UK Innovator Founder Visa 2025 Guide – Requirements, Endorsement & Application Process

If you’re a forward-thinking entrepreneur with a bold, innovative business idea and a strong plan for growth, the UK Innovator Founder Visa offers a golden opportunity to launch and scale your venture in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

As an experienced UK immigration consultant, I’ve supported many high-potential founders through the complex process of endorsement, application, and relocation.

This guide breaks down the 2025 Innovator Founder Visa into clear, actionable steps — from eligibility to cost, endorsement, and how to apply successfully.

Apply Also: UK Dependent Visa 2025: Requirements, Costs & How to Apply for Family Members of International Students

What Is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is designed for individuals with a genuinely innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that is endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body.

Unlike the former Start-up Visa, this route does not require a minimum investment, making it far more accessible to founders with bold ideas but limited capital.

Key features:

• A clear pathway to UK settlement (ILR) after 3 years

• Ability to bring dependents (spouse/children)

• Access to the UK market, investment ecosystem, and support networks

• Full work rights, including founding and running your business

UK Innovator Founder Visa Requirements (2025)

To qualify, you must meet both business-related and personal eligibility criteria:

 1. Innovative, Viable & Scalable Business Idea

Your business idea must meet three critical criteria, as assessed by an endorsing body:

• Innovation: The idea must be original and not already being offered widely in the UK market.

• Viability: You must show a realistic business plan and the ability to deliver it.

• Scalability: The business must have high growth potential, job creation capability, and international reach.

🧾 Tip: A well-researched business plan and market analysis are essential.

 2. Endorsement from a UK-Approved Body

You must secure an endorsement letter from one of the Home Office-approved endorsing bodies.

• They assess your business plan and potential for success

• Your idea must meet all innovation, viability, and scalability standards

• Each endorsing body has its own process and sector focus (tech, finance, green startups, etc.)

3. Personal Eligibility Criteria

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old

• English Language: CEFR B2 level in speaking, listening, reading, and writing

  • Prove this with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or a degree taught in English

• Financial Requirement:

  • You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying

  • These funds must be independent of your business capital

What is the cost UK Innovator Founder Visa in 2025

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• £1,035 per year — paid upfront

• A 3-year visa = £3,105 total IHS

• Gives full access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS)

Apply Also: UK Parent Visa 2025: Expert Guide for Parents of British or Settled Children

How to Apply for the UK Innovator Founder Visa – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Secure Your Endorsement

Before you can apply for the visa, you must be endorsed.

1. Identify an endorsing body (from the GOV.UK list)

2. Prepare a robust business plan

3. Submit your idea for assessment

4. Receive an endorsement letter if successful

💡 Need help preparing your business proposal? Work with an immigration advisor to tailor your pitch for the specific endorsing body.

Step 2: Complete Your Online Visa Application

Once endorsed, apply through the UK Government website:

• Fill out the Innovator Founder Visa application form

• Upload required documents:

  • Endorsement letter

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of English (SELT or degree)

  • Financial documents (bank statements)

• Pay the visa fee + IHS

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

Depending on your location and eligibility, you will either:

• Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre

• Or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify your identity remotely

Nigerian applicants will attend one of the UK Visa Application Centres in Abuja, Lagos (Ikeja or Victoria Island).

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

• Processing time is usually:

  • 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK

  • Up to 8 weeks within the UK

• Priority/super-priority services may be available for faster decisions

You’ll receive an official decision via email or letter with next steps.

Documents Required for the Innovator Founder Visa

Be sure to include:

• Valid passport

• Endorsement letter

• English language proof (SELT or academic degree)

• Personal bank statements (to prove financial maintenance)

• Tuberculosis test results (if applying from a listed country)

• Supporting documents for dependents, if applicable

Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa

• No minimum investment required

• Fast-track to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years

• Bring your partner and children

• Full control over your business

• Access to UK banking, funding, accelerators, and business networks

Can You Extend or Switch Into the Innovator Founder Visa?

Yes. You can:

• Extend your visa for another 3 years

• Switch from another visa category (e.g., Skilled Worker or Student Visa)

• After 3 years, apply for settlement (ILR) if your business continues to meet the endorsement criteria

Apply Also: How to Apply for the UK Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) in 2025

Expert Advice: Why Work With a UK Immigration Consultant?

The Innovator Founder visa is a competitive and technical route. Endorsement bodies assess business plans with precision — and one misstep can mean rejection.

As immigration specialists, we help you:

• Understand exactly what endorsement bodies are looking for

• Craft a compelling business plan with strong financials and market data

• Ensure your application meets all legal and technical standards

• Save time and avoid unnecessary rejections or delays