The Innovator Founder visa is the UK’s main route for experienced entrepreneurs who want to build a genuinely new business here. It replaced the old Innovator and Start-up visas in April 2023 and, crucially, removed the £50,000 minimum investment that used to put the route out of reach for many founders. This 2026 guide covers who it is for, how endorsement works, what it costs, and how it leads to settlement.

What is the Innovator Founder visa?

It is a visa for people setting up and running an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK — something different from anything already on the market. You don’t need a particular sum of money to apply, but your business idea (and your role in it) must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. You can be a sole founder or part of a founding team, but every team member needs their own endorsement.

Eligibility at a glance

• A new business idea that is innovative, viable and scalable, backed by a business plan.
• Endorsement from a Home Office-approved body.
• English language to at least B2 level (speaking, reading, writing and understanding).
• Maintenance funds — usually around £1,270 held for 28 days, unless you are exempt or your endorsing body confirms your funds.
• You must be 18 or over.

Endorsement: the heart of the route

Your idea is assessed by an approved endorsing body, which checks that it is innovative, viable and scalable and that you will spend your time building it. As of early 2026 the bodies endorsing new applications are Envestors, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International and the Global Entrepreneurs Programme. Endorsement costs £1,000, and you must also attend contact-point meetings (at least two during the visa) at £500 each so the body can check your business is progressing.

What does the Innovator Founder visa cost?

• Application fee: £1,357 if applying from outside the UK, or £1,693 to switch or extend from inside the UK.
• £1,000 endorsement fee (paid to the endorsing body).
• £500 per contact-point meeting (minimum two).
• Immigration Health Surcharge — £1,035 per adult, per year.

Family members (a partner and children under 18) can usually join you as dependants, each with their own fee and health surcharge.

How long it lasts — and working alongside your business

The visa is granted for 3 years. You can extend it for further 3-year periods with no limit on the number of extensions. A major improvement over the old Innovator visa: you can now also take a job outside your own business, as long as it requires at least a level 3 qualification. That flexibility makes it far easier to support yourself while your venture grows.

The route to settlement (ILR)

You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years. To qualify, your business must meet at least two of these seven criteria:

• At least £50,000 invested into the business and spent.
• Your customer base has at least doubled and is above the UK industry average.
• Significant research and development with intellectual property protection.
• Annual gross revenue of at least £1 million.
• Revenue of at least £500,000 with at least £100,000 from exports.
• Created at least 10 full-time jobs for resident workers.
• Created at least 5 full-time jobs with an average salary of at least £25,000.

Is it the right route for you?

If you have an innovative business concept and can win endorsement, the Innovator Founder visa offers a clear path from start-up to settlement. If your plan is to work for a UK employer rather than run your own venture, the Skilled Worker visa is usually the better fit. Either way, once you are here your status is digital — set up your eVisa and UKVI account to prove it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Innovator Founder visa?

A UK visa for entrepreneurs to set up and run an innovative, viable and scalable business, with their idea endorsed by an approved body. It replaced the Innovator and Start-up visas in April 2023.

Do I need a minimum investment?

No. There is no set minimum investment to apply — the old £50,000 requirement was removed in 2023. Your idea must instead be innovative, viable and scalable, and endorsed.

Who endorses Innovator Founder applications?

Home Office-approved endorsing bodies. As of early 2026 these include Envestors, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International and the Global Entrepreneurs Programme.

How much does the Innovator Founder visa cost?

The application fee is £1,357 from outside the UK or £1,693 to switch or extend inside the UK, plus £1,000 endorsement, £500 per contact-point meeting (at least two), and the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per adult per year.

How long is the visa and can I extend it?

It is granted for 3 years and can be extended for further 3-year periods with no limit.

Can I get settlement (ILR)?

Yes, potentially after 3 years, if your business meets at least two of the growth criteria, such as £50,000 invested, £1 million revenue, or creating 10 full-time jobs.

Can I work outside my own business?

Yes. Unlike the old Innovator visa, you can take a job that requires at least a level 3 qualification alongside running your business.