Overview
The innovator visa category opened on 29th March 2019, as a replacement to the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa scheme. You can access the full government guidance here.
You can apply for an Innovator visa if:
- you want to set up or run a business in the UK that is different from anything in the UK;
- you meet the other eligibility requirements;
- your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body.
In relation to citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if they or their close family members were living in the UK before 1 January 2021, applications can be made to EU Settlement Scheme. A visa is otherwise required to work in the UK. Irish citizens are exempt from applying for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Eligibility
You must be able to show that your business idea is:
- new – you cannot join a business that is already trading
- innovative – you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
- viable, with potential for growth
Knowledge of English
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply. If you are not eligible for an Innovator visa, you may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.
How long you can stay
You can stay for 3 years if you either:
- come to the UK on an Innovator visa
- switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK
If you want to stay longer in the UK
You can apply to extend your stay for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.
You may be able to apply for settlement once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years.
If your endorsement is withdrawn
Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn by the endorsing body. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.
How to apply
You must apply online.
How you apply depends on whether you’re:
- outside the UK and are coming to the UK
- inside the UK and switching from a different visa
You can include your partner and children in your application to stay in the UK if they are eligible.
How long it takes
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK
Fees
How much you pay for a Start-up visa depends on your situation and where you apply from. To check current fees, click here.
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
If you’re from an eligible country
Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.
This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.
If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK
You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
What you can and cannot do
With an Innovator visa you can:
- set up a business or several businesses
- work for your business – this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership
- bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible
- travel abroad and return to the UK
- apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and meet the other eligibility requirements
You cannot:
- do any work outside your business, for example work where you’re employed by another business
- work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach
- apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with an Innovator visa.
Documents you’ll need to apply
When you apply you need to provide an ‘endorsement letter’ to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business or business idea.
You also need to provide:
- a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1,270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply
- proof that you meet the English language requirement
- evidence of your investment funds (if you’re setting up a new business)
- your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.
You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:
- from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
The above information which is from the government website can be accessed in full here.
As this application can be complex, we are here to assist should you require it.