Innovator Founder Visa for Tech Entrepreneurs

  • Immigration & Business Expertise
  • 93% Success Rate on Endorsement
  • Case work accelerating by platform
    tools and team of experts
Assess Your Chances
Tech Nomads platform interface showing UK Innovator Founder Visa application process

0

Amount of required investment

4-6

Months for receiving UK Innovator Founder Visa

3

Years for receiving UK Permanent Residency (PR)

5

Years for receiving British Citizenship

Tech Talents choose Tech Nomads
More than 500 clients trust us their relocation

Benefits of the UK Innovator Founder Visa

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Stay Flexible

Work for any employer, change jobs, run a business, study or do it all at the same time

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Relocate with family

They will get access to the UK healthcare & prestigious education

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Access to Techology

Access to the UK market, advanced technology, and experts

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Obtain British Passport

Receive citizenship in the United Kingdom in 5 years

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Receive UK PR

Receive British permanent residence in 3 years

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Rise Funds

Access to the top world’s Venture Capital, Private Equity Firms, and Accelerators

Take off your
Global Mobility Journey

Check Your Eligibility

Eligibility for UK Innovator Founder Visa

About Entrepreneur


Education — Bachelor's Degree
Relevant Business Experience — 1+ years
English Level — B2 (CEFR)
Investments — £0

About Business Idea

Must prove to be innovative, viable, and scalable.
Applicant needs to:
- present a business plan.
- receive an endorsement from UK approved endorsing body

Explore stories of our clients who already
received UK Innovator Founder Visa

Serim Cetin, Founder at Merx Technologies, Tech Nomads client testimonial

Serim Cetin

Founder at Merx Technologies

"Evgeny and his team were very helpful and attentive. I had no issues with my Innovator visa application and got the positive response in record time"

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Catherine Gargan, Managing Director at Profolio, Tech Nomads client testimonial

Catherine Gargan

Managing Director at Profolio

"I had an amazing experience working with Tech Nomads. They helped me in obtaining a UK Innovator Visa. They were always there to answer any of my questions. Very detailed & client oriented."

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Iliya Shiyan, CEO and Co-founder at JIQ AI, Tech Nomads client testimonial

Iliya Shiyan

CEO & Co-founder at JIQ AI

Tech Nomads assisted Iliya Shiyan's move from developing AI solutions in CIS countries to launching his startup in the UK.

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Daniel Digo, CEO and Co-founder at Beinfit, Tech Nomads client testimonial

Daniel Digo

CEO & Co-founder, Beinfit

Daniel Digo's pathway from a seasoned entrepreneur in Israel to a trailblazer in the UK tech industry. Launch of BeInFit, fueled by the Innovator Visa and Tech Nomads' crucial support, exemplifying resilience and growth.

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Daniel Digo

CEO & Co-founder, Beinfit

Daniel Digo's pathway from a seasoned entrepreneur in Israel to a trailblazer in the UK tech industry. Launch of BeInFit, fueled by the Innovator Visa and Tech Nomads' crucial support, exemplifying resilience and growth.

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Black and white portrait of a young man with dark hair wearing a dark jacket against a dark background.

Daniel Digo

CEO & Co-founder, Beinfit

Daniel Digo's pathway from a seasoned entrepreneur in Israel to a trailblazer in the UK tech industry. Launch of BeInFit, fueled by the Innovator Visa and Tech Nomads' crucial support, exemplifying resilience and growth.

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UK Innovator Founder Visa Packages

Be flexible! Tech Nomads elaborated agile
service packages to match your best interest in getting UK Innovator Founder Visa.

Endorsement Lite

Upgrade your package at any time

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Non-immigration Advice

What’s included:

Stage – Documents Review for Endorsement

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60-Min Consultation with Case Leader about getting Endorsement Documents

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Basic Guide Step by Step Getting Endorsement Process

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Endorsement Documents Reviewed by a dedicated Case Leader with feedback

Endorsement Pro

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FREE re-application in case of refusal by Endorsing Body

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Non-immigration Advice

What’s included:

Stage – Document preparation

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Dedicated Business Case Leader

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Detailed Guide Step by Step Getting Endorsement Process

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Documents prepared and reviewed by a Business Case Leader with feedback

Stage – Document preparation

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Dedicated Business Case Leader

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Full Assistance on Concept, Research, Business Plan Preparation and Pitch Deck

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Tips, templates and examples of documents, reference letters and CV

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Case submission to Endorsement Body

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Application assistance to Endorsement Body

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Access to Marketplace of Relocation Services

