Introduction
New Innovator Visa
The UK has introduced a new visa called the Innovator Founders Visa. This visa is worth considering if you have an original business idea. Clearly, with this new visa, the UK aims to stay at the forefront of economic growth by attracting innovative entrepreneurs.
Let’s take a look at what it takes to secure this visa. The main requirement is that your business idea must be unique—different from anything currently available on the market. In addition, your idea must receive endorsement from an official endorsing body.
First, let’s talk about the costs. It costs £1,000 to apply for endorsement. If approved, you’ll also need to attend mandatory contact point meetings at least twice during your stay in the UK, each costing £500 and payable directly to the endorsing body. Note that the previous organization responsible for endorsements under the old innovator visa scheme is no longer operating. The current recognized endorsing bodies are listed below:
UK Endorsing Services
Innovator International
Envestors Limited
The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)
The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) is run by the Department for Business and Trade and supports internationally mobile, tech-based entrepreneurs in scaling and internationalizing their innovation-driven companies from a UK headquarters. GEP only provides visa endorsements to founders who have already been invited to participate in their programme.
What are the Eligibility requirements
Here are briefly the eligibility requirements:
- The business is viable it must be a new business
- It must be an original business idea
- Its is scalable there is potential to create UK jobs
- Potential for growth
- Must have at least minimum of £1270 in account for a period of 28 days concescutive days before or extend visa.
- English proficiency required
- Stay duration: Up to 3 years on an Innovator Founder visa, either by arriving in the UK or switching from another visa.
- Successful applicants must meet with their endorsing body after 12 and 24 months to demonstrate business progress. The visa may end early if the endorsement is withdrawn. To stay longer, apply for a new endorsement before your current visa expires.
- Switch/Extend: It’s possible to extend or switch into this visa type.
- Settlement: Eligible for settlement after 3 years; applicants can bring family or have them join later.
- Required documents:
- Endorsement letter from an approved body confirming your business assessment
- Valid passport or ID showing identity and nationality
- Bank statements proving at least £1,270 saved for 28 consecutive days before applying
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Tuberculosis test results (if required)
- Certified translation for documents not in English or Welsh
- Opinion: This visa offers a strong opportunity for entrepreneurs with scalable, growth-oriented business ideas and the potential to create jobs in the UK. Applicants may work while building their business if the work meets at least level 3 qualifications.
How We Help
We help assess your eligibility, prepare your application, and gather all supporting documents to reduce delays or refusals. From reviewing financial proofs to submitting declarations, our experts ensure every detail is covered—giving your family the best chance at joining you in the UK without complications.