Question 1

Is there a £50,000 minimum investment for UK Innovator Founder visa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

NO - There is NO mandatory £50,000 minimum investment requirement in 2026. This is MAJOR change from old Innovator visa. When program became Innovator Founder (April 2023), £50K minimum was REMOVED from immigration rules. NEW 2026 requirement: Must demonstrate sufficient funds to execute your business plan. What sufficient means VARIES by business type: Lean tech startup (software, SaaS, bootstrapped): £10,000-£20,000 could be sufficient. Capital-intensive business (manufacturing equipment, biotech lab, facilities): £80,000-£300,000+ required. Focus is on VIABILITY not fixed price. Endorsing body assesses: Can business succeed with funds you have? Amount must make sense for specific business model and sector. £15K lean tech with clear revenue path = viable. £15K manufacturing needing £100K equipment = NOT viable. This is NOT pay £50K for visa Golden Visa. This is GENUINE entrepreneurship visa where amount depends on business credibility. Lean tech founders can potentially qualify with £10K-£20K if plan strong. Capital-intensive sectors still need £80K-£300K+. NOTE: While no initial minimum, one ILR target is £50K invested over 3 years (but just 1 of 7 targets, need only 2).

Question 2

How many endorsing bodies are there in 2026?

Accepted Answer

ONLY 4 designated endorsing bodies in 2026 (vs 50+ under old system - MAJOR reduction). The 4 designated bodies: UK Endorsing Services, Envestors Limited, plus 2 others (verify current list with Home Office as bodies can change). WHY THIS MATTERS: Previously 50+ endorsing bodies (Tech Nation, Innovate UK, regional authorities, sector-specific) = more options, easier to find match. NOW ONLY 4 = extreme competition for limited endorsement slots. Each body receives hundreds/thousands applications, rejection rate VERY HIGH. Cannot shop around for endorser matching your sector (limited choice). Bodies have own criteria, timelines, fees. IMPACT: Endorsement now THE primary barrier (vs old system with 50+ bodies offering flexibility). Business idea must be EXCEPTIONALLY innovative to stand out. Generic/incremental improvements almost certainly rejected. Must demonstrate genuine technological/process innovation creating new market OR significantly disrupting existing. Endorsement timeline 2-4 months, fees £1K-£5K per body (non-refundable if rejected). Professional help ESSENTIAL given difficulty - business plan consultant + immigration advisor £5K-£15K investment recommended. Do NOT attempt without expert support - rejection rate too high.

Question 3

Can I take a second job while on Innovator Founder visa?

Accepted Answer

YES - CRITICAL NEW FLEXIBILITY (2026): Can take secondary skilled employment (RQF Level 3+ = A-level equivalent or higher skill) WHILE building your startup. This is MAJOR benefit not available under old Innovator visa rules. OLD RULE: Could only work for your own business. NEW 2026 RULE: Can take second job provided role is skilled (RQF Level 3+). WHAT THIS MEANS: Allows founders to support themselves with salary from second job during startup growth phase (when startup not yet profitable). RQF Level 3+ examples: Software developer, data analyst, digital marketer, accountant, teacher, engineer, designer, consultant (skilled roles - NOT basic retail/hospitality). PRIMARY role must still be building your endorsed business (secondary job = support income, not main activity). MAJOR advantage: Prevents financial stress during startup scaling, allows bootstrapping without burning through all capital on personal living expenses. Can work 20-30 hours/week second job while dedicating 20-30 hours to startup. Particularly valuable for tech founders who can freelance/contract in their skillset while growing business. Spouse also gets unrestricted work rights (can work any job, any employer, full-time).

Question 4

What are the 7 ILR targets and how many must I meet?

Accepted Answer

To qualify for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain = permanent UK residency) after 3 years, must meet AT LEAST 2 OF 7 TARGETS: (1) £50,000 Investment: Invested at least £50K into business over 3 years (note: even though initial visa has NO £50K minimum, investing £50K during 3 years is ONE ILR pathway but NOT only way). (2) Doubled Customers: Customer base DOUBLED in last 3 years AND higher than average UK competitor in sector (must show growth metrics, benchmarking). (3) Intellectual Property: Applied for SIGNIFICANT IP protection (patents, trademarks, registered designs - must be central to competitive advantage). (4) £1 Million Revenue: Business generated at least £1M annual revenue most recent year (high bar but achievable for successful scalable businesses). (5) £500K Revenue (£100K Exports): Business generated £500K annual revenue WITH at least £100K from international sales outside UK (demonstrates economic contribution beyond domestic). (6) 10 Full-Time Jobs: Created 10 full-time jobs (30+ hours/week) for UK residents/settled persons (genuine employment, not contractors/founders). (7) 5 Jobs (£25K+ Salary): Created 5 full-time jobs paying at least £25K annual salary each (lower count but higher quality skilled roles). STRATEGIC: Choose 2 targets aligned with business model from START. Tech startup: Target 1 (£50K invested achievable) + Target 3 (IP protection software patents). SaaS: Target 2 (doubled customers trackable) + Target 4/5 (revenue). Services: Target 6/7 (job creation) + Target 1 (£50K). Document progress throughout 3 years for ILR evidence.

