Innovator Founder Visas
Turning Your Business
Vision into a UK Success Story
At Migration Matters, we assist entrepreneurs and investors in establishing innovative business ventures within the UK. Our solicitors provide tailored guidance at every stage — from securing endorsement and preparing a strong business plan to completing the visa application process — ensuring your business journey begins on solid ground.
Understanding the Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs with original, innovative and scalable business ideas that contribute to the UK economy. It replaces the previous Innovator and Start-up routes, allowing applicants to establish and manage a business in the UK with greater flexibility.
This visa is ideal for:
- Experienced entrepreneurs launching a new, innovative venture
- Investors supporting creative or high-growth business ideas
- Founders seeking to develop a long-term base in the UK
- Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must:
- Have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body
- Intend to play an active and central role in the day-to-day management and development of the business
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (B2 level or above)
- Provide evidence of financial stability and investment capability
Our Legal Support Includes
Our immigration and business law specialists work hand in hand to help you present a strong and credible application. We assist with:
Business idea evaluation and eligibility assessment
Preparing and refining your business plan
Securing endorsement from an approved body
Preparing and submitting your visa application
Advantages of the Innovator Founder Visa
We also provide ongoing support post-endorsement to ensure your business remains compliant and continues to meet Home Office requirements.
- Advantages of the Innovator Founder Visa
- Freedom to establish and lead your business in the UK
- Opportunity to bring dependants (spouse/partner and children)
- Eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years
- No minimum investment requirement
- Access to professional networks and potential UK business partners
Why Choose Migration Matters?
Specialist Knowledge
Our solicitors are experienced in combining business and immigration law to support entrepreneurs.
Personalised Strategy
We tailor your application around your goals, innovation and long-term plans.
Ongoing Partnership
From idea validation to settlement, we remain by your side throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You must receive an endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body confirming that your business idea is innovative, viable and scalable.
It is typically valid for three years and can lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if all requirements are met.
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can accompany or join you in the UK under this visa route.
You can work for your own business or businesses linked to it, but not as an employee in unrelated organisations.
If your endorsement is withdrawn, your visa may be curtailed. We can help you appeal or reapply with a new endorsing body if eligible.