Moving Your Business to the United Kingdom: Visa Routes for Founders and Investors

This guide covers the 1 verified route for founders and investors moving a business to the United Kingdom. Every figure comes from our program review dated September 15, 2026. Rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with an expert before you commit money or time.

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa replaced the old Innovator and Start-up visas in April 2023 and is now the UK's central endorsement-based route for founders — no employer sponsorship is required. Instead, the business idea must be formally endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body before an application can proceed. As of 2026, only three general Business Endorsing Bodies remain approved for new applicants (UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International, Envestors Limited), plus one invite-only program (The Global Entrepreneurs Programme). This is a significant narrowing from the 50+ bodies that existed under the old system, and the list is updated periodically by the Home Office.

Who it suits: Founders with a genuinely innovative, viable, and scalable business idea who can secure endorsement. Minimum investment: No fixed statutory minimum since the 2023 reform. Active involvement: Yes — must be an active, significant contributor to the business, not a passive investor. What you receive: Residence and work permission (period varies). Family: Yes. Path to permanent residence: Conditional — via settlement after a set qualifying period.

Worth knowing: The list of endorsing bodies changes from time to time. Check the current list on GOV.UK before you apply. The English-language standard for settlement rises to CEFR B2 on 26 March 2027.

This guide is directional guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. A consulting session will tell you which route fits your business and what to prepare first.