What is the Innovator Founder visa? Business endorsement, £1,270 savings, B2 English and the settlement requirements after 3 years
Published: Last checked: October 20266 min read1 read
Short answer
Innovator Founder is for people setting up a new, innovative and scalable business in the UK. A Home Office approved body endorses the idea; there is no minimum investment, but you need £1,270 savings and B2 English. The visa lasts 3 years; settlement after 3 years if the business meets set targets.
In short
- This post is general information; it does not assess anyone's own situation. It is based on GOV.UK's Innovator Founder pages and the Immigration Rules (Appendix Innovator Founder) as they were on 17 October 2026.
- Innovator Founder is for people who want to set up a new, innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK. There is no employer sponsor; a Home Office approved endorsing body assesses your business idea.
- The rules set no minimum investment, but you need at least £1,270 in personal savings and English at B2 level.
- The visa lasts 3 years. If the business meets at least two of the targets in the rules, you can apply for settlement (ILR) after 3 years.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Innovator Founder visa
- GOV.UK: Innovator Founder, eligibility
- GOV.UK: Innovator Founder and Scale-up visas endorsing bodies
- GOV.UK: Immigration Rules Appendix Innovator Founder
- GOV.UK: Innovator Founder, your partner and children
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