, and upload or submit supporting evidence. The key documents include:

• Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body
• Business plan and any supporting evidence such as financial forecasts or market analysis
• Evidence of lawful funding sources where relevant
• Proof of English language proficiency at level B2 (e.g., IELTS, Ecctis confirmation, or exempt nationality)
• Financial maintenance evidence showing at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 days (unless exempt)
• Passport and biometric information
• Previous UK visa documents or immigration records if applying from within the UK

Step 4: Submit your application and pay the required fees

The Home Office fee for an Innovator Founder visa application made from overseas is £1,274. The fee to switch to this visa from within the UK is £1,590. Each dependant pays the same fee as the main applicant. The endorsement body’s assessment fee of £1,000 is payable separately. The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per adult applicant per year and £776 per child or student per year. Some endorsing bodies may also charge £500 per contact point meeting during the visa term.

Step 5: Verify your identity

After submitting the application, you will be asked to verify your identity. This may involve attending a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph or, for eligible applicants, using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile app. The process depends on nationality and location.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

Applications made outside the UK typically take around eight weeks to be decided. For in-country applications, the standard processing time is also around eight weeks, though complex cases or additional document checks can extend this. Priority or super priority services may be available for an additional fee. If successful, the applicant will receive a digital immigration status (eVisa) confirming permission to live and work in the UK under the Innovator Founder route.

2. Switching to the Innovator Founder Visa

Applicants already in the UK can apply to switch into the Innovator Founder route if they meet the eligibility requirements and hold a visa type that allows in-country switching. The October 2025 change under HC 1333 confirmed that Student visa holders who have completed their course can now switch directly into the Innovator Founder route without leaving the UK, closing the previous gap that required student entrepreneurs to apply from overseas.

Eligible applicants can switch into the Innovator Founder visa from several routes, including the Student visa once studies have been completed, the Skilled Worker visa, the Global Talent visa, the Graduate visa and the Scale-up visa. Those already on a Start-up or Innovator visa may also apply to continue the same business under the Innovator Founder category. Switching is also permitted from certain other work or family routes where in-country applications are allowed under the Immigration Rules.

Applicants cannot switch if they currently hold immigration status as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Seasonal Worker, or Domestic Worker in a Private Household or if they are on immigration bail or temporary admission. These categories are excluded from in-country switching and would require an application to be made from outside the UK.

In every case, the applicant must first secure endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body confirming that the business is innovative, viable and scalable. The applicant also needs to meet the English language requirement and hold personal savings of at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days unless exempt through existing residence in the UK for at least 12 months.

3. Supporting Documentation

Supporting documents play a decisive role in the success of the application. The following evidence is generally required:

• Business Plan: Demonstrating innovation, viability and scalability, including realistic forecasts and financial planning.
• Endorsement Letter: From an approved endorsing body confirming the business meets the relevant criteria.
• Proof of Funds: Evidence of lawful source of investment or start-up capital where required by the endorsing body.
• English Language Proof: Test certificate or qualification meeting level B2 or an accepted exemption.
• Maintenance Funds Evidence: Bank statements or other financial records confirming personal savings of at least £1,270 for 28 consecutive days.
• Identity Documents: Passport, biometric information, and previous UK visa documents.
• Additional Documents: Contracts, partnership agreements, intellectual property registrations, or evidence of existing business operations where applicable.

All documents not in English or Welsh should be accompanied by certified translations. Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation can delay processing or result in refusal.

4. Innovator Founder Visa Timeline

The overall timescale from business plan preparation to visa decision can range from four to seven months. Timings will vary depending on the readiness of the business plan, the endorsing body’s review time and Home Office processing capacity.

5. Innovator Founder Visa Costs

The costs of applying under the Innovator Founder route include both Home Office and endorsing body charges. The standard endorsement fee payable to the endorsing body is £1,000 excluding VAT. Additional costs may arise for assessment or contact point meetings. Visa and health surcharge fees are as follows:

All applicants also pay the IHS charge for each year of stay. Fees are non-refundable if an application is refused. Missing contact point meetings or failure to pay required endorsing body fees can result in endorsement withdrawal.

