Innovator / Start up Visa Program
United Kingdom - Innovator / Start up Visa Program
The Innovator visa was introduced on March 29th, 2019, providing an opportunity for non-EEA nationals with innovative, feasible, and scalable business ideas to apply for a visa. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have relevant business experience and be able to invest a minimum of £50,000. Additionally, the applicant's business concept must be endorsed by an authorized endorsing body before submitting the visa application to the Home Office or British Embassy. This program is ideal for individuals with senior management experience or a business background who wish to establish a new business in the United Kingdom that meets the criteria of being innovative, viable, and scalable.
Overseas Representative Visa UK
Length of Visa - 3 Years
The Innovator visa category does not impose a restriction on the duration of stay for the applicant in the UK. However, endorsement will be necessary for extension and settlement stages. These visas are valid for a period of 3 years and can directly lead to obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK after this period. Once an individual has obtained Settlement (ILR) for a year, they and their family members are eligible to apply for British Citizenship, provided they meet the necessary criteria. The Innovator visa holders are permitted to bring their partner and any children below 18 years of age to the UK.
Settlement Visa (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR)
After three years of continuous residence in the UK, an individual who holds this visa may be eligible for settlement if
a minimum of two of the following conditions are met:
- At least £50,OOO.OO has been invested and spent in the business.
- The business has created at least 10 full time jobs for resident workers.
- The business has created the equivalent of at least 5 full time jobs for resident workers paying at least £25,OOO.OO.
- The business has generated gross revenue of at least £1 million.
- The customer base of the business has increased by at least 100% over the past 3 years and exceeds the average number of customers for other comparable businesses in the UK offering similar main products or services. Additionally, the business has invested heavily in research and development efforts and has sought intellectual property protection in the United Kingdom.
- The business has engaged in significant research and development activity and has applied for intellectual property protection in the UK.
- The business is generating at least E500,OOO in revenue with at least £1OO,OOO from exporting overseas.
Eligibility Requirements
Procedure to Obtain the Innovator Visa
After fulfilling the necessary residence requirements, the applicant will be able to apply for British citizenship.
Step 1
Establishing contact with the headquarters that has been authorized by recognized organizations.
Step 2
Initiation of scalable business idea.
Step 3
Getting in touch with home office approved by endorsing bodies.
Step 4
Obtaining endorsement.
Step 5
Submission Of visa application.
Step 6
• Once in the United Kingdom, begin implementing the business plan and activities outlined in the endorsement. The applicant will be required to maintain communication with the endorsing body, with check-ins every 6 and 12 months.
• The endorsing bodies will closely monitor the applicant's progress in their business ventures, ensuring they are making reasonable progress with their initial ideas or exploring new, innovative, feasible, and scalable business opportunities. If you are considering applying for the Innovator visa, please reach out to our Immigration Solicitor for assistance.