Full Assistance

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FREE re-application in case of refusal by Endorsing Body

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Non Regulated and UK Immigration Advice

What’s included:

Stage – Document preparation

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Dedicated Business Case Leader

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Detailed Guide Step by Step Getting Endorsement Process

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Documents prepared and reviewed by a Case Leader with feedback

Stage – Document preparation

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Dedicated Business Case Leader

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Full Assistance on Concept, Research, Business Plan Preparation and Pitch Deck

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Tips, templates and examples of documents, reference letters and CV

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Case submission to Endorsement Body

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Application assistance to Endorsement Body

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Access to Marketplace of Relocation Services

Stage – Visa Application

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Dedicated UK Immigration Lawyer

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Full assistance and preparation of documents for UK Government Authorities

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Visa Case submission to UK Government Authorities

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Detailed Guide Step by Step Getting Visa Process

Read more Cases

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Not sure where to start?
Find out if you're Eligible for UK
Innovator Founder Visa.

Assess Your ChancesWhite geometric sculpture of interconnected cubic frames against a black background.Smooth white sphere with subtle shadows, resembling a clay ball on a transparent background.

It takes two for UK Innovator Founder Visa:
Endorsement letter and Visa Approval

Step 1. Approval from Endorsing Body

About Endorsing Body

UK Endorsing Bodies are organizations with license from UK Government, that can issue endorsements for the Innovator Founder Visa route.

What do they do?

Endorsing Bodies offers to their applicants a range of business support services to help start the business in the UK.

List of Endorsing Bodies

Tech Nomads work with all endorsing bodies

What do they want to see?

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Skilled Professional

Your professional experience and education must be relevant to the business idea you are putting forward

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Detailed Business Plan

  • Innovative idea – meeting new or existing market needs and/or creating a competitive advantage

  • Viable business – realistic and achievable idea based on the applicant’s available resources

  • Scalable plan – evidence of structured planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets

Endorsement Letter

After evaluation of the personal business profile of the applicant by Endorsing Body decision will be made and sent as Endorsement Letter in case of Approval

Check Your Eligibility

Step 2. Visa Application

After you receive your endorsement letter, we are preparing the documents for the visa submission. Upon submission, you will receive a decision from Home Office within 4 weeks.

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UK Innovator Founder Visa Application Process

Step

Visa Roadmap

How we solves the puzzle

01

1-3 weeks

Prepare pitch deck and business plan

Craft an engaging and detailed business plan based on your innovative idea, tailored for submission to the endorsing body. This plan is your key to making a compelling case for your vision and potential.

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Pre-check

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Business plan preparation

02

4-6 weeks

Endorsement Process

Our expert team coordinates interviews with carefully chosen endorsing bodies. These selections are tailored to align with the applicant's specific business industry, their area of expertise, and their professional background, ensuring the best possible match and opportunity for success.

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Interview with the endorsing body

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All the necessary documents

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Full assistance with the Endorsing Body

03

4-6 weeks

Visa Process

Once we obtain the Endorsement Letter from endorsement body we will finalise your case, attach all additional documents and submit the online application form to the Home Office.

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Finalise and prepare case documents for submission to UK Government

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Complete and submit the online application form

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Facilitate payment of government immigration fees

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Schedule biometrics and photo appointment at the local visa center

93%

Endorsements Granted with Tech Nomads

7-13 weeks

Tech Nomads timeline

Visa
Roadmap

How we solves
the puzzle

Step 1. 1-3 weeks
Prepare pitch deck and business plan

Craft an engaging and detailed business plan based on your innovative idea, tailored for submission to the endorsing body. This plan is your key to making a compelling case for your vision and potential.

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Pre-check

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Business plan preparation

Step 2. 4-6 weeks
Endorsement Process

Our expert team coordinates interviews with carefully chosen endorsing bodies. These selections are tailored to align with the applicant's specific business industry, their area of expertise, and their professional background, ensuring the best possible match and opportunity for success.

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Interview with the endorsing body

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

All the necessary documents

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Full assistance with the Endorsing Body

Step 3. 2-4 weeks
Visa Process

Once we obtain the Endorsement Letter from endorsement body we will finalise your case, attach all additional documents and submit the online application form to the Home Office.