6. If Your Application Is Refused

Applicants should take professional advice to ensure their documentation and endorsement align fully with the Home Office’s published criteria before submitting an application.

If the application is refused, the decision notice will set out the grounds for refusal. Common reasons include inadequate endorsement letters, inconsistencies in documents, or concerns about the applicant’s credibility. Applicants may seek an administrative review if the refusal appears to involve a caseworking error or they can reapply once issues are addressed. There is no right of appeal to the tribunal for Innovator Founder refusals.

Section E: Staying in the UK

The Innovator Founder route provides a structured pathway for entrepreneurs to remain in the UK, whether by extending their visa or applying for settlement. Ongoing endorsement and compliance are central to maintaining lawful status under this category. Founders are expected to remain actively involved in their business, attend regular contact point meetings, and ensure that their venture continues to meet the innovation, viability and scalability requirements confirmed at endorsement.

1. Extending an Innovator Founder Visa

Visa holders can apply to extend their Innovator Founder permission before it expires, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. There is no limit on the number of extensions permitted, as long as the business remains active, trading and sustainable and endorsement is renewed. A new endorsement letter must be obtained from an approved body before submitting the extension application. The endorsing body will assess progress against the business plan, financial sustainability and ongoing innovation or growth potential. The business does not need to have changed significantly, but measurable progress must be demonstrated.

Dependants’ visas do not extend automatically when the main applicant’s permission is renewed. Each dependant must make a separate application for further leave before their current permission expires. They can apply at the same time as the main applicant or separately before their current visa end date. All extension applications must be made online, with supporting evidence confirming ongoing endorsement, identity, maintenance funds if required and payment of relevant fees.

Applicants who fail to obtain a new endorsement or who allow their endorsement to lapse before applying for further leave risk refusal or curtailment of their current permission. Endorsing bodies are required to notify the Home Office if an endorsed business stops trading, falls inactive or no longer meets the agreed plan. Maintaining active communication with the endorsing body is therefore critical throughout the visa period.

2. Innovator Founder to Indefinite Leave to Remain

One of the key advantages of the Innovator Founder route is its accelerated pathway to settlement. After three continuous years in the UK with valid leave as an Innovator Founder, applicants may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if they meet the qualifying criteria. The conditions for ILR include:

• the business remains active, trading and sustainable, and continues to meet the innovation, viability and scalability criteria confirmed by the endorsing body
• the applicant has played a leading role in day-to-day management and strategic direction of the business
• the applicant has attended all required contact point meetings during each grant of leave
• the endorsing body has issued a fresh endorsement confirming ongoing compliance and achievement of milestones
• the applicant meets the continuous residence requirement, with no more than 180 days’ absence from the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying three years
• the applicant has passed the Life in the UK Test and meets the English language requirement at the settlement level

Only time spent under the Innovator Founder route counts towards the three-year settlement period. Time spent under other immigration categories cannot be combined with Innovator Founder leave for this purpose. Applicants must ensure they maintain a valid endorsement throughout their stay; if endorsement is withdrawn before ILR is granted, their visa may be curtailed.

3. After Settlement: British Citizenship

Once indefinite leave to remain has been held for at least 12 months, and the applicant meets the residence and good character requirements, they can apply to naturalise as a British citizen. Dependants may also become eligible to apply for ILR and later for citizenship if they meet the required residence periods and other eligibility conditions.

Founders who achieve settlement under this route gain the right to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions and access to public services. However, they are still expected to comply with UK company law, taxation and reporting obligations relating to their business operations.

4. Maintaining Innovator Founder Visa Endorsement & Status

Although the Innovator Founder visa provides a high-value route for entrepreneurs to establish a business in the UK, the endorsement and compliance framework can present practical difficulties. Many founders underestimate the scrutiny applied by endorsing bodies and the Home Office, or the resources needed to maintain progress throughout the visa period.

The endorsement stage is often the most demanding part of the process. Endorsing bodies apply strict criteria to ensure that only businesses with genuine innovation and scalable potential receive approval. Founders with limited market evidence or generic ideas often face rejection. Each endorsing body focuses on different sectors and business models, so selecting the right one is critical. Endorsement fees are non-refundable, so an unsuccessful application can be both costly and time-consuming. Clear differentiation and a credible business plan supported by robust financials are essential to success.

