General program requirements

The UK’s Startup and Innovator visas are available to those who wish to either start or invest in a new UK-based business.

The applicant must be an instrumental part of the founding team of a startup that has three key characteristics; Innovative, Viable, and Scalable.

Startup Visa
For the Startup visa, no investment is required, though the applicant must show £1,270 proof of funds in a UK bank account.

The applicant must, moreover, obtain the approval of an endorsed UK higher education institution or from a business organization with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs.

Innovator Visa
The applicant must invest at least £50,000 in a new UK-based business. The amount does not need to come directly from the applicant; externally sourced investment is possible.

As with the Startup visa, the Innovator visa applicants must show £1,270 proof of funds in a UK bank account.

Additional fees

£1,021 application fee;
£1,021 application fee for each qualifying dependent spouse and children under 18;
£1,872 per applicant health surcharge.

Program 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

Requirements to qualify for citizenship

The Startup visa is valid for two years and the Innovator visa is valid for three years. A applicant on the Startup visa may convert to an Innovator visa after the two-year period has expired. The Innovator visa may be extended after three years.

After five 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.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

UK Home Office: Startup Visa and Innovator Visa  

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)