UK Lawmakers Push £2.5 Million Investor Visa Proposal
November 25, 2025
Conservative-leaning lawmakers urge a new investor visa to retain capital, while a controversial 20% exit levy proposal looms.
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
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Program Type:
Active Investor Visa
Processing Time:
2-3 weeks
Citizenship Timeline:
6 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
3 years
Physical Presence Required:
183 days per year
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
186 countries
Minimum Contribution:
None
Contribution Options:
Business Investment
On This Page
Program Overview
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
The UK offers a path to permanent residency (ILR) and citizenship for qualified entrepreneurs who set up and run a new UK-based business deemed “innovative, viable, and scalable.”
This visa stands out for its lack of a specific investment requirement and short processing time. You may fund the business yourself or have it funded by a third-party.
You may set up one or several businesses, and you can work in your own business but also outside of it.
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
How to Qualify
You can apply for an Innovator Founder visa if the business you want to start is:
- A new and innovative business that is not like any existing business in the UK market
- Endorsed by an approved endorsing body
- Viable, with potential for growth
- Scalable, showing the business will lead to job creation and potential for international growth
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
Salient Benefits
- Low/no minimum investment requirement
- Path to citizenship
- Permits dual citizenship
- Safety and security
- Enhanced education opportunities
- Enhanced business access to large economies
- Short processing time
- English as official language
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
The Innovator Founder visa is valid for three years.
After three years of continuous residency and not being absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, the applicant may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After holding ILR for 12 months, the applicant may apply for citizenship.
The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English and pass a Life in the UK test in order to be eligible for naturalization. Dual citizenship is allowed and the applicant must take an oath of allegiance when acquiring citizenship.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to UK Home Office.
Legislation upon which this program is based Immigration Act 2016 Tier 1Entrepreneur Migrants 245D and Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1919 (7 March 2019).
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
Recent Stories About This Destination
UK to Fast-Track Settlement for High Earners With 3-Year ILR Route
November 21, 2025
The UK government touts the “biggest migration overhaul in 50 years.” John Kiely welcomes it but warns it may fall short on retaining wealth.
UK Weighs 20% Exit Charge on Wealthy Individuals as Budget Tightens
November 4, 2025
The proposed levy could take effect as soon as November 26; Marco Mesina warns that the proposal itself could accelerate capital flight.
United Kingdom Startup and Innovator Visas
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.