In recent years, the UK has positioned itself as one of the most attractive destinations for global entrepreneurs, offering multiple immigration pathways for those ready to launch and grow a business. The Start-Up Visa and the Innovator Visa were key parts of this strategy, but by 2023, the UK government realised these routes needed significant reform to attract higher-quality, long-term business talent. This led to the launch of the Innovator Founder Visa, replacing both older routes. Now, in 2025, new immigration policies, settlement rules, and endorsement requirements are reshaping the way innovative entrepreneurs can establish themselves in Britain.
This article offers a detailed, UK-focused look at how the Start-Up visa system has evolved, what the Innovator Founder route offers today, and how the latest 2025 changes could impact innovators planning to make the UK their business base.
A Brief History of the Start-Up and Innovator Visas
The Start-Up Visa was introduced in 2019 for early-stage entrepreneurs with high-potential business ideas but no requirement for initial funding. The Innovator Visa, aimed at more experienced entrepreneurs, required at least £50,000 in investment funds and a scalable business model.
While these schemes were forward-thinking, they had limitations:
- Many applicants found the £50,000 threshold restrictive.
- The endorsement process was complex and sometimes inconsistent.
- Limited flexibility in working outside one’s own business made it hard to sustain early cash flow.
By 2022, uptake had dropped, and industry experts argued for a streamlined visa that combined the best elements of both schemes while removing unnecessary barriers.
April 2023: Launch of the Innovator Founder Visa
On 13 April 2023, the Home Office officially replaced the Start-Up and Innovator visas with the Innovator Founder Visa, a single route designed to encourage entrepreneurs to set up and grow businesses in the UK. This was a significant policy shift and was welcomed by many business groups.
Key changes included:
- Removal of the £50,000 minimum investment requirement – making the route more accessible, while still allowing endorsing bodies to demand proof of funds if a business model required significant capital.
- Permission to take secondary employment – visa holders can now work in other jobs (RQF Level 3 or above), which helps maintain financial stability while building a start-up.
- Reduced compliance meetings – only two contact points with the endorsing body are required during the visa period, down from three under the previous scheme.
- Clearer settlement pathway – applicants can achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in as little as three years, if they meet performance and business growth criteria.
Endorsement Process in 2025
To apply for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must still secure an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. In 2025, these bodies include specialist business accelerators, venture capital firms, and select universities with a track record of supporting scalable businesses.
Endorsing bodies look for three main qualities in a proposed business:
- Innovation – The idea must be genuinely original and different from existing UK market offerings.
- Viability – The applicant must have the necessary skills, experience, and market knowledge to deliver the plan.
- Scalability – The business must have potential for job creation and growth both nationally and internationally.
Applications for endorsement are now processed more quickly in many cases, with some approvals issued in just a few weeks. However, competition is high, and endorsers expect detailed, realistic business plans.
Applying for the Visa – Step-by-Step
As of 2025, the process typically involves:
- Preparing a robust business plan that addresses innovation, viability, and scalability.
- Securing endorsement from an approved body.
- Submitting the Innovator Founder Visa application online through the UK government portal.
- Providing supporting documents, including proof of identity, English language proficiency, and financial means to support yourself in the UK.
- Biometric appointment at a visa application centre.
- Awaiting the Home Office decision – standard processing time is around 8 weeks from outside the UK, but faster from within the UK.
Settlement and ILR Criteria
One of the most attractive elements of the Innovator Founder Visa is its potential to lead to ILR after just three years. To qualify, applicants must meet at least two of seven business performance criteria, which may include:
- Annual gross revenue of £1 million or more.
- Creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for UK-resident workers.
- Creation of 5 high-skilled jobs with salaries averaging £25,000 or more.
- Significant market growth or customer base expansion.
This fast-track route is highly appealing to ambitious founders who want long-term residence in the UK.
2025 Immigration Policy Changes and Their Impact
In July 2025, the UK government began implementing a new immigration reform package as part of the “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” agenda. While not aimed specifically at the Innovator Founder route, some of these changes could have indirect effects on entrepreneurs:
- Stricter English language requirements – likely affecting initial eligibility.
- Potential extension of settlement periods for certain visa types, which could slow the ILR process if applied to Innovator Founder holders.
- Greater scrutiny of endorsements – to ensure only high-potential businesses are approved.
The government’s aim is to balance attracting genuine talent with controlling immigration numbers.
Opportunities for Tech and AI Start-Ups
The UK government is keen to attract global talent in emerging industries, particularly artificial intelligence, clean energy, and life sciences. Under the AI Opportunities Action Plan, some visa pathways are being streamlined for applicants in these sectors. For innovators working in AI or other high-growth technologies, this could mean faster endorsements and greater support from accelerators and funding bodies.
Financial Considerations for Applicants
While the £50,000 funding requirement is gone, applicants must still demonstrate they have enough money to support themselves in the UK. As of 2025, you’ll need to show personal savings of at least:
- £1,270 for the main applicant.
- £285 for a dependent partner.
- £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child.
These funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
The Role of Endorsing Bodies in 2025
Endorsing bodies are more selective than ever, with many focusing on specific industries such as fintech, green technology, or healthcare innovation. They often provide mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to investors in addition to the endorsement itself. For applicants, choosing the right endorsing body is crucial—not just for visa approval, but for long-term business success in the UK.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong applicants can face rejection if they:
- Submit vague or overly ambitious business plans without clear execution strategies.
- Fail to research the UK market thoroughly.
- Underestimate the need for personal financial stability while growing the business.
- Approach endorsing bodies without tailoring their pitch to the organisation’s focus area.
Final Thoughts – The 2025 Landscape for Innovators
The UK remains one of the world’s most appealing destinations for entrepreneurs, and the Innovator Founder Visa offers a powerful, flexible route to long-term residency. With the removal of the £50,000 threshold, allowance for secondary work, and a clear path to ILR in just three years, it’s a compelling option for founders with genuinely innovative ideas.
However, the 2025 immigration reforms mean applicants must prepare more carefully than ever. High-quality business planning, strong English skills, and a realistic growth strategy will be essential for success. For those who meet the criteria, the UK offers not just a launchpad for their business, but a long-term home in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Visa rules and requirements can change without notice. Always consult the official UK government website or a qualified immigration adviser before making any application.