While there is no formal minimum investment threshold, applicants must still prove access to adequate resources to start and sustain the business. Endorsing bodies expect detailed evidence of funding sources and expenditure forecasts. Applicants relying on personal savings or international investments must show lawful origin of funds and the ability to transfer and deploy them in the UK. Weak financial evidence is a common reason for endorsement refusal. Delays in transferring funds or lack of a financial contingency plan can undermine confidence in the business’s viability.

Launching a business in the UK requires familiarity with regulatory, tax and commercial frameworks. Entrepreneurs used to less regulated markets often struggle with compliance requirements such as registration, accounting, employment law and data protection. Misjudging local demand or competitive pressures can quickly erode financial projections. Market adaptation issues can also impact endorsement renewal if progress deviates from the original business plan. Founders should allow time and budget for professional advice on tax, contracts and compliance to ensure the business remains aligned with Home Office expectations.

Each Innovator Founder must attend at least two contact point meetings during their permission period. These meetings are mandatory and provide a formal opportunity for the endorsing body to review business performance and verify compliance. Failure to attend, or to provide requested evidence, can lead to endorsement withdrawal. The endorsing body is obliged to inform the Home Office if the business is no longer active or the founder appears disengaged. Withdrawal of endorsement usually triggers curtailment of permission. Regular, proactive communication with the endorsing body and timely reporting of material changes are critical to remaining compliant.

Running a start-up while meeting immigration obligations can be demanding. Founders are expected to dedicate the majority of their working time to developing the business, while ensuring the company remains compliant with UK corporate, tax and employment laws. Balancing these obligations with family commitments and possible secondary employment requires strong organisation and discipline. In practice, many early-stage businesses find that administrative and compliance costs exceed initial expectations, particularly where external advisers are engaged to support the endorsement process and visa management.

If the business fails to make sufficient progress, significantly changes direction without approval, or ceases trading, the endorsing body can withdraw endorsement. This must be reported to the Home Office, which may curtail the visa. Founders who receive notice of withdrawal typically have limited time to regularise their status or make representations. Because endorsement is central to the visa’s validity, early engagement with the endorsing body if problems arise is vital. A proactive recovery or restructuring plan can sometimes preserve endorsement where the business remains viable with adjustments.

Immigration policy is subject to regular review, and endorsing body guidance may change as the route evolves. Applicants must stay alert to new requirements introduced through Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules, such as updates to financial thresholds, monitoring duties or evidential formats. Founders who fail to adapt their processes or business practices to new requirements risk falling out of compliance. Taking legal or professional advice before renewal or settlement applications can help avoid technical refusals based on outdated assumptions.

Not all start-ups succeed, and business closure can have direct immigration consequences. If the venture is wound up or stops trading, endorsement will usually be withdrawn. Founders facing this situation can explore switching into another immigration route such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent or self-sponsorship if eligible. Early planning is key to avoiding an abrupt loss of status. Keeping contingency options under review protects both the founder and any dependants should the business not progress as expected.

Success under the Innovator Founder route depends on realistic business planning, professional governance and active communication with endorsing bodies. The rules reward well-run ventures but impose consequences for neglect or non-compliance. Founders who treat the endorsement relationship as an ongoing partnership rather than a one-off approval are better positioned to manage risk and achieve long-term immigration and commercial goals in the UK.

Section F: Operating a Business in the UK

Once an Innovator Founder visa has been granted, the next step is to establish and operate the business in line with the endorsed plan. Founders are expected to take an active management role and ensure that the company remains compliant with UK corporate, tax and employment law. Operational decisions that materially alter the business model, ownership or structure should be reviewed with the endorsing body before implementation, as substantial changes may require re-endorsement. The Home Office can revoke leave if endorsement is withdrawn, so continuous compliance and documentation are key to long-term success.

1. Choosing a Business Structure

Entrepreneurs can choose from several legal structures when setting up their company. The most common options are sole trader, partnership, limited company or limited liability partnership (LLP). Most founders opt for a limited company because it offers limited liability and allows for clear ownership division through shares. The chosen structure should align with the endorsed business plan and anticipated growth strategy.

