Innovator Visa UK

UK Innovator visa is a UK work visa category usually more experienced business people looking to set up a business in the UK and they have at least £50000 in investment funds. Applicants must have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which is supported by an endorsing body.

The Innovator visa category has replaced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category which has been closed for initial applications as of 29 March 2019. Applicants will be able to apply for an Innovator visa relying on funds for investment of £50,000 instead of £200,000 which was a requirement for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category.

Our UK Innovator visa solicitor can assist you with your Innovator visa application if you want to run a business in the UK & you have at least £50000 in investment funds.

Innovator visa requirements

Before you apply you need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body.

They will provide you with an endorsement letter if your business is eligible.

You must also:

• meet the English language requirement
• be at least 18 years old
• be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you're in the UK

If you want to set up a new business

You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds to apply for an Innovator visa if you want to set up a new business.

You'll need to prove where you got your funding from.

You do not need any investment funds if either:

• your business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa
• you've changed your business and already agreed it with your endorsing body

Supporting yourself

You need to have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you either:

• apply for an Innovator visa
• apply to extend your Innovator visa or switch to an Innovator visa if you've been in the UK for less than a year

You cannot use either of the following to support yourself:

• money from your investment funds
• money earned while working in the UK illegally

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

Sharing investment funds

You can form a team with other Innovator applicants, but you cannot share the same investment funds.

Your team must have £50,000 for each Innovator applicant. For example, if you have 2 Innovator applicants, your team must have £100,000 to invest.

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements. Please contact us for initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.