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ARTICLE · 20 MARCH 2025

UK Visa Options For Entrepreneurs

Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn
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Shepherd and Wedderburn

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The Innovator Founder visa category is the only bespoke visa for entrepreneurs setting up their business in the UK, but it's rarely the best choice. We look at the requirements of this visa and suggest some alternatives.

United KingdomImmigration
Jack Freeland
Jack Freeland
John Vassiliou
John Vassiliou
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The Innovator Founder visa category is the only bespoke visa for entrepreneurs setting up their business in the UK, but it's rarely the best choice. We look at the requirements of this visa and suggest some alternatives to consider.

Innovator Founder visa

Innovator Founder visa applicants must, as a first step, apply for their business, or business idea, to be endorsed by one of the Home Office's four certified endorsing bodies:

Endorsed businesses can then apply to the Home Office for an Innovator Founder visa.

An endorsement will only be granted if the business is innovative, viable, and scalable. It is therefore not possible to secure an endorsement to invest in or run any business – the business must be in some way innovative and new to the UK market.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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