UK Innovator Founder Visa 2025 – Start Your UK Business
£50,000 investment required. Endorsement for innovative, viable, scalable businesses. Fast-track to ILR in 3 years with business milestones.
The UK Innovator Founder Visa 2025 is for entrepreneurs starting an innovative business in the UK. You need £50,000 investment (raised or spent) and endorsement from an approved body confirming your business is innovative, viable, and scalable. After 3 years with business milestones, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Key Requirements (2025)
- ✅ £50,000 minimum investment actively spent on business OR business funding secured
- ✅ Endorsement from Home Office-approved body (e.g., Innovator International, Global Entrepreneurs Programme)
- ✅ Innovative business plan demonstrating innovation, viability, scalability
- ✅ Active role in business (not passive investor)
- ✅ English B2 level (IELTS 5.5 in each component)
- ✅ £1,270 personal savings (held for 28 days)
Three Endorsement Criteria: Innovation, Viability, Scalability
1. Innovation
Your business must have a genuine point of innovation that sets it apart from existing products/services in the UK market.
- New technology, process, or business model
- Unique value proposition or IP
- Novel approach to solving market problems
- Not just a copycat of existing businesses
2. Viability
Your business must be commercially viable with realistic revenue projections and market demand.
- Clear target market and customer base
- Realistic financial projections (3-5 years)
- Evidence of market research and demand
- Sustainable business model with revenue streams
3. Scalability
Your business must have potential for significant growth in the UK and beyond.
- Ability to grow beyond local market
- Potential to create jobs in the UK
- Expansion strategy (national/international)
- Scalable business model (not limited by capacity)
£50,000 Investment Requirement
How to Meet the £50,000 Requirement
You must demonstrate that at least £50,000 has been invested in your business OR that your business has secured funding. The money must be actively spent on business activities (not just held in an account).
Option 1: Personal Investment
Invest your own £50,000 into the business from legitimate sources (savings, inheritance, sale of assets).
- Show source of funds (bank statements, sale agreements)
- Demonstrate funds transferred to UK business bank account
- Provide evidence of active business spending (invoices, receipts)
Option 2: External Funding
Raise £50,000 from UK-based investors, VCs, angel investors, or government grants.
- Investment agreements or term sheets
- Proof of funds transferred from investors
- Evidence of spending on business operations
Option 3: Previous Business Funding
If your business already received £50,000+ before applying, show it was spent on the business.
- Bank statements showing £50k+ received
- Financial records proving active business use
- Growth metrics tied to the investment
Approved Endorsing Bodies (2025)
You must secure endorsement from one of the Home Office-approved bodies. They will assess if your business meets the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria.
Major Endorsing Bodies:
Innovator International
Leading endorsing body for tech startups and innovative businesses
Global Entrepreneurs Programme
Supports diverse entrepreneurs from all sectors
Envestors Limited
Focuses on investment-ready businesses with funding
The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)
Works with incubators and accelerators
Endorsement Application Process
- 1. Choose endorsing body that matches your sector/business stage
- 2. Submit business plan, pitch deck, evidence of innovation
- 3. Pay endorsement fee (typically £500-£1,000)
- 4. Wait for decision (usually 4-8 weeks)
- 5. Endorsement letter valid for 3 months for visa application
Application Process
Develop Business Plan
Create comprehensive business plan covering: innovation, market research, financial projections, scalability strategy, team, and use of £50,000 investment.
Secure £50,000 Investment
Raise or invest £50,000 into your UK business. Document source of funds, transfer to UK business account, begin spending on business activities.
Apply for Endorsement
Submit to approved endorsing body with business plan, pitch deck, financial evidence, and proof of investment. Wait 4-8 weeks for decision.
Apply for Visa
Once endorsed, apply online at gov.uk. Pay £1,191 visa fee + £1,035/year IHS. Book biometrics. Processing: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK).
Enter UK & Grow Business
Visa granted for 3 years. Focus on business milestones: job creation, revenue growth, customer acquisition. After 3 years with milestones, apply for ILR.
Business Milestones for 3-Year ILR
Meet At Least 2 of These Criteria
To apply for ILR after 3 years, your business must achieve at least 2 of the following milestones:
£50,000 investment secured and actively deployed
If not at application, prove it by ILR stage
Customers doubled in most recent year (from previous year)
Show significant customer growth
Significant research & development in UK
Evidence of IP, patents, or R&D activity
Created 10 equivalent full-time jobs (resident workers)
UK/settled workers employed by your business
Created 5 equivalent full-time jobs (average £25,000+ salary)
Higher-paid UK jobs created
Annual gross revenues of £1 million in most recent year
Significant revenue milestone
Annual gross revenues of £500,000+ (at least £100k from exports)
Revenue with international sales component
Costs & Fees (2025)
Main Applicant (3 years)
Additional Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Innovator Founder Visa from India/Pakistan/Middle East/Africa?
Yes! Entrepreneurs from all countries are eligible. Many successful applicants come from India (tech startups), UAE (fintech/e-commerce), Pakistan (software businesses), and Nigeria/South Africa (innovative ventures).
Where can I get £50,000 investment?
Options: (1) Personal savings/family investment, (2) UK angel investors or VCs, (3) Crowdfunding platforms, (4) Government grants for innovation, (5) Overseas investors (must transfer to UK). Funds must be from legitimate sources.
Can I switch from Student or Graduate Route to Innovator Founder?
Yes! Many international students switch from Graduate Route to Innovator Founder if they've started a business in the UK and secured £50k+ investment and endorsement.
What if my business fails? Can I still stay in the UK?
If your business fails, your visa remains valid until expiry, but you may not qualify for ILR after 3 years (need business milestones). You can start a new business or switch to another visa route like Skilled Worker.
How long does endorsement take?
Endorsement typically takes 4-8 weeks from submission to decision. Some bodies may be faster or slower. Plan ahead and apply early. Endorsement letter is valid for 3 months.
Ready to Start Your UK Business?
Explore other visa routes if Innovator Founder isn't the right fit, or check out our guides for employers and workers.
Related Routes for Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
Global Talent for Tech Founders
If you're a recognized tech leader, Global Talent may be easier than Innovator (no investment needed).
Join Existing UK Business
If joining an established UK company, Skilled Worker visa may be simpler than starting own business.
Fast ILR in 3 Years
Hit business milestones (£50k invested, 10 jobs, or £1M revenue) for ILR in 3 years vs standard 5.