Question 5

Does UK Innovator Founder visa give EU Freedom of Movement?

Accepted Answer

NO - CRITICAL POST-BREXIT REALITY: UK left EU January 2020 (Brexit). NO automatic Freedom of Movement to EU/EEA/Schengen. UK Innovator Founder visa = UK residency ONLY (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). To live/work/do business in EU countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.) need SEPARATE EU visas/residency permits. UK nationals (including naturalized British citizens after citizenship) can VISIT EU Schengen 90 days in 180 days visa-free (tourism/business) but NOT live/work there. For longer EU stays or business operations: apply for respective country's visa/residency (e.g., France business visa, Germany self-employment visa, Spain entrepreneur visa). TRADE-OFF: UK independence + Commonwealth focus vs lost EU Freedom of Movement. POSITIVE: UK now sets own immigration policy (Innovator Founder tailored for UK priorities). CONSIDER: If EU market access critical, evaluate EU Golden Visas (Portugal, Greece, Spain) instead OR plan separate EU arrangements alongside UK visa. UK retains Commonwealth ties (54 nations), strong US relationship. After British citizenship: still NO EU Freedom of Movement (post-Brexit UK nationals treated as third-country for EU purposes).

Question 6

How long does UK Innovator Founder visa processing take?

Accepted Answer

TOTAL TIMELINE: 4-7 months from start to visa approval (endorsement + visa processing). PHASE 1 - ENDORSEMENT: 2-4 months typical (sometimes longer due to volume). Research endorsing bodies (choose from ONLY 4), prepare comprehensive business plan (30-50 pages), submit endorsement application (fees £1K-£5K), interview/pitch presentation (30-60 minutes expert panel), wait for decision (1-3 months). If rejected: can reapply but must strengthen plan (many never get endorsed after multiple attempts). PHASE 2 - VISA APPLICATION: 3-8 WEEKS once endorsement letter obtained (FAST compared to endorsement phase). Online application via gov.uk, visa fee £1,191 per person, Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year per person (£3,105 for 3-year visa). Documents: endorsement letter, business plan, proof of funds, bank statements, English test, passport, biometrics. If OUTSIDE UK: apply from home country (decision 3-8 weeks standard). If INSIDE UK on another visa: can switch to Innovator Founder (decision 8 weeks standard). PRIORITY SERVICE: £500-£800 extra for 5-DAY decision (once submitted - does NOT speed endorsement). OVERALL: Budget 6 months minimum from starting endorsement process to visa approval. Main bottleneck is endorsement (2-4 months + potential rejection/reapplication), NOT visa processing itself (3-8 weeks fast).

Question 7

What sectors are best for Innovator Founder endorsement?

Accepted Answer

EASIER TO ENDORSE (genuine innovation demonstrable): Tech/Software (SaaS, AI/machine learning, platforms with network effects, developer tools, cybersecurity), Fintech (payments, blockchain, insurtech, neobanks, RegTech), Healthtech (telemedicine, health analytics, medical devices with IP, digital therapeutics), Biotech (life sciences, diagnostics, novel therapeutics, genomics), Greentech (clean energy, sustainability solutions, carbon capture, circular economy), Deep Tech (quantum computing, advanced materials, robotics, aerospace), Hardware with IP (IoT devices, wearables, industrial tech with patents). ALMOST CERTAINLY REJECTED (too generic, not innovative enough): Restaurants/food service (unless genuinely novel food tech/supply chain innovation), Retail (physical or e-commerce without significant innovation), Consultancy/professional services (generic business advisory, accounting, legal unless highly specialized tech-enabled), Marketing agencies (unless AI-powered or truly novel approach), Real estate (buy-to-let, property management - NOT eligible), Import/export (commodity trading without innovation). GRAY AREA (depends on innovation thesis strength): E-commerce (only if novel platform/marketplace/logistics innovation, not just selling products online), Education (EdTech with AI/personalization could work, tutoring services won't), Hospitality (hotel tech/booking platforms maybe, running hotel no). KEY: Must demonstrate GENUINE innovation creating new market OR significantly disrupting existing. Incremental improvement (better X, faster Y, cheaper Z) typically insufficient. Need technological/process breakthrough with IP potential, scalability, UK economic impact.

Question 8

Can I bring my family on Innovator Founder visa?

