By the end of this article, you’ll understand how the Innovator Founder Visa works, why it replaced earlier entrepreneur routes, how to secure endorsement, avoid common pitfalls, fulfill your tax and compliance duties, and map a path from visa grant to British citizenship.
What Is the Innovator Founder Visa?
Launched in February 2023, the Innovator Founder Visa replaced the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Start-up visas as the UK’s principal route for experienced entrepreneurs to establish a business here. You can:
- Launch or run a business in the UK that’s considered ground-breaking, viable and capable of growth
- Bring your partner and children
- Apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) once you hit certain milestones
Key facts:
- You must have an endorsement from a Home Office–approved body
- There’s no fixed minimum investment amount, but you must show you’ve invested enough to deliver your plan
- You need at least CEFR level B2 in English, assessed under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) B2 criteria
Learn more on the official site: Innovator Founder Visa official guidance
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must submit:
- An endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body
- A detailed business plan demonstrating how your idea is novel, viable and scalable
- Evidence you meet the English requirement
- Valid tuberculosis and criminal record certificates (if applicable), including a tuberculosis certificate in line with WHO guidelines
Full checklist: https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa/documents-you-must-provide
How the UK Entrepreneur Routes Evolved
The Innovator Founder Visa didn’t emerge overnight:
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa (pre-2019) required a £200,000 investment; it closed to new applicants in March 2019.
- Start-up Visa (2019–2023) targeted first-time founders but barred holders from settlement.
- Innovator Founder Visa (2023–present) combines the best of both: high-calibre plans plus a clear settlement path.
The change addressed concerns around low-quality applications and money-laundering risks — read the government’s announcement on the new entrepreneur and start-up visa routes.
How Endorsing Bodies Work
Endorsing bodies are at the heart of the Innovator Founder Visa. The Home Office selects them based on sector expertise, track record and governance standards. Once approved, they must:
- Assess your business plan against the innovation, viability and scalability criteria
- Provide ongoing monitoring of your progress (reports at 6, 12 and 24 months)
- Notify the Home Office if you fall behind or abandon your project
See the full list of endorsers here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/endorsing-bodies-for-innovator-founder-visa
Navigating the Application—And Common Pitfalls
Application steps:
- Secure endorsement
- Complete the online visa form
- Pay the £1,036 application fee and the healthcare surcharge
- Attend a biometrics appointment
- Submit supporting documents
Common refusal reasons and how to address them:
- Weak proof of business viability: include market research, three-year financial forecasts and letters of intent from customers
- Endorsement letter issues: pick an endorsing body with a track record in your sector
- Gaps in documentation: use a checklist to ensure every document is current and correctly certified
If your application is refused, you have 14 days to request an administrative review. Focus your appeal on areas the Home Office highlighted as deficient.
From Visa to Indefinite Leave—Your Path to Settlement
You can apply for ILR once you’ve met all of the following:
- Held valid Innovator Founder status for 3 years
- Met the endorsing body’s progress requirements
- Passed the Life in the UK Test and shown English at B2 or above
After you hold ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship: https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk
Financial and Compliance Obligations
As an Innovator Founder Visa holder, you must:
- Register your company at Companies House within 3 months of incorporation
- Submit annual accounts and a confirmation statement to Companies House
- File a Self Assessment tax return by 31 January each year
- Pay Corporation Tax (19% on company profits) and VAT if you exceed the £90,000 threshold
Regional Support beyond London
The UK government and local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) offer grants, mentorship and office space across the country:
- Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine Investment Funds
- Scottish Enterprise’s Innovation Voucher Scheme
- Welsh Government’s Business Wales support
Bullet list of typical offerings:
- Seed grants up to £25,000
- Access to local accelerator programmes
- Tax relief schemes (e.g., R&D Tax Credits)
Learn more about regional schemes: British Business Bank regional programmes
Innovator Founder Visa vs Other Business Routes
Comparing your options:
| Route | Endorsement Required | Minimum Investment | Settlement Path |
|—————————|———————-|——————–|————————-|
| Innovator Founder Visa | Yes | No fixed minimum | After 3 years |
| Start-up Visa (closed) | Yes | N/A | No |
| Global Talent Visa | No | N/A | After 3 years |
| Scale-up Visa | No | N/A | No (but can switch) |
Global Talent suits leaders in science, arts or tech, while the Innovator Founder focuses on founders willing to build a business from scratch under professional oversight.
Next Stop: Your UK Venture
Armed with this guide, you know the history, the rules of engagement, where to find support, how to avoid refusals and what lies ahead once you land in the UK. The Innovator Founder Visa opens the door—but your plan, preparation and persistence will see you through to settlement and beyond. Good luck!