UK Investor Visa – A Complete Guide for High-Value Individuals

The UK Innovator Founder Visa has taken the place of the UK Investor Visa, giving a path for entrepreneurs and valuable people. Instead of just investing, this visa wants innovation and business growth, letting people create ventures in a top economy.

• It is made for founders who have new, businesses that can grow.
• It provides a direct way to live and become a citizen in the UK.
• There is no set amount of money needed. Success depends on the business's possible success.
• Spouses and kids under 18 can be included in the application.
• People can settle in about 3 years if their business does well.

*Want guidance to apply for UK Invest Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

 

What is the UK Investor Visa?

The Innovator Founder Visa has taken the place of the UK Investor Visa as the main option for business people who want to set up businesses in the UK. This visa puts importance on new ideas, how well a business can do, and growing over time. It gives a simple way to live in the UK to those who can really help the UK's finances. Before, the UK Investor Visa let rich people live in the UK if they invested a lot of money. Even though that option is gone, the Innovator Founder Visa still lets in hardworking people who are ready to start new businesses and make a life in the UK.

 

Why Invest in the UK?

The UK is a global investment hub, offering broad market access, competitive tax incentives, a skilled workforce, and strong support infrastructure for business growth.
 

Benefits of the UK Investor Visa

The benefits of UK Innovator Founder Visa are given below.

• Achieve UK ILR for permanent residency in only 3 years and qualify for British citizenship after 5 years.
• Your business's innovation and potential for growth determine success; no set investment is needed.
• Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can live, study, work in UK under this program.
• You and your family can access NHS healthcare, UK banking services, and educational institutions.
• You can start and run your own business in a stable economy.
• Visa extensions are available, providing a straightforward path to residency.
• Benefit from a supportive environment that includes UK innovation centers, accelerators, and funding sources.
• This program promotes active participation in your business, enabling you to directly manage and expand your company.

Types of Investment-Linked Visas in the UK

The various types of Investment Linked Visas in the UK are given below.

• Innovator Founder Visa: Designed for seasoned business owners who have a solid business strategy and backing.
• Start-up Visa: Suited for founders in the early stages with creative ideas, though they may have limited business experience.
• UK Global Talent Visa: Intended for people who have a track record of achievement in areas like tech, science, the arts, or research.

Each option can lead to residency in the UK, but the Innovator Founder Visa gives the most straightforward path to settling in the UK and gaining citizenship through business.

 

Why Invest in the UK: Market Access & High-Growth Industry Clusters

As the 6th-largest economy in the world, the United Kingdom offers investors unparalleled access to both European and global markets. Its position as a financial and innovation hub makes it an ideal base for international business expansion.

The UK is home to several high-growth industry clusters, including:

• Financial Services – London remains a global finance capital.
• Technology – A £1.2 trillion digital economy supported by world-leading innovation.
• Life Sciences – One of Europe’s strongest biotechnology and pharmaceutical ecosystems.
• Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing – Leading in research, development, and exports.

In a recent show of global confidence, the UK International Investment Summit secured over £63 billion in commitments, creating nearly 38,000 jobs, particularly in infrastructure, AI, and clean energy sectors. This reinforces the UK’s position as a thriving and future-ready investment destination.

 

Who is Eligible for a UK Investor or Innovator Founder Visa?

To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess an original business idea that is practical and has potential for growth.
• Obtain approval from a Home Office-approved endorsing organization.
• Plan to actively manage and expand the business.
• Meet the B2 level English language requirement.
• Have enough funds to support themselves and any family members who are moving with them.

 

UK Investor Visa Requirements

To apply for UK Innovator founder Visa, you will need to submit:

• A support letter from a UK-approved organization.
• A thorough business plan that explains the innovative aspects, potential for expansion, and market demand.
• Evidence of English language skills, such as results from a standard English test or proof of a degree taught in English.
• Confirmation that you have held at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 days straight before applying.
• Confirmation of a clean criminal record and adherence to UK immigration laws.

 

Step-by-Step Application Process 

The step by step application process for UK Innovator Founder Visa is given below.

Step 1: Make sure you meet the requirements for age, English skills, and funds.
Step 2: Develop a strong business plan that fits the UK market.
Step 3: Get your business plan approved by a Home Office-approved body.
Step 4: Apply for your visa online, including documents and payments via the official UK website.
Step 5: Receive your UK Innovator Founder Visa.

Cost of the UK Investor Visa

Detailed information about the cost of UK Innovator Founder Visa is given below.