Table: Business Structure Comparison

2. Registering with Companies House and HMRC

Limited companies and LLPs must register with Companies House and HMRC before trading. Registration requires details of directors, shareholders and the registered office address. The company must also register for Corporation Tax within three months of starting operations. Keeping statutory records and filing annual accounts on time is a legal requirement. Failure to comply can result in financial penalties or director disqualification.

3. Opening a Business Bank Account

Founders should open a dedicated UK business bank account to manage company finances separately from personal funds. Most banks will request proof of immigration status, company registration documents and a UK business address. Some endorsing bodies may require evidence that a business account has been opened as part of their ongoing monitoring checks. Maintaining clean, auditable financial records will also support future endorsement renewals and any settlement application.

4. Licences, Permissions and Insurance

Certain businesses require specific licences or permits before trading. Examples include food and drink establishments, childcare providers, transport operators and financial services firms. Founders should check the UK licence finder to identify relevant permits. Businesses employing staff must also hold valid employers’ liability insurance and comply with health and safety laws enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. Failure to obtain mandatory licences or insurance can lead to fines or closure.

5. Hiring Employees

If the endorsed business plan includes creating jobs, founders should ensure compliance with UK employment law. This includes issuing written contracts, paying at least the National Minimum Wage, ensuring workplace safety and preventing discrimination. Employers are legally required to verify the right to work of all employees. Sponsored roles for migrant workers require a valid sponsor licence. Founders should register as an employer with HMRC and operate PAYE to handle tax and National Insurance deductions. Keeping organised HR and payroll records will also help demonstrate the business’s sustainability to the endorsing body.

6. Accounting, Taxation and Record Keeping

All limited companies must file annual accounts with Companies House and pay Corporation Tax on profits. Businesses with a taxable turnover above £90,000 must register for VAT. Even below the threshold, voluntary registration may be beneficial depending on the customer base. Accurate accounting is vital, both for legal compliance and to show business performance at endorsement reviews. Founders should consider professional accountancy support to ensure timely submissions and to prepare for potential due diligence by the endorsing body or HMRC.

7. Compliance with Endorsement Conditions

Operating in line with the endorsed plan is not only a commercial imperative but an immigration requirement. Material deviations in product, ownership or operational structure can invalidate endorsement unless approved. Endorsing bodies monitor compliance through formal contact point meetings, typically twice during each permission period. Founders must provide evidence of trading activity, such as invoices, contracts, or tax filings. Transparent communication with the endorsing body and timely reporting of changes safeguard continued eligibility under the route.

8. Professional and Legal Support

Engaging experienced advisers—such as solicitors, accountants and tax specialists—helps founders remain compliant with UK laws and endorsement obligations. Advisers can also guide on intellectual property protection, commercial contracts and investment structures. Taking early professional advice reduces risk of errors that could jeopardise endorsement or business viability.

Section G: Summary

The Innovator Founder visa allows entrepreneurs to build a new business in the UK where the idea is genuinely innovative, viable and scalable. It replaces the former Innovator and Start-up routes, bringing endorsement, monitoring and settlement under one set of rules. Applicants need endorsement from a Home Office-approved body before they can apply and have to keep meeting endorsement conditions for as long as they hold the visa. The route gives flexibility to run the endorsed business while taking limited additional skilled employment and offers a direct path to settlement after three years of continuous residence in the Innovator Founder route.

Success depends on keeping the confidence of the endorsing body. Founders must be actively involved in day-to-day operations and prove progress at mandatory contact point meetings. Missed check-ins, poor performance or straying from the endorsed plan can lead to endorsement being withdrawn and the visa curtailed. There is no set investment threshold, but applicants must show they have lawful and sufficient funding and a credible financial plan. Endorsing bodies assess not only the quality of the business idea but also the applicant’s capability, track record and engagement with the venture.

The route is attractive because it combines entrepreneurial freedom with an accelerated settlement timeline, but it carries a high compliance load. Founders who maintain endorsement, deliver measurable progress and meet the Home Office requirements can apply for indefinite leave to remain after three years and, later, British citizenship after 12 months of settled status.

