The Innovator Founder Visa is for early stage entrepreneurs and experienced entrepreneurs who want to set up a business in the UK. Applicants do not need to have any specific level of funds to invest in their proposed business, but they must have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea supported by a business plan that has been approved by the approving body.

Innovator visa applicants must have created or made a significant contribution to their business idea. Innovator founders must also intend to play a key role in the day-to-day management and development of their business.

Innovator Founder visas are valid for 3 years and can lead directly to indefinite leave to remain in the UK at the end of that period. Innovator Founder Visa applicants can bring their partner and any children under 18 to the UK.

Innovator Founder Visa Requirements
To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet UK Visas and Immigration’s requirements that:

You are at least 18 years old;
You have an approval letter from an approved UK approval body confirming that:
You are a fit and proper person to receive support as part of the Innovator Founder Journey;
The Approving Authority has no concerns about the source of any funds invested in your business;
The Approving Authority has no reason to believe that you or your business may be the recipient of illegal or unexplained assets;
You have a business plan and you either created or contributed significantly to the ideas in that business plan;
You will have a day-to-day role in executing the business plan;
You will have at least two point of contact meetings with the approval authority at regular intervals;
You are either the sole founder or a supporting member of the founding team; and
You have an innovative, viable and scalable business venture;
Your confirmation letter was issued no more than 3 months before the date of your Innovator visa application;
You are competent in the English language at least at B2 CEFR level (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);
If you are outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you have at least £1,270 to live on, plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child;
Your application cannot be refused on general grounds for refusal;
You have provided a TB test certificate if required.
The exact requirements you will need to meet may vary depending on the circumstances of your case. You may want to speak to an immigration attorney for professional advice.