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UK Innovator Founder visa

Start an innovative business in the UK. Before you apply for the visa, an approved endorsing body must back your business idea, so the business plan does most of the work.

3 yearsstay, then extend or settle
Endorsementfrom an approved body
3 weeksusual decision from outside the UK
€5,000Ascend package
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Who it is for

Founders with an original business idea for the UK market. You cannot join a business that is already trading: the business must be new and yours.

The main requirements

  • An endorsement from an approved endorsing body, which assesses your idea.
  • New: not a business that is already trading.
  • Innovative: an original idea, different from what is already on the market.
  • Viable: realistic, with potential for growth.
  • Scalable: a plan to create jobs and grow into national and international markets.
  • English: you must be able to speak, read, write and understand English, and usually prove it.

How long it takes

Once endorsed, a decision usually takes about 3 weeks from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside the UK. You can stay for 3 years, meet your endorsing body at 12 and 24 months, and may be able to apply for settlement after 3 years. Your partner and children can apply as dependants.

How Ascend helps

The endorsement is where most applications succeed or fail. We test your idea against the new, innovative, viable and scalable criteria, write the business plan and financial forecast, and prepare you for the endorsement assessment and the visa file. Legal advice is handled by an independent lawyer, billed directly.

Questions people ask

Is there a minimum investment for the UK Innovator Founder visa?

The official GOV.UK guidance does not set a minimum investment. What matters is that an endorsing body accepts your business as new, innovative, viable and scalable.

How long can I stay on the Innovator Founder visa?

You can stay for 3 years and extend for another 3 years, with no limit on extensions. You may be able to apply for settlement after 3 years.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your partner and children can apply to join you as dependants if they are eligible.

Can Ascend guarantee an endorsement?

No. The endorsing body and the Home Office decide. We make your plan as strong as it can be and tell you honestly if your idea needs more work first.

Rules checked October 2026. Immigration rules change; we confirm the current rules for your case in your session.