# UK Innovator Founder Visa Canonical URL: https://relovisa.co/innovator-founder-visa-uk [Book with Relovisa on Tobira](https://tobira.ai/@relovisa) For founders with an innovative, viable and scalable business plan endorsed by an approved UK body. There is no fixed investment minimum, and settlement can be applied for after three years. ## Who this is for - Innovative, viable and designed to scale - No fixed minimum, but a credible operating plan - A three-year visa and a possible settlement application Innovator Founder fits a scalable business, not ordinary self-employment. Use this as a first filter. We test the differentiation, founder record, market and funding before recommending endorsement. ### The route is worth checking if - The product or method has a defensible difference from existing UK offers - The founder has the skills and evidence to execute the plan - The first 12 to 18 months have credible funding and milestones - The model can grow through customers, revenue, jobs or intellectual property ### Check another route if - The plan is a generic consultancy, ordinary e-commerce or a lifestyle business - The differentiation exists only in branding or presentation - The operating budget cannot support the plan - Your individual career record is stronger than the founder-business evidence ## Prices and packages ### Single founder from €11,900 + €1,900 per family member For one founder applying through one endorsed business. - Business-plan review or full build where needed - Market research, financial model and investment-attraction case - Founder CV and profile preparation - Approved endorsing-body selection and submission - Coaching for one or two assessment calls - Appeal analysis or plan rework and resubmission where the engagement covers it - Full UK visa dossier and online submission - Identity-verification guidance and case management ### Additional cofounder +€3,900 per additional cofounder For each additional founder using the same endorsed business, with a separate founder and visa file. - The shared business plan and endorsement strategy - A separate founder profile and evidence file - Individual assessment-call coaching - Individual visa dossier and online submission - Family applications at €1,900 per family member - One coordinated case manager across the founding team Current 2026 third-party charges are separate: visa £1,357 from outside the UK or £1,693 for an in-country switch; endorsement £1,000 plus VAT; contact-point meeting £500 plus VAT, with at least two required; health surcharge £1,035 per adult per year. Recheck before payment. ## Steps and timing How the founder case moves, step by step. One case manager coordinates the business-plan work, endorsing-body assessment and the subsequent UK visa application. ### 1. Choose the endorsing body Before the plan is filed We match the sector, business maturity and founder profile to an approved body's current practice. ### 2. Structure the business plan Preparation stage Innovation, viability and scalability are built into the market case, financial model, milestones and founder story. ### 3. File for endorsement Assessment stage We submit the project and founder profile, then coach the founder for the one or two assessment calls the body may require. ### 4. Complete English and visa evidence Alongside endorsement We coordinate B2 evidence, maintenance funds, identity, criminal record, TB testing where needed and family documents. ### 5. Submit to UKVI After endorsement The full visa application is filed online and we guide biometrics or the identity-check app. ### 6. Track business progress Across the 3-year visa We keep the settlement criteria visible so revenue, customers, research, investment or job creation can be documented as the business grows. ## FAQ ### How is Innovator Founder different from the old Innovator visa? It replaced the old Innovator and Start-up routes in April 2023. The fixed £50,000 investment floor was removed, secondary skilled employment became possible, and endorsement still tests innovation, viability and scalability. ### What does an endorsing body do? An approved body assesses the business and founder against innovation, viability and scalability, then issues the endorsement used for the separate visa application. Standards and commercial terms vary by body. ### How much money do I need to start? There is no statutory investment minimum. £30,000 to £75,000 is a common practical funding range for the first 12 to 18 months, but the right amount depends on the actual plan and the endorsing body's viability test. ### What businesses get endorsed? Businesses with clear differentiation, credible founder execution and a scalable model. Generic consultancy, ordinary e-commerce, lifestyle businesses, restaurants and property plays are difficult unless there is real defensible innovation. ### When can I apply for settlement? After three years if the business remains endorsed and has met at least two qualifying progress criteria. The current criteria cover investment, customer growth, research and intellectual property, revenue and job creation. ### Can I take another job? Yes, qualifying secondary skilled employment is allowed while your primary activity remains running the endorsed business. ### How does this compare with UK Global Talent? Innovator Founder endorses a specific business plan. Global Talent endorses your individual career record. Choose the route around the evidence you can document now. ### Do EU citizens use the same route? New EU arrivals apply under the same immigration route as other non-British applicants unless they already hold a separate UK status, such as status under the EU Settlement Scheme. ## Booking [Book a consultation or contact Relovisa](https://tobira.ai/@relovisa). Booking requires your explicit agreement. Contact sharing requires separate consent.