The Innovator founder visa enables overseas entrepreneurs to come to the UK to establish an innovative business. It is specifically intended for those who want to set up and run something that’s different from anything else on the market.

 

The Innovator Founder Visa was previously know as the "Innovator Visa", replaced the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa in March 2019. As of 13 April, 2023, the Innovator Founder Visa no longer requires a minimum investment of £50,000 GBP. However, if you plan to establish a new business, you will still need to demonstrate to the endorsing body that you have sufficient funding and a reliable source of funding.

 

This visa allows holders to remain for up to three years, at which point they can apply for a further three-year extension. One of the most attractive features of the Innovator founder visa is that after three years, they may be able to acquire permanent settlement in the UK; this is shorter than the normal five years required for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)