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UK Innovator Founder Visa 2025

Having Trouble with Innovator Founder Visa application?

Whether you’re launching a tech startup, creative venture, or impact-driven business, this guide will walk you through the essentials of applying for the Innovator Founder Visa in 2025.

Call us at 0161 839 7396 or contact us online for immediate assistance.

What Is the UK Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for non-UK entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK.

It replaced both the Start-Up Visa and previous Innovator Visa routes in 2023, streamlining the application process while keeping the focus on high-impact, high-potential businesses. It’s one of the few visa routes that offers a direct path to settlement (ILR) after just 3 years.

For more information on your options for entering the UK and guidance on submitting your visa application, contact our team of professional immigration lawyers at Salam Immigration on 0161 839 7396.

Key Benefits:

This route is ideal for individuals with a genuine entrepreneurial mindset and a business plan that can be endorsed by a UK-approved endorsing body.

Want to turn your idea into a business — and your business into UK residency? We’ll help you do both. Contact us

Want to apply for the Innovator Founder Visa?

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is the premier route for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative, scalable businesses in the United Kingdom. Whether you are developing a tech start-up, social enterprise, or sector-disrupting product, this visa offers a clear path to launch your business and work towards permanent settlement.

At Salam Immigration, we provide expert legal support throughout the Innovator Founder Visa journey—from refining your business idea to securing endorsement, preparing your application, and meeting ongoing compliance requirements. Our solicitors understand both the legal and commercial dimensions of this visa and will guide you through every stage of the process.

A Smarter Path to Building a Business in the UK

If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative, scalable business idea and a genuine intention to establish your company in the UK — the Innovator Founder Visa may be your gateway to launching and growing your business in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

Launched to replace the previous Innovator and Start-up routes, the Innovator Founder Visa simplifies the process for serious entrepreneurs who want to build ventures that contribute to the UK economy. Unlike previous versions, this route removes the £50,000 minimum investment requirement and offers more flexibility for founders — including limited secondary work rights and a clear path to settlement.

At Salam Immigration, we specialise in helping entrepreneurs and startups from around the world secure their place in the UK market. From endorsement to visa application, business planning to compliance — we guide you through every phase of the process with legal precision and commercial insight.

Whether you’re launching a tech startup, creative venture, or impact-driven business, this guide will walk you through the essentials of applying for the Innovator Founder Visa in 2025.

Contact Today to get your Innovator Founder Visa!

Who Can Apply for Innovator Founder Visa (2025)

To successfully apply for the Innovator Founder Visa in 2025, you must meet both business-related and personal eligibility requirements. The Home Office and your endorsing body will scrutinise your application for credibility, readiness, and long-term viability.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key eligibility areas:

1. Business Eligibility

You must demonstrate that your business idea is:

Innovative

Your concept must be original and offer something new to the UK market. This could mean:

Ideas that are repetitive, franchise-based, or lack differentiation will likely be rejected by endorsing bodies.

Viable

You must prove your business can realistically operate and survive in the UK market:

Financial projections should show that the business can sustain itself and possibly turn a profit over time.

Scalable

Endorsing bodies want to see growth potential — ideally beyond a sole trader model:

Scalability doesn’t mean you need a global empire, but your model should go beyond self-employment.

Need expert guidance on your UK Innovator Visa? Contact us today!

2. Endorsement Requirement

You must be endorsed by a UK Home Office-approved endorsing body. This body will assess your business plan and provide a letter confirming they believe your idea meets the criteria.

This letter must:

Endorsing bodies may conduct an interview, request a pitch presentation, and charge a review fee, typically between £1,000–£2,000.

3. English Language Requirement

You must prove that you meet at least CEFR Level B2 in English, which is equivalent to:

Get expert help with your UK Innovator Visa—contact us now!

4. Financial Maintenance Requirement

You need to show that you can support yourself during your time in the UK:

5. Age and Criminal Record

Don’t leave your eligibility to guesswork — we assess your case thoroughly before you apply.

Approved Endorsing Bodies for 2025

Your business must be endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body. These organisations are authorised to assess your business plan against the visa criteria.

Endorsing bodies include:

Each endorsing body has its own application process, fees, and industry focus. Some prioritise tech, others creative or sustainability-led ventures.

Salam Immigration works with reputable endorsing bodies and can help you:

Securing the right endorsement is crucial — we’ll help you make the strongest case possible.

Innovator Founder Visa Application Process

The Innovator Founder Visa process includes several stages involving business validation, legal documentation, endorsement, and immigration formalities. Below is a detailed look at what happens at each stage — and how Salam Immigration supports you from start to finish.