Accepted Answer

YES - Family included (spouse + dependent children). SPOUSE: Included in visa application, pays same fees (£1,191 visa + £3,105 IHS for 3 years). Gets UNRESTRICTED work rights (can work for any employer, any job, full-time - NOT tied to your business). Can study. Same 3-year visa duration. Includes on ILR application after 3 years (gets permanent residency together). DEPENDENT CHILDREN: Unmarried children under 18 included. Pay same fees per child. Access to UK public schools (free) or private schools. Can study. Get ILR together after 3 years. MAINTENANCE FUNDS: Additional £285 per family member beyond £1,270 for main applicant (held 28 days before application). Example: Applicant + spouse + 2 children = £1,270 + £285 + £285 + £285 = £2,125 minimum personal funds. BENEFITS: Spouse unrestricted work provides income stability while building startup (vs USA EB-5 where spouse tied to investor). Children access excellent UK education system. All get ILR together after 3 years. All eligible for British citizenship together after 5 years total. Family can access NHS healthcare (covered by Immigration Health Surcharge paid upfront). Strong family visa compared to many entrepreneur programs globally.

Question 9

What is the path from Innovator Founder to British citizenship?

Accepted Answer

COMPLETE TIMELINE TO BRITISH CITIZENSHIP: Year 0-3: Innovator Founder visa (3-year initial visa, build business, meet 2 of 7 ILR targets). Year 3: Apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain = permanent UK residency). Requirements: business active + progressing, met 2 of 7 targets (£50K invested OR doubled customers OR IP OR £1M revenue OR £500K revenue £100K exports OR 10 jobs OR 5 jobs £25K+), continuous UK residence (not absent 180+ days/year), English B2 maintained, Life in UK test passed. ILR fee £2,885 per person. Approval = permanent residency (no time limit, live in UK indefinitely). Year 4-5: Hold ILR for 1 year minimum. Year 5: Apply for British citizenship (5 years TOTAL from initial visa). Requirements: held ILR 1+ year, continuous residence, good character, English + Life in UK test. Naturalization fee £1,500 per person + £80 ceremony. Approval = British citizen + passport (190+ visa-free countries - Schengen 90 days, USA ESTA, etc.). Dual citizenship allowed (keep original passport). TOTAL: 5 years from Innovator Founder visa to British citizenship (vs USA EB-5 ~10 years, many EU programs no citizenship path). Voting rights, government jobs, cannot be revoked (except fraud). Children born in UK after citizenship = automatic British citizens.

Question 10

How much does UK Innovator Founder visa cost in total?

Accepted Answer

TOTAL COSTS 2026 (Family of 3 over 5 years to citizenship): Business Investment: £10,000-£300,000+ depending on business type (NO fixed minimum - sufficient funds for plan). Lean tech: £10K-£20K. Manufacturing: £80K-£150K+. Must be genuinely spent on business. Endorsement Phase: £1K-£5K endorsing body application fee + £5K-£15K business plan consultant/immigration advisor (ESSENTIAL given difficulty) = £6K-£20K. Visa Application (Family 3): £1,191 visa x3 = £3,573 + £1,035/year IHS x3 years x3 people = £9,315 + £200 English test + £150 biometrics + £500-£1K docs + £3K-£8K immigration lawyer = £17K-£23K. Relocation/Setup: Flights/shipping £3K-£8K + temporary accommodation £2K-£5K + rental deposits £3K-£10K (London expensive) + initial living £2K-£7K = £10K-£30K. ILR After 3 Years (Family 3): £2,885 x3 = £8,655 + £50 Life in UK test x3 + £1K-£3K legal fees = £10K-£12K. Citizenship After 5 Years (Family 3): £1,500 naturalization x3 = £4,500 + £80 ceremony x3 = £240 = £5K. TOTAL ESTIMATED: £10K-£300K business investment (variable) + £43K-£85K fees/relocation/applications = £53K-£385K over 5 years depending on business capital intensity. Ongoing living costs: London £3K-£5K/month family, other UK cities £2K-£3.5K/month (separate from business). CHEAPER than USA EB-5 ($900K-$1.2M), FASTER to citizenship (5 years vs 10+), but HANDS-ON business operation required (not passive like EB-5 Regional Center).

UK INNOVATOR FOUNDER 2026

AT A GLANCE (2026)

INNOVATOR FOUNDER 2026 QUICK FACTS

⚠️ CRITICAL 2026: NO £50K MINIMUM (REMOVED WHEN BECAME "FOUNDER")

2026 UK INNOVATOR FOUNDER

2026 INNOVATOR FOUNDER REQUIREMENTS

⚠️ ONLY 4 DESIGNATED ENDORSING BODIES (2026 - VS 50+ OLD SYSTEM)

CORE REQUIREMENTS (2026 - ALL MUST BE MET)

ILR (SETTLEMENT) AFTER 3 YEARS - MUST MEET 2 OF 7 TARGETS

READY FOR UK INNOVATOR FOUNDER 2026?