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Updated for 2026
UK Innovator Founder Visa Guide 2026
Clear guidance on endorsement, eligibility, business requirements, fees, English language, settlement, and the Innovator Founder application process.
£1,357
Application fee from outside the UK
£1,693
Switch or extend fee inside the UK
£1,000
Typical endorsement application fee charged by endorsing bodies
2026
Aligned to current route rules and premium page style
Overview
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder visa is the UK route for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea. The application must be supported by an approved endorsing body.
Endorsement required
Business must be innovative
Settlement route available
Main entrepreneur route
This route replaced the old Innovator and Start-up routes and is now the main route for entrepreneurs launching innovative businesses in the UK.
Active role required
Applicants must have a key role in the day-to-day management and development of the endorsed business.
Flexible business structure
Applicants can use suitable business structures, but the route focuses on business quality, credibility, and growth potential rather than a fixed investment amount.
Eligibility
Innovator Founder Visa Requirements
Applicants need an endorsement, must meet the English language and maintenance requirements, and must show that the business idea meets the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria in the Immigration Rules.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Endorsement | You must have an endorsement from an approved endorsing body confirming the business meets the route requirements. |
| Innovation | The business idea must be genuine, original, and different from anything else on the market in a meaningful way. |
| Viability | You must have or be developing the skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness needed to run the business successfully. |
| Scalability | The business must have evidence of structured planning and potential for job creation and growth in national or international markets. |
| English language | You must usually show English language ability at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. |
| Maintenance funds | You must usually show at least £1,270 in personal savings unless an exemption applies. |
Important: Unlike the old Innovator route, there is no fixed minimum investment amount written into the route as a separate headline requirement. The focus is on whether the endorsed business is realistic and capable of growth.
Endorsing body
How Endorsement Works
Endorsement is central to the Innovator Founder route. An endorsing body reviews the proposal and decides whether the business is innovative, viable and scalable, and whether the applicant has an active role in delivering it.
What endorsing bodies assess
- Business idea quality and originality
- Commercial viability
- Growth potential
- Applicant’s role and credibility
- Progress against route criteria for extensions and settlement
Mandatory contact point meetings
- At least 2 contact point meetings during the visa period
- Usually charged separately by the endorsing body
- A current published benchmark is £500 per meeting
- Failure to engage can affect future endorsement support
2026 costs
Innovator Founder Visa Fees in 2026
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee from outside the UK | £1,357 | Per applicant |
| Switch or extend inside the UK | £1,693 | Per applicant |
| Endorsement application fee | £1,000 | Usually paid directly to the endorsing body |
| Contact point meeting fee | £500 per meeting | Usually paid directly to the endorsing body |
Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, depending on the length of permission requested.
Application process
How to Apply
1
Prepare the business proposal
Build a credible business concept with clear innovation, commercial viability, and growth potential.
2
Apply for endorsement
Submit your business proposal to an approved endorsing body and respond to any interviews or further questions.
3
Submit the visa application
Apply online, pay the required fees, provide supporting documents, and prove your identity.
4
Receive a decision
Applications are usually decided in around 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks inside the UK, although faster services may be available.
5
Operate and develop the business
Visa holders must remain actively involved and attend the required contact point meetings with the endorsing body.
Benefits
Benefits and Practical Considerations
No fixed investment threshold
The route no longer centres around a fixed minimum investment amount in the way older entrepreneur routes did.
Dependants can join
Partners and children can usually apply as dependants and benefit from work and study rights in the UK.
Secondary work allowed
The route allows limited secondary employment, subject to the route conditions and occupation level requirements.
Settlement
Remaining in the UK and Settlement
Innovator Founder permission is normally granted for 3 years. Applicants may extend their permission or apply for indefinite leave to remain if they continue to meet the route requirements and receive the necessary endorsement support.
Settlement route
- Time on the route can count towards ILR
- Applicants need endorsement support for settlement
- Business progress must meet route criteria
- Dependants apply separately where needed
Common challenges
- Securing endorsement
- Meeting progress milestones
- Complying with contact point requirements
- Showing credible business growth
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the UK immigration route for entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK with the support of an approved endorsing body.
The application fee is £1,357 from outside the UK and £1,693 for switching or extending in the UK. Separate endorsement and contact point fees may also apply through the endorsing body.
There is no separate fixed minimum investment amount in the route rules like older entrepreneur routes, but the business must still be genuine, viable, and scalable.
Yes, subject to meeting the route’s settlement requirements and obtaining the necessary endorsement support.
Enquiry form
Request a consultation
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Need help with an Innovator Founder visa application?
Whitehall Visa Services can help you assess eligibility, prepare your business case, and support a stronger endorsement and visa application.