The Innovator Founder visa provides overseas entrepreneurs the opportunity to come to the UK to establish an innovative, viable and scalable business.
The main requirements to be met are:
You must be able to show that your business idea is:
- new - you cannot join a business that is already trading
- innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
- viable, with potential for growth
- scalable - you must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets

Once an individual obtains their innovator founder visa, they will be permitted to remain in the UK for up to 3 years, allowing them to work in the field that they applied under. You’ll need to meet with your endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to show you’re making progress with your business. You can continue to extend your visa with no limitations.
The Innovator Founder visa route permits you to bring your spouse, unmarried partner and children to live with you.
You can apply to settle in the UK if you have lived in the UK for 3 years under this route (subject to meeting all other eligibility requirements).
We would be delighted to assist you with the Innovator Founder Visa. Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.
For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

