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Residency by
Investment in United Kingdom

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a category designed for experienced entrepreneurs and business founders looking to establish and run an innovative business in the United Kingdom. Replacing the previous Innovator and Start-up routes, this new category allows non-UK nationals to develop their ventures in a highly reputable business environment, leveraging the UK’s global networks, robust legal frameworks, and supportive ecosystem for innovation and growth.

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Why Choose United Kingdom?

  • Strategic Global Economy:
    As one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, the UK provides direct access to established consumer markets, extensive trade links, and robust capital markets. Its strong legal system, regulatory transparency, and respect for intellectual property rights foster an environment that is conducive to business success.
  • Renowned Business Ecosystem:
    The UK is a recognized hub for fintech, life sciences, digital services, creative industries, and green technologies. Entrepreneurs benefit from mentoring programs, incubators, accelerators, and research institutions that encourage innovation, scale-up opportunities, and international expansion.
  • High Quality of Life:
    The UK offers world-class education, advanced healthcare, multicultural communities, and rich cultural heritage. Its strategic location, international connectivity, and prominent global standing make it an ideal base for entrepreneurs and their families.

Benefits of United Kingdom Residency

  • Pathway to Settlement
    The Innovator Founder Visa offers a direct route to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after just 3 years, provided applicants meet the endorsement criteria, demonstrate business growth, and fulfill other requirements. This accelerated pathway to settlement makes it particularly attractive to entrepreneurs who wish to establish long-term roots in the UK.
  • Flexibility and Control
    Unlike previous routes, the Innovator Founder Visa allows entrepreneurs to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their business, and may offer greater flexibility in undertaking additional work outside their main business under certain conditions. This freedom enables founders to shape their ventures and strategies more dynamically as they scale.
  • Access to a Mature Market and Talent Pool
    The UK’s stable infrastructure, competitive banking and financial services, and access to skilled labor and professional advisors provide a fertile ground for businesses to flourish. Entrepreneurs can tap into a deep pool of talent, suppliers, customers, and investors, accelerating innovation and growth potential.
  • Family Inclusion
    Spouses/partners and dependent children can join the main applicant in the UK. This ensures the entire family can enjoy the education, healthcare, and lifestyle benefits that the UK provides, creating a secure and enriching environment for all.
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Investment Options and Requirements

    To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must:

  • Innovation, Viability, and Scalability:
    Present a genuine, innovative business idea that is new or significantly different from those already in the UK market. The business must demonstrate potential for growth and the capacity to add value to the UK economy.
  • Endorsement from an Approved Body:
    Applicants must secure endorsement from an authorized endorsing body. These bodies assess the business proposal’s credibility, originality, and growth prospects. Their approval is critical to the application’s success.
  • English Language and Maintenance Funds:
    Meet the required English language proficiency (at least CEFR Level B2) and show sufficient personal funds to support themselves (and any dependents) without relying on public funds.
  • No Minimum Investment Requirement:
    Unlike previous routes, there is no fixed minimum investment threshold. Instead, credibility and growth potential of the business are paramount.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age and Character:
    Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and pass any security checks required by UK authorities.
  • Business Involvement:
    The applicant must be a founder or co-founder of the business, playing a key leadership role in its development and day-to-day management.
  • Dependents
    Family Inclusion:
    Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (in a relationship for at least 2 years), and dependent children under 18 can join the main applicant. They may live, study, and work in the UK, enjoying full access to healthcare and educational facilities.
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Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Initial Consultation
    Personal Assessment:
    Discuss your business concept with Citizenship360. We help refine your idea, ensure it meets the innovation and scalability criteria, and guide you in preparing a detailed business plan for endorsement.
  • Securing Endorsement
    Endorsing Body Application:
    Identify an approved endorsing body that aligns with your industry. Submit your business plan, pitch deck, and financial forecasts. If approved, you receive an endorsement letter confirming your business’s suitability for the Innovator Founder route.
  • Documentation Preparation
    Gather Required Paperwork:
    Collect evidence of English language ability, maintenance funds, identity documents, and the endorsement letter. Certified translations and notarizations may be required for certain documents.
  • Visa Application Submission
    Citizenship360 Submits Your Application:
    File the online visa application with UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), pay the associated fees, and submit all supporting documents. Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken at a Visa Application Centre.
  • Decision and Travel to the UK
    Receive Your Entry Clearance:
    Upon approval, you receive a vignette to enter the UK. Once in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This initial visa is typically granted for 3 years.
  • Business Implementation and Monitoring
    Comply with Endorsement Check-Ins:
    Periodically meet with your endorsing body to assess business progress and confirm ongoing innovation and viability. Meeting these criteria ensures eligibility for extensions or settlement after 3 years.
  • Timeline
    Processing Time:
    Expect several weeks to a few months from initial consultation to receiving a decision, depending on application complexity and availability of the endorsing body for assessments.

Cost & Fees

    • Investment and Business Costs
      No fixed minimum investment is required, but you must have sufficient funds to establish and run your business. Costs vary depending on the nature of your venture—such as product development, intellectual property registrations, marketing, staffing, and regulatory licenses.
    • Additional Expenses
      UKVI application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
      Endorsement body fees for reviewing your business plan
      Legal, advisory, and professional service fees
      Translation, notarization, and other document-related costs

Citizenship360 provides a transparent cost assessment during initial consultations, ensuring you understand all related expenses.

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FAQ's

Do I need a minimum amount of investment funds?

No set minimum investment is mandated. Instead, the focus is on the business idea’s innovation, viability, and scalability, as assessed by an endorsing body.

Can my spouse and children work or study in the UK?

Yes, dependents have full access to work and study opportunities. They can enjoy the UK’s renowned educational and healthcare systems.

How quickly can I obtain permanent residency in the UK?

Typically, Innovator Founder Visa holders can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 3 years, subject to meeting the endorsement criteria and business performance milestones.

Will I be taxed on worldwide income as a UK resident?

UK tax rules apply to residents on their UK-sourced income, and potentially worldwide income depending on tax residence status. Seek professional tax advice to structure your affairs efficiently.

Must I spend a certain amount of time in the UK to maintain the visa?

While no strict annual minimum is stated, achieving settlement and fulfilling endorsing body criteria will generally require substantial presence in the UK to manage and grow your business.

Can I extend my Innovator Founder Visa if needed?

After the initial 3-year period, if you do not yet qualify for settlement, you may be able to extend your visa for an additional period, provided you continue to meet the endorsement and business growth requirements.