Step 1: Business Feasibility Review & Visa Strategy

We begin with an in-depth consultation to:

We also explore whether this route is right for you, or if another (e.g., Skilled Worker, Global Talent) may be better aligned.

Step 2: Business Plan Development & Endorsement Preparation

This is the most critical stage. We work closely with you to build a business plan that is:

We also prepare:

Once complete, we manage the application process with the endorsing body, including payment of any required review fee.

Step 3: Receive Endorsement Letter

If your business plan is approved, the endorsing body will issue a formal letter stating:

This letter is valid for 3 months, so you must submit your visa application within this window.

Step 4: Visa Application & Document Submission

We prepare and submit your full visa application via the UKVI portal, including:

We also review for accuracy, consistency, and UKVI compliance before submission.

Step 5: Biometrics Appointment & Visa Decision

You’ll attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to:

Visa processing times vary:

We track your application and provide updates until a decision is made.

Need expert help with your UK Innovator Visa? Contact us today!

Step 6: Entry to the UK & Business Launch

Once approved, you’ll receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport (for 90 days). Upon entry to the UK:

We continue to support you post-arrival with:

Need end-to-end help? Salam Immigration handles your visa, business plan.

Common Reasons for Rejection – And How We Prevent Them

Entrepreneurs are often refused due to:

At Salam Immigration, we help you avoid these pitfalls with:

Don’t let paperwork stop your vision — we’ll make sure your idea gets the approval it deserves.

Settlement (ILR) and Long-Term Benefits

One of the strongest features of the Innovator Founder Visa is the fast route to settlement:

Picture of Written By SalamImmigration

Written By SalamImmigration

Samera Akhtar
Solicitor-Branch Manager

Samera Akhtar is an Expert Immigration Lawyer at Axis Solicitors. She also serves as a Compliance Officer for Legal and Administration with Axis Solicitors Limited. Samera specializes in Immigration law. Her extensive knowledge and expertise enable her to provide clients with effective legal solutions and comprehensive guidance in their immigration matters.

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Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive for accuracy, laws may change, and the content may not always reflect the latest legal developments. No guarantees are made regarding its accuracy or completeness, and we accept no liability for any reliance placed on it. We recommend consulting a qualified lawyer at Salam Immigration before making any decisions based on this information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much investment is required for the UK Innovator Visa?

Applicants must have at least £50,000 available for investment in their UK business. This must be held in a regulated financial institution for a minimum of 90 days before applying.

An endorsing body evaluates your business plan and ensures it meets innovation, viability, and scalability criteria. They also monitor your business progress during your stay in the UK.

Yes, you can switch to the Innovator Visa if you currently hold a valid visa in certain categories, such as Start-up Visa, Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, or Tier 2 General Work Visa.

There is no right of appeal against a refusal. However, you can request an administrative review if you believe an error has been made in processing your application.

Yes. You can include your spouse and children under 18 as dependants. They will have access to free healthcare and education, and your spouse will be allowed to work in the UK.

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for non-UK nationals with a viable, innovative, and scalable business idea that has been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body. It replaces the previous Innovator and Start-up visa routes.

Applicants must have a genuine business idea that is new to the UK market, demonstrate the potential for growth and innovation, and receive endorsement from an authorised endorsing body. There is no longer a minimum investment requirement, but applicants must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to operate the business.

The visa is typically granted for 3 years, after which successful applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—subject to meeting business performance and residency requirements.

Yes. A comprehensive business plan is essential and must meet the Home Office’s criteria for innovation, viability, and scalability. Our team at Salam Immigration assists in refining your plan and preparing it for endorsement.

If your endorsement is withdrawn, you must either secure a new endorsement within a set time frame or leave the UK. Salam Immigration can help you respond swiftly and explore viable legal options if this situation arises.

Why Choose Salam Immigration for Your Innovator Founder Visa?

  • We blend legal expertise with commercial understanding
  • Direct links with UK endorsing bodies
  • Customised business plan drafting and reviews
  • Full compliance and post-arrival support
  • Transparent fees and honest advice

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Get Expert Guidance for Your Application

Navigating the Innovator Visa process can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Salam Immigration offers tailored support to help you achieve your business and immigration goals. If you’re ready to start your journey to the UK, contact us today. Call us, email us, or book a consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your case. Let us help turn your vision into reality.

Get in Touch

Head Office:

109 Cheetham Hill Road,
Manchester, M8 8PY

Head Office Phone:

0161 839 7396

Email

info@salamimmigration.co.uk

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