Type of Expense	Amount (GBP)
Visa Application Fee (main applicant)	£1,191 (outside UK) / £1,486 (inside UK)
Visa Fee (per dependant)	£1,191 (outside UK) / £1,486 (inside UK)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035 per year
Endorsement Fee	£1,000 – £1,500 (approx.)
Maintenance Funds Requirement	£1,270 (main applicant)
Maintenance for Dependants	£285 (partner), £315 (first child), £200 (each additional child)
English Language Test	£150 – £200 (approx.)
Optional Legal/Consultancy Fees	Varies

Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing times for UK Innovator Founder Visa is given below.

Stage	Estimated Timeframe
Endorsement Decision	2 to 8 weeks
Visa Application Decision (outside UK)	Up to 3 weeks
Visa Application Decision (inside UK)	Up to 8 weeks
Priority Processing (if available)	5 to 10 working days
Biometrics Appointment Scheduling	Within 1 to 2 weeks

 

Extension, ILR & British Citizenship

• Visa Extension: The Innovator Founder Visa is first given for 3 years. You can extend your visa for 3 more years if your firm is still active and supported, and continues to meet standards for innovation and growth. There is no limit to the number of extensions you can get.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): You can apply for ILR (permanent residency) after 3 years, as long as you meet at least two business success criteria, such as creating jobs, growing revenue, or expanding the market. You also need to keep getting support from your endorsing body.
• British Citizenship: Once you have held ILR for at least 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship. You need to meet residency requirements (including limits on how long you can be away), pass the Life in the UK Test, and show that you plan to keep living in the UK.

This path gives a simple way for committed entrepreneurs to move from temporary residency to full citizenship.

 

Bringing Family Members to the UK

Those holding a UK Innovator Founder Visa can bring close family members to the UK using a dependant visa. This covers:

• Husband, wife, or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (if you can prove a lasting relationship)
• Children under 18, even if they were born in the UK while you are living there

Important things to note:

• Each family member needs their own visa application. They also need to pay the same application fee and health surcharge as the person applying for the Innovator Founder Visa.
• Dependants can work and study in the UK without any limits.
• You need to prove you can support your family financially. This means having:
  • £285 for a partner
  • £315 for your first child
  • £200 for each additional child

• You need to have had this money for at least 28 days before you apply.
• All dependants can apply to stay in the UK permanently and later become British citizens if they meet the requirements for how long they've lived in the UK and other criteria.

Due to these circumstances, the Innovator Founder Visa may be a good route for entrepreneurs who want to move to the UK with their family and establish a secure life.

Tax & Investment Incentives in the UK 

Investing in the UK benefits from competitive corporate tax rates and generous incentives designed to support high-growth innovation and startup activity.

Competitive Corporate Tax Rates

• Small-profit rate (profits ≤ £50k): 19%
• Main rate (profits > £250k): 25% (with marginal relief for profits between £50k–£250k) 

R&D Tax Relief

As of April 2023, a unified R&D tax regime includes the R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS):

• Standard rate: 20% credit on qualifying R&D costs
• For SMEs, up to 186% superdeduction, with a potential 14.5% refundable credit for loss-making R&D-intensive companies.

Patent Box Scheme

Companies owning UK or EEA-registered patents can benefit from a reduced 10% corporation tax rate on profits generated from eligible intellectual property 

EIS, SEIS & VCT Incentives

• Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed EIS offer income tax relief (typically 30%–50%) and inheritance/capital gains tax benefits.
• Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) also deliver tax relief to private investors supporting UK SMEs

 

Government Support & Strategy for Investors in the UK 

The UK government is actively supporting international investment with targeted reforms, sector strategies, and long-term growth plans.

£63 Billion in New Investment

At the 2024 International Investment Summit, the UK secured £63 billion in private investment, helping create nearly 38,000 jobs across sectors like clean energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

10-Year Industrial Strategy

The UK’s new Invest 2035 strategy focuses on eight priority sectors, including:

• Clean energy
• Advanced manufacturing
• Digital technologies
• Life sciences
• Creative industries
• Defence and aerospace
• Financial services
• Professional business services

This strategy aims to attract high-value investment and boost UK competitiveness through innovation and targeted government support.

Investment-Friendly Reforms

The government is also:

• Easing capital flow through regulatory reforms (e.g., post-Brexit Edinburgh and Leeds reforms)
• Supporting energy-intensive industries with cost reliefs and grid reforms
• Expanding freeports and investment zones to drive regional growth

These initiatives make the UK one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors looking for long-term growth and business stability.

 

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis offers detailed guidance for investors and entrepreneurs, which includes:

• Reviewing and improving business concepts to fulfill endorsement standards.
• Supplying full support to get endorsement via documentation and application submission.
• Providing financial planning and compliance advice that meets UK standards.
• Aiding with family inclusion and planning for long-term residency.
• Offering post-arrival guidance to start and run your UK-based business.