Innovator Founder Visa: Overview

The Innovator Founder Visa is for individuals who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. To apply, you must:

  • Have an innovative, scalable, and viable business idea that is different from anything else on the market.
  • Get your business idea endorsed by an approved body (endorsing body).
  • Meet English language and financial requirements.

You can stay in the UK for up to three years and apply to extend your stay or apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) after this period.

UK Business Visa Requirements

To apply for a UK Business Visa, you must:

  • Prove Knowledge of English: You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. A certified translation may be required if any documents supporting your education or qualifications are not in English or Welsh.
  • Provide Financial Proof: You’ll need to show that you can support yourself and your business. Non-English financial documents must be accompanied by certified translations.
  • Endorsement: Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. The endorsing body will assess whether your business idea is innovative, viable, and has the potential for growth.

You can find more details on the official UK government website here.

Global Business Mobility Visa

The Global Business Mobility Visa allows overseas businesses to establish a presence in the UK or transfer staff to UK branches. There are five subcategories of this visa, including the Senior or Specialist Worker and Graduate Trainee routes. If you're an overseas business owner, this visa allows you to expand into the UK market. Certified translations are required for any non-English documents supporting your application.

Business Visa UK Costs

The Innovator Founder Visa costs £1,191 if applying from outside the UK, and £1,486 if applying to extend or switch within the UK. The Global Business Mobility Visa may have different fees depending on the route. You’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Can I Start a Business on a Skilled Worker Visa?

If you hold a Skilled Worker Visa, you are allowed to start your own business in the UK, but your main job must still be with your sponsoring employer. You can engage in side business activities as long as they do not interfere with your skilled worker role and fall within the same skill level.

How to Get a Business Visa in the UK

  1. Apply Online: Applications must be submitted online. How you apply depends on whether you are inside or outside the UK, or whether you are switching from a different visa.
  2. Submit Documents: You’ll need to submit your passport, proof of finances, business plan, and endorsement letter. Any documents not in English or Welsh will require certified translations, which Certling can provide to ensure your application is accepted.
  3. Decision Timeline: Processing times vary. For Innovator Founder Visas, decisions usually take 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Business Visa

With the Innovator Founder Visa, you can:

  • Set up and run one or more businesses.
  • Work for your business as a director or self-employed partner.
  • Engage in skilled work outside your business if it meets the skill level of a Skilled Worker Visa.
  • Bring your dependants (partner and children) to the UK.

However, you cannot:

  • Apply for public funds or benefits.
  • Work as a professional sportsperson.

For more on what you can and cannot do with a business visa, check the official guidelines here.

Certified Translations for UK Business Visa Applications

For all non-English documents—such as financial records, endorsements, or academic certificates—certified translations are required. At Certling, we provide fast and reliable certified translation services that meet UKVI standards, helping you ensure your business visa application is complete and accurate.

Applying for a UK Business Visa or an Innovator Founder Visa requires careful preparation, and with the right supporting documents, including certified translations, you can set up your business in the UK smoothly.

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