The UK has long been a significant world power, both economically and politically. London is the financial capital of the world, offering an international business environment. The UK is also renowned for having some of the best educational institutions in the world and an open, international culture.
The Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and requires individuals to set up a new, scaling business in the UK. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sufficient investment funds to start and grow their business and have a business plan that has been endorsed and approved by the Home Office.
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Factsheet
Innovative, scaling business
The right to live, work, and study anywhere in the United Kingdom
The Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and grow a new business in the UK.
Before one applies, one needs to have one’s business or business idea assessed by a Home Office–approved endorsing body. They will assess the viability of the business or business idea and, if approved, provide an endorsement letter to submit with the application.
Successful innovators are granted leave for three years at a time and can bring their family members to the UK. After three years, innovators can apply to extend their stay for a further three years or to settle permanently in the UK under indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Each of these three stages (initial application, extension, settlement) requires endorsement from an endorsing body.
Applicants must:
The new business must meet the following three criteria:
The completed application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the diplomatic post in the applicant’s country of residence. The time frame from the submission of the application is dependent on the embassy receiving the application.
Upon expiry of the initial three-year period, the main applicant must apply for an ‘extension of stay’ from within the UK. The authorities will issue the applicant with a three-year extension if all relevant criteria are met. Upon being granted settlement and spending a minimum of five years in the UK (the applicant must have held ILR in the last 12 months of that period), it is possible to apply for British citizenship.
Business owners may seek secondary employment in the country, provided it falls under skilled labor.
Detailed information on the Innovator Founder Visa is available on the Home Office website. This information is not intended to be immigration advice.
The United Kingdom residence by investment program, known as the UK Innovator Founder Program, grants residence to individuals and their families in exchange for significant, innovative and scaling business creation.
The investment requires a viable, endorsed business idea and sufficient investment funds. They must be key members of the founding team and meet criteria for innovation, viability, and scalability in their business plan.
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in the UK, visa-free travel to many countries, and access to an international business environment and world-class healthcare and education.
There is no minimum investment, but the investor must have the required funds to create an innovative and scalable business.
Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children in their application.
Applicants must reside in the UK for at least three years, with absences not exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period to maintain their residence status.
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment or contribution, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Yes, five years after obtaining indefinite leave to remain, investors may be eligible to apply for UK citizenship.
The business idea must be assessed by an endorsing body before applying to the Home Office. Applicants must then submit the application with the necessary documents and undergo a due diligence process.
Should you have any questions, or if you would like a detailed breakdown of the exact costs for your family, kindly contact us and we will be delighted to help you.
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