Entrepreneur & Innovator Visas

The UK offers several immigration routes for entrepreneurs, investors and highly talented individuals who wish to establish or grow a business, or contribute to their field at the highest level. Visa Professionals provides expert guidance on all these routes.

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for experienced businesspeople seