Start-Up and Innovator Visas: Turning Ideas Into UK Businesses

The UK continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the world who want to launch and scale innovative businesses. For those with the right ideas and ambition, the Start-Up and Innovator Founder visas provide unique routes to turn business concepts into successful UK ventures.

In this blog, we explore the key features, eligibility requirements, and advantages of these visas — and what you need to know before applying.

1. What Are the Start-Up and Innovator Founder Visas?

• Start-Up Visa: Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who are starting a business in the UK for the first time.

• Innovator Founder Visa (which has replaced the old Innovator visa): Aimed at more experienced entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative businesses and access to funding.

Both visas require endorsement from an approved endorsing body that assesses whether your idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.

2. Who Can Apply?

Start-Up Visa:

• No initial investment funds required.

• Must have a business idea that is new (not already trading), innovative, and endorsed.

• Must meet English language requirements and provide proof of maintenance funds.

Innovator Founder Visa:

• Requires endorsement for an innovative, viable, and scalable business plan.

• You are expected to have active involvement in running the business.

• Previously required £50,000 investment funds — now, the focus is more on the business concept itself, though access to funds is still critical for growth.

3. Duration and Path to Settlement

• Start-Up Visa: Valid for 2 years but does not directly lead to settlement (ILR). Many entrepreneurs later switch into the Innovator Founder route.

• Innovator Founder Visa: Initially valid for 3 years and can lead to settlement (ILR) if certain business success criteria are met.

4. Benefits of These Routes

• Access to the UK’s world-class business ecosystem

• Ability to bring dependants (spouse/partner and children)

• Opportunities to scale and expand internationally from a UK base

• For Innovator Founders: the possibility of settlement after 3 years

5. Common Challenges

• Securing endorsement from a recognised body — this is often the biggest hurdle.

• Proving that your idea is genuinely innovative and scalable, not just a repeat of existing businesses.

• Meeting the ongoing monitoring requirements set by endorsing bodies.

Hextons Law Can Help

Applying for a Start-Up or Innovator Founder visa requires more than just a strong application — it requires a credible business plan and clear alignment with endorsing body requirements.

At Hextons Law, we guide entrepreneurs from concept to submission, helping prepare compliant business plans, liaising with endorsing bodies, and ensuring applications are positioned for success.

Contact us today to discuss your business idea and find out how we can help you take the first step toward building your future in the UK.