Publication date: 27.01.2026
Citizenship and residence, driving and transport, business and self-employment, visas and immigration, money and taxes, housing and local services, passports, travel and living abroad. And others. Except criminal ones.
I am Sergey Maiko, a representative of the legal marketplace “Consultant,” specializing in business immigration to the UK. Our main goal is to help entrepreneurs legally, safely, and effectively relocate or start a business under UK jurisdiction, providing full legal support for entrepreneurs and protecting the client’s interests.
We work with UK immigration law, particularly with visa programs for entrepreneurs, startups, and business owners. This field requires a deep understanding of UK legislation, Home Office requirements, and the practices of authorized bodies that evaluate business projects.
What is the Innovator Founder Visa in the UK?
The Innovator Founder Visa in the UK is a key immigration route for foreign entrepreneurs planning to open a new or relocate an existing innovative business to the United Kingdom.
Since April 2023, this route has replaced the Tier 1 Innovator Visa, and the requirements for applicants have become more flexible. In particular, there is no longer a fixed minimum investment amount. At the same time, the key criterion remains the business project’s compliance with established standards.
Question
Who is eligible for the Innovator Founder Visa?
Answer
This visa is suitable for entrepreneurs who can demonstrate that their business project is:
- innovative and original;
- economically viable;
- scalable and promising for the UK market.
The Innovator Founder Visa is suitable for those planning to:
establish a business in the UK from scratch;
relocate an existing company;
develop a startup under UK jurisdiction.
Visa Duration and Extension
The Innovator Founder Visa is issued for 3 years.
After this period, the applicant can apply for an extension or, if requirements are met, for permanent residence.
To extend the visa, it is necessary to confirm that the business:
- continues operations in the UK;
meets program requirements;
demonstrates real growth and potential.
Question
What documents are required for the Innovator Founder Visa application?
Answer
Applicants need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents, including:
- a completed visa application;
- a valid passport;
- proof of English language proficiency;
- a detailed business plan;
- an endorsement letter from an authorized body;
- information about the management team (if applicable);
- financial documents confirming solvency.
The list of documents may vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, so legal assistance is critically important.
Legal Support for Entrepreneurs from the Consultant Marketplace
The lawyers at Consultant provide full legal support for entrepreneurs regarding the Innovator Founder Visa, including:
- assessing the chances of obtaining the visa;
- checking the business project’s compliance with program requirements;
- preparing and reviewing the business plan;
- compiling and verifying the document package;
- assisting with the application process to avoid errors or refusals;
- providing professional legal assistance at all stages.
Typical Situations Where Legal Help Is Needed:
- doubts about the business idea’s eligibility for the Innovator Founder Visa;
- refusal or risk of refusal in endorsement;
- first-time applications without experience in the UK immigration system;
- planning business relocation with family;
- visa extension or transition to permanent residency.
Legal support helps avoid mistakes that could result in visa refusal or wasted time and money. You gain a clear understanding of the requirements, correctly prepared documents, and confidence at every stage of the process.
If you plan to obtain an Innovator Founder Visa UK, contact the Consultant marketplace today. Our lawyers will provide full legal support for entrepreneurs and professional legal assistance to ensure a successful relocation of your business to the UK.