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Finalise and prepare case documents for submission to UK Government

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Complete and submit the online application form

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Facilitate payment of government immigration fees

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

Schedule biometrics and photo appointment at the local visa center

93%

Innovator Founder Visas Granted with Tech Nomads

7-12 weeks

Tech Nomads timeline

Apply for UK Innovator Founder Visa

UK Innovator Founder Visa in Real stories

Luca Moretti (name changed under NDA)

Engineer of an African FinTech startup

Global Talent Visa (Digital Technology)

United Kingdom

Case study success story image showing visa application results

Engineer of an African FinTech startup

After a Global Talent Visa rejection shook his confidence, Luca, a senior software engineer, worked with Tech Nomads to rebuild his case. By refining evidence and crafting a clear narrative, he secured endorsement in one week and successfully relocated to the UK, advancing his career.

Read full story

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Rahul Sharma (name changed under NDA)

CEO of a Multinational EdTech Company

Global Talent Visa (Digital Technology)

United Kingdom

Case study success story image showing visa application results

CEO of a Multinational EdTech Company

Rahul Sharma (name changed) is the CEO of a multinational EdTech company, known for driving impactful education technology solutions, but faced a critical UK visa deadline requiring swift action and strong global recognition.

Read full story

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Anastasia Bochkovskaia

Software Developer / Founder of Surf

Innovator Founder Visa Endorsement

Case study success story image showing visa application results

Software Developer / Founder of Surf

Anastasia Bochkovskaia is a software developer with a passion for creating meaningful digital experiences. Faced with the complex UK Innovator Founder Visa process, she partnered with Tech Nomads to bring clarity to her vision and secure endorsement for her startup, Surf.

Read full story

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Endorsement Lite

Upgrade your package at any time

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Non-immigration Advice

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Endorsement Pro

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

FREE re-application in case of refusal by Endorsing Body

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Non-immigration Advice

Down arrow chevron icon

Full Assistance

Right-pointing arrow icon in blue.

FREE re-application in case of refusal by Endorsing Body

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Immigration Advice

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Talk to Global Mobility Expert

Post-Relocation Services

Get UK Permanent Residency and British Passport

Obtaining UK Permanent Residency in 3 or 5 Years

To get an ILR (indefinite leave to remain) you will have to prove continuous residence in the UK - you must not leave the UK for more than 180 days (6 months) per year.

Applicants are also required to provide evidence that their business venture is successful.

Obtaining British Citizenship in 5 Years

Apply for UK citizenship one year after obtaining ILR on Innovator Founder visa if all requirements are met. You must be able to prove to the Home Office that you have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in the 5-year period prior to submitting your British citizenship application and 90 days in the last year.

Know It All about Global Mobility

Tech Nomads trust in knowledge. We've gathered valuable insights, case study and latest trends for you to make informed decisions.

Learn more about UK Innovator Founder Visa on our Online Events

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UK Innovator Founder Visa FAQ

What are the benefits of the UK Innovator Founder Visa?

The UK Innovator Founder Visa allows individuals to establish and work in their own businesses in the UK, take up additional skilled employment, and study.

This visa also enables immediate family members to join the visa holder in the UK, where they can work in any field, including self-employment, and pursue educational opportunities.

What are the main requirements for the UK Innovator Founder Visa?

You must present an innovative, viable & scalable business idea. These criteria should be reflected in your comprehensive business plan so you can receive an endorsement. Additionally, you have to demonstrate English knowledge of B2 level.

Can I set up and run more than 1 company in the UK?

Yes, you are allowed to set up multiple businesses in the UK. However, only your main business (approved by the Endorsement body) will be evaluated by the Endorsement Body and the Home Office.

Can I bring my staff members to the UK if I receive the Innovator Founder Visa?

You can only bring your family as dependents.

However, if you get a sponsorship licence for your company in the UK, you may be able to sponsor your staff members under General Work Visas.

How much UK Innovator Founder Visa costs?

The application fee for the Innovator Founder Visa varies based on the location of application: £1,191 for individuals applying from outside the UK and £1,486 for those applying within the UK to switch or extend status. The same fees apply for each dependent.

Additionally, all applicants must pay an annual immigration health surcharge for access to the UK's National Health Service.

How can I obtain British Citizenship via UK Innovator Founder Visa?

You can apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for at least 5 years, including 1 year on Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residency Status).

To apply for citizenship, you must have a good reputation, pass a Life in the UK test, and prove your English level (B1 or higher).

How Tech Nomads can ensure my UK Innovator Founder Visa application is successful?

Tech Nomads offers an eligibility test, free consultation, comprehensive document preparation, business plan guidance, and application submission support. Our expert team helps to verify all documents and assists with every step of the visa application process and post-relocation adaptation.

Have more questions about UK Innovator Founder Visa?

Talk to Global Mobility Expert

Attend Pre-Assessment Test

Explore our Community

Check Eligibility