UK Innovator Visa Requirements – Start Your Business in the UK

The UK Innovator Founder Visa lets determined business owners create and expand their creative companies in the UK. It is a good option for forward-thinking founders who want to start and grow their businesses in a vibrant global environment.

• In the year ending in June 2023, 494 Innovator visas were issued, which is an 88% increase from the previous year.
• Compared to the Global Talent visas, this option is quite selective, with about 520 Innovator approvals in late 2023.
• The success rate has remained near 88% from 2019–2022, which suggests business ideas are being approved.
• The Innovator Founder path started in April 2023, replacing the old Innovator and Start-Up visas.
• There is no requirement for £50,000 investment, making it easier for real innovators to participate.

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

What Is the UK Innovator Visa?

The UK Innovator Visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs looking to set up or run an innovative business in the UK. It requires endorsement from a Home Office–approved body and is suitable for individuals with a scalable, viable, and innovative business idea.

To be eligible, people needed approval from a Home Office-approved group. Usually, the visa lasted three years and could lead to permanent residency. Visa holders could also bring family members and, in some situations, work outside their own business.

 

Benefits of the UK Innovator Visa

The UK Innovator Visa offers the benefits given below.

• Start and expand your innovative business in the UK's strong economy.
• Obtain UK ILR or Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years.
• Bring your family—spouse or partner and children—to live, study, and work in the UK.
• There is no required minimum capital needed; the focus is on your business idea's potential.
• Gain entry to UK investor groups, mentorship, and markets worldwide.

Who Is Eligible for a UK Innovator Visa?

The Innovator Founder Visa is open to experienced international entrepreneurs who have backing from UK-approved organizations. Those applying should possess either proven business experience or show they can do the job, plus have a full plan for a business that's new, doable, and can grow.

 

Types of Innovator Visas in the UK

The primary types of UK Innovator Visas are given below. 

• The Innovator Founder Visa has been available to new applicants since April 2023.
• The Legacy Innovator Visa, an older option, is no longer available for new applicants.
• The Start-Up Visa has been mostly replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa for new applicants.

 

UK Innovator Visa Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Innovator Visa, you must obtain an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body within 3 months before your application and fulfill the following requirements:

• Age: Must be 18 years or older
• English Proficiency: CEFR Level B2 or equivalent (via SELT or degree)
• Maintenance Funds: At least £1,270 held for 28 days prior to application
• Business Plan: Must be innovative, viable, and scalable
• Good Character: No serious criminal record
• Dependents: Spouse/partner and children under 18 can appl

 

Documents Required for a UK Innovator Visa

The table below has the list of documents required for a UK Innovator Visa are given below.

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
Endorsement Letter	From a UK-approved endorsing body
Business Plan	Demonstrates innovation, viability, and scalability
Proof of Funds	Bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 days
English Language Certificate	CEFR Level B2 via approved test or academic qualification
Criminal Record Certificate	From any country lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
Tuberculosis Test Results	If from a listed country

 

How to Apply for a UK Innovator Visa?

The process to apply for a UK Innovator Visa is given below:

Step 1: Obtain an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body
Step 2: Prepare all required documents, including your business plan and financial proof
Step 3: Apply online via UKVI and pay the visa fee
Step 4: Submit your biometrics via ID-check app or at a visa centre
Step 5: Wait for a decision (usually 3 weeks if outside the UK; 8 weeks inside)
Step 6: Upon arrival, attend scheduled contact point meetings at 12 and 24 months
Step 7: Apply for visa extension or settlement (ILR) after 3 years if growth milestones are met

UK Innovator Visa Fees and Costs

Detailed information about the fees and costs of UK Innovator Visa is given below.

Fee Type	Amount (in GBP)
Visa Application Fee	£1,191 (outside UK) / £1,486 (inside UK)
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)	£624 per year
Endorsement Fee	Approx. £1,000
Extension or ILR Fee	£1,486 (extension) / £2,885 (ILR)
Dependant Visa Fee (per person)	£1,191 (outside UK) / £1,486 (inside UK)

 

Processing Time for the UK Innovator Visa

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

Application Location	Standard Processing Time	Priority Option Available
Outside the UK	3 weeks	Yes
Inside the UK	8 weeks	Yes (for an extra fee)
With Priority Service	5 working days (target)	Yes
With Super Priority Service	1 working day (target)	Limited availability

 

Validity, Extensions, and Route to ILR

• Visa valid for 3 years
• Extendable every 3 years if endorsement is maintained
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) possible after 3 years if criteria are met: job creation, investment growth, business sustainability, etc.

 

Conditions and Restrictions for Innovator Visa Holders

• Your primary focus should be on your approved business.
• You cannot access public funds or welfare assistance.
• You need to report to your endorsing organization at least twice every three years.
• You can only take on other employment if the roles need a level 3 qualification.

 

Bringing Dependants to the UK

According to UK immigration guidelines, individuals can sponsor certain dependents, like:

• Spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners.
• Children under the age of 18.

These dependents are allowed to live, study, and work in the UK if the sponsor satisfies specific maintenance and accommodation standards.

 

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

• The business concept lacks innovation, feasibility, or scalability.
• The documentation is missing, inaccurate, or not current.
• The applicant doesn't meet the English language or maintenance funds criteria.
• There's a history of non-compliance with UK laws or immigration regulations.
• The endorsement lacks credibility, or the business justification is weak.

 

Life After Visa Approval

After approval:

• Register your business in the UK after approval.
• Maintain contact with your endorsing body and attend required meetings.
• Prepare for visa extensions or meeting the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• Use UK business networks, grants, and connections with investors.

 

How Can Y‑Axis Help You?

Y-Axis a leading immigration and visa consultancy in the UK offers complete Innovator Founder Visa support, including:

• Determining eligibility and advising on endorsement.
• Reviewing business plans to help meet UK standards and increase chances of approval.
• Preparing visa applications, including form completion and document verification.
• Managing endorsement reporting and renewal schedules.
• Providing advice on relocation, compliance, and settlement options after approval.