Innovator Founder visa
Official name: Innovator Founder visa
For people setting up an innovative business in the UK. The business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body as new, innovative, viable and scalable. The visa lasts 3 years, can be extended without limit, and settlement may be possible after 3 years. Fees: £1,357 from outside the UK, plus £1,000 for the endorsement and £500 for each check-in meeting.
Life in United Kingdom
Finance
3
Currency
British Pound
GBP
British Pound
Cost of living
92
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20% · social security 8%
Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.
Living
1
Happiness
#27 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Founders with an innovative, scalable business idea that an approved endorsing body supports.
Eligibility
Endorsement
Sign in to check this route against your profileAn endorsement from an approved endorsing body; the business idea must be new, innovative, viable with growth potential, and scalable.
English
Sign in to check this route against your profileApplicants must be able to speak, read, write and understand English and usually prove it when applying.
Progress meetings
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need to meet your endorsing body at 12 and 24 months to show progress on your business.
- Meetings happen at 12 months and 24 months
- The visa may be cut short if the endorsement is withdrawn
Official wording
Holders meet their endorsing body at 12 and 24 months to show progress; the visa may be cut short if the endorsement is withdrawn.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 documents
- 5 fees
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Official sources
Other routes to United Kingdom
- Visit & tourismElectronic Travel Authorisation
- StudyStudent visa
- Work permitsUK Ancestry visa
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