United Kingdom UK Innovator Founder Visa — Residency Program
🏠 OVERVIEW
Initial Duration
36 months
Renewable
Yes
(36 mo)
Three-year visa for founders building an innovative, viable, scalable UK business endorsed by an approved endorsing body. Replaced the former Innovator route.
📋 ELIGIBILITY
Min Age
18+
Criminal Record Check
Required
Health Check
Not required
Endorsement Required
Approved body
Health Insurance
Not required
💼 WORK RIGHTS
Employment
Allowed
Self-Employment
Allowed
Own Business
Allowed
Work Permit Included
Yes
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
Dependents Allowed
Yes
Spouse Included
Yes
Max Child Age
18
Parents Allowed
No
💰 TAX DETAILS
Tax Regime
Worldwide
Regime Name
Progressive income tax 20-45%
Foreign Income Taxed
Yes
Capital Gains Taxed
Yes
🏆 PATH FORWARD
Permanent Residency
Yes
Years to PR
3 years
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Citizenship
Yes
Years to Citizenship
5 years
Language Required
B1
🌍 BENEFITS & MOBILITY
Bank Account
Can open
Property Purchase
Allowed
Public Healthcare
Access granted
Primary Residence
Required
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
online
Processing Time
21–56 days
Apply from Abroad
Yes
📝 NOTES
No fixed minimum investment threshold, but the business idea must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable. Endorsement costs GBP 1,000 plus GBP 500 contact-point meetings. Settlement may be available after 3 years if the business and residence requirements are met.