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Bee Haven International
Business visaAccepting applications

UK Innovator Founder visa

Official name: Innovator Founder visa

A UK visa for founders of a new, innovative, viable and scalable business endorsed by an approved endorsing body. There is no fixed minimum investment.

Minimum investment
No fixed minimum
Permit / status
3 years; extensions of 3 years
Family
Can be included
Last verified
6 Oct 2026

To qualify you need an original business idea that is different from anything else on the market, endorsed by an approved endorsing body. The visa lasts 3 years and can be extended. You may be able to apply to settle after 3 years in the UK if you meet the settlement rules.

  • Business

B

Investment requirements

No minimum investment is set on the official page. Fees and maintenance funds are separate.

  • Business

    Endorsed innovative business

    No fixed minimum

    Type of payment
    Investment (capital remains yours; value can fall)
    Holding period
    Not verified

    New, innovative, viable and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body.

Fees and other mandatory costs

Listed separately from the investment. Amounts can change; unknown amounts are shown as “Not verified” and are not zero.

Fees for UK Innovator Founder visa
FeeAmountApplies to
Visa application (outside the UK)£1,357Per person
Visa application (inside the UK — extend or switch)£1,693Per person
Endorsement assessment£1,000Per endorsement
Endorsing body contact-point meetings£500Per meeting (at least two)
Immigration Health SurchargePayable in addition; amount not listed here.Not verifiedPer person, per year

C

Eligibility

  • Endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
  • English at CEFR level B2 (some nationalities exempt).
  • Maintenance funds held for 28 days: £1,270 for yourself, plus £285 for a partner, £315 for one child and £200 for each additional child.

Nationality

Individual assessment required

Open to non-UK nationals; nationals of certain majority-English-speaking countries are exempt from proving English.

Family

Partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants (children over 18 only if already in the UK as dependants).

D

Documents checklist

Mandatory

  • Valid passport or travel document

    Proves identity and nationality.

  • Endorsement letter

    From an approved endorsing body.

  • Proof of English (B2)

    Test, qualification or exemption.

Commonly requested

  • Bank evidence of maintenance funds

    Held for at least 28 days.

Translation, certification, legalisation or apostille may be required. The responsible authority can always request additional evidence.

E

Application process

  1. 1

    Obtain endorsement

    Apply to an approved endorsing body (£1,000).

  2. 2

    Apply for the visa

    Online, with English evidence and funds.

  3. 3

    Run the business

    Attend contact-point meetings with the endorsing body.

  4. 4

    Extend or settle

    Extensions of 3 years; settlement may be possible after 3 years.

Processing time: Not verified

F

Benefits and limitations

Benefits

  • Set up and run a business in the UK.
  • Bring partner and children.
  • Possible settlement after 3 years.

Limitations

  • Endorsement is required and discretionary.
  • No direct citizenship.
  • Healthcare surcharge and maintenance funds required.
Work and business rights
Work for your business (including as director); other employment allowed only in jobs at RQF level 3 or above.
Minimum physical presence
Not verified
Travel
Not verified
Education & healthcare
Not verified
Tax
Tax residence and tax liabilities depend on your personal circumstances and the laws of every country involved. Obtain independent professional tax advice — no tax exemption is implied.

Official sources and verification

Last verified 6 October 2026

General guidance only

Program rules, eligibility, investment thresholds and immigration requirements may change. Information is for general guidance and does not constitute legal, immigration, tax or investment advice.

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UK Innovator Founder visa — United Kingdom | Bee Haven International