In practice, the visa rewards strong planning, transparency and consistent communication with the endorsing body. Applicants who treat endorsement as a one-off transaction or fall behind on performance targets risk refusal or early termination of their permission. Sound business management, good records and active oversight remain the foundation of staying compliant and achieving long-term residence in the UK.

Section H: Need Assistance?

DavidsonMorris are leading UK immigration advisers to entrepreneurs and business owners.

Contact our UK immigration specialists for advice on any aspect of the Innovator Founder visa application process, including consideration of alternative visa options to run a business in the UK, and support with writing a business plan or making the visa application.

Section I: Innovator Founder Visa FAQs

What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business in the UK that is innovative, viable and scalable. Applicants must secure endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body before applying and remain actively involved in the business’s management throughout their stay.

Who is eligible for the Innovator Founder Visa?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have an endorsement confirming that their business meets the innovation, viability and scalability tests. They must also demonstrate English language ability to at least level B2 and hold personal maintenance funds of at least £1,270 for 28 days unless exempt through 12 months of lawful UK residence.

What is an endorsing body?

An endorsing body is a Home Office-approved organisation authorised to assess business ideas and issue endorsement letters confirming eligibility for the Innovator Founder route. Endorsing bodies must monitor endorsed businesses throughout the visa period through mandatory contact point meetings.

How do I get endorsed for the Innovator Founder Visa?

You must submit a detailed business plan and supporting documents to an approved endorsing body. The body will evaluate the proposal’s innovation, viability and scalability. If satisfied, it issues an endorsement letter valid for three months for submission with your visa application. Each endorsing body has its own process, fees and focus areas.

How long is the Innovator Founder Visa valid for?

The visa is granted for three years. Applicants can extend indefinitely if they continue to meet the endorsement and eligibility criteria. Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) can be applied for after three years of continuous residence if the business remains active and meets the Home Office requirements.

Can I bring my family to the UK with the Innovator Founder Visa?

Your partner and children under 18 can accompany or join you in the UK as dependants. Dependants can work or study without restriction, except as professional sportspersons or coaches. They must apply separately and pay the same visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge as the main applicant.

Is there a minimum investment requirement?

There is no set minimum investment amount under the Innovator Founder rules. However, endorsing bodies will assess whether you have or can access sufficient lawful funding to start and sustain your business, consistent with the endorsed plan.

Can I work outside my business while on the Innovator Founder Visa?

Yes, limited secondary employment is permitted if it is at least RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) and does not interfere with your role as an active business founder. The primary focus must remain on managing and developing the endorsed business.

What happens if my business fails or I lose endorsement?

If your business stops trading or your endorsement is withdrawn, the endorsing body must notify the Home Office. Your visa may then be curtailed. You should seek advice immediately to explore alternative visa options, such as switching into the Skilled Worker or Global Talent routes, if eligible.

Can I switch to the Innovator Founder Visa from another visa?

Switching from inside the UK is permitted from most visa categories, including Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or Student, provided you meet all eligibility criteria. You cannot switch from a Visitor, Short-Term Student, Seasonal Worker, or Domestic Worker route.

What are the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

After three years, you can apply for ILR if the business remains active, trading and sustainable and continues to meet the endorsed criteria. You must demonstrate ongoing involvement in management, maintain continuous residence with absences under 180 days in any 12-month period, and pass the Life in the UK test.

How do I extend my Innovator Founder Visa?

You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires, with a new endorsement confirming that your business continues to satisfy the required criteria. There is no cap on the number of extensions, provided the endorsement remains valid and the business continues to show progress.

Can dependants apply for settlement?

Once the main applicant has ILR, dependants may apply for ILR (or be included) provided they meet the residence and other ILR criteria, which may include three years if relying on the Innovator Founder route.

What are the most common reasons for refusal?

Applications are often refused due to weak or unrealistic business plans, lack of evidence of funding, or non-compliance with endorsement conditions. Refusals may also result from missing documents or failure to demonstrate genuine intention to develop the business. Professional preparation and review before submission significantly improve approval prospects.

Section J: Glossary

Section K: Additional Resources