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United Kingdom - Innovator Founder Visa

Program Overview

Minimum Investment

£50,000

Minimum Investment

N/A Real Estate

Time to Residency

6 Months

Visa-free Access

1 Country

United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa Requirements

In October 1994 the United Kingdom introduced a program which provided granting of a residence visa to non-EEA (and non-Swiss) nationals who invested in its territory (‘the Immigrant Investor program’). In February 2008 a Points Based System (PBS) for managed migration from outside the EEA was introduced, replacing the old work permit system.

To be able to apply for this program, you should be at least 18 years of age, in good health, and without a criminal record.

Main Applicant Requirements

  • 18+ years of age
  • Good health
  • No criminal record
  • Successfully pass due diligence checks

Eligible Dependents

  • Spouse of the main applicant
  • Adult children (biological or adopted) under 18 years of age

United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa Benefits

Business & Employment

You are authorised to work for your employer’s UK entity.

Health & Education

Access to world-class health services and high standard education opportunities for you and your family.

Straightforward Process

Designed to be a smooth and straightforward process, with a quick application turnaround time.

Pathway to citizenship

After 5 years, you may be eligible for UK citizenship by naturalisation.

Tax Relief

You may be eligible for the non-domicile tax regime, limiting tax liability on foreign income to what you remit to the UK.

Dual Citizenship permitted

There is no need to renounce your current citizenship(s), and your home authorities are not notified of your new citizenship.

UNITED KINGDOM - INNOVATOR FOUNDER VISA | Business Migration

Legal Basis

Based on the Immigration Rules part 6A: the Points-based system (paragraphs 245AAA to 245ZZE) of the UK law, an individual fulfiling the requirements stated can apply to be granted entry, indefinite leave to remain and subsequently if eligible British citizenship by naturalisation.

Costs of United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa

Visa Application fees Outside UK

Main Applicant

GBP 1,036

Each dependent

GBP 1,036

Visa Application fees within UK

Main Applicant

GBP 1,292

Each dependent

GBP 1,292

Health surcharge

per person

GBP 1,872

Biometrics fees

per person

GBP 19.20

Maintenance Fees

Main Applicant

GBP 1,270

Spouse

GBP 285

First child

GBP 315

Each additional dependant

GBP 200

Application Process For United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa

The expected timeframe for the application process is 6 months. The initial stage of document collection can vary depending on the applicant’s ability to gather the necessary documents. Our team guides this process with samples and best practice advice. The review stage is subject to the respective government schedule and can be impacted by factors which we, as authorised agents, have no control over. We collaborates with the government throughout the entire process, aiming to provide the quickest and smoothest experience for the applicant.
Application Process

6 months

*Sample of
Residence Visa document

Step 1

We will have an initial consultation meeting with the applicant where we will check that you are able to satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Immigration Rules for an innovator-founder visa.

Step 2

The applicant will have to make a down payment for our professional fees and signs an engagement agreement with us to provide them with assistance and advice throughout their application for the program.

Step 3

All endorsing bodies require applicants to demonstrate that they have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. We will listen to your concept and advise as to whether it is appropriate to take forward to an endorsing body.

Step 4

Having successfully completed the above stages, We will formally introduce you to an expert business plan writer to fully develop the business idea after which we will share your business plan to up to 3 Home Office approved endorsing bodies.

Step 5

The endorsing body will have an initial consultation with the applicant where you can pitch your concept and business plan.

Step 6

The endorsing body will need to know everything about you and the source of your funds. Once the due diligence process is completed, the endorsing body will issue the applicant an endorsement letter.

Step 7

After the endorsement letter is secured, We will prepare your Innovator-Founder visa application and submit it to the Home Office.

Step 8

Once your Innovator-Founder visa application has been approved by the Home Office, you will be able to enter the UK to start deploying your investment funds and developing your business concept.

Visa-free Countries for United Kingdom Innovator Founder Visa

With the UK Residency Card, you can travel freely to the UK.
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries
1 Country & Territory

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