All-Visas
Innovator Founder
entrepreneur · United Kingdom
The Innovator Founder visa replaced the older Innovator (April 2023) and the £50,000 minimum investment was abolished. Applicants must be 18+ and have their business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body that assesses innovation, viability and scalability. English at CEFR B2 in all four skills is required. Maintenance funds of £1,270 (28-day rule) apply unless the applicant previously held a UK visa for 12+ months. Initial leave 3 years, extendable; ILR after 3 years on meeting growth criteria.
- Minimum stay / validity
- 3 yrs; ILR after 3 yrs
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside) / 8 weeks (inside)
- Official source
- https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa
- Last verified
- May 2026
Requirements & criteria
- [Mandatory] Set up / hold a qualifying local company
- [Mandatory] No criminal record
- [Mandatory] Age 18+
- [Mandatory] Endorsement by approved UK endorsing body
- [Mandatory] English CEFR B2 (all four skills)