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The UK offers several immigration routes for individuals seeking to establish, manage, or invest in a business. While the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor Visas have closed, their modern replacements — the Innovator Founder Visa and UK Investor Visa — continue to attract business professionals and investors. This guide outlines eligibility, investment thresholds, and settlement options under the 2025 immigration framework.
Innovator Founder Visa (Entrepreneurs)
The Innovator Founder Visa allows entrepreneurs to start and run an innovative business in the UK. It replaced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route in 2023 and is available to applicants with a credible, scalable business plan approved by an authorised endorsing body.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Your business idea must be innovative, viable, and scalable, with the endorsement of an approved UK endorsing body.
- You must have sufficient personal savings to support yourself during your stay (at least £1,270 in personal funds for 28 days).
- You must meet the English language requirement (CEFR B2 level or higher).
Endorsement Criteria
The endorsing body will assess your proposal based on its originality, market potential, and your ability to lead its development. Endorsements are issued for three years, and you can extend your stay or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if your business shows sustained growth and job creation.
Investment and Business Operations
- No fixed minimum investment amount, but you must demonstrate sufficient funding to establish your business.
- Permitted to establish one or more businesses in the UK.
- May work for your own business but not take on other employment outside it.
Settlement Options
After 3 years, you may apply for ILR if your business has met at least two of the following:
- Created at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers.
- Generated at least £1 million in annual revenue.
- Applied for intellectual property protection (e.g., patent registration).
- Shown significant expansion into new markets.
UK Investor Visa (High-Value Investment)
The UK Investor Visa provides residency for individuals investing substantial capital in the UK economy. Although the Tier 1 (Investor) route closed in 2022, similar investment-based pathways remain under review and reform, with an updated replacement expected in 2025.
Legacy Tier 1 Investor Rules (for reference)
Applicants under the old scheme (pre-February 2022) were required to:
- Invest at least £2 million in UK share capital or loan capital in active UK companies.
- Keep funds under their control in a regulated financial institution.
- Maintain the investment for the entire qualifying period.
Settlement Eligibility
- After 2 years — for investments of £10 million.
- After 3 years — for investments of £5 million.
- After 5 years — for investments of £2 million.
Although new applications for the Tier 1 Investor Visa are no longer accepted, investors already in the UK under this category may still extend or apply for settlement until 17 February 2026.
Graduate Entrepreneur Route (Innovator Extension)
Graduates with a business idea endorsed by a UK university or approved body can apply for the Graduate Innovator Visa (formerly Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur). This route enables recent graduates to establish new ventures with long-term potential.
Requirements
- Hold a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Receive an endorsement from a UK higher education institution or UK Endorsing Body.
- Demonstrate your business idea’s potential for innovation and scalability.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
Progression and Settlement
After two years on this route, successful entrepreneurs may switch to the Innovator Founder Visa if their business meets the criteria for endorsement renewal and growth. This offers a pathway to ILR after a total of 5 years.
Key Differences Between Entrepreneur and Investor Routes
| Visa Type | Minimum Investment | Endorsement Required | Settlement Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder Visa | No minimum (funding must be credible) | Yes – UK Endorsing Body | 3 years |
| Investor Visa | £2 million (legacy threshold) | No (financial proof only) | 2–5 years depending on investment |
| Graduate Innovator Visa | None (endorsed by UK university) | Yes – University or endorsing body | 2 years (extendable via Innovator route) |
Related Guidance
- How to Apply for a UK Innovator Founder Visa
- Starting a Business in the UK as a Foreigner
- UK Visa Decisions and Processing Times
- How to Extend or Renew Your UK Visa 2025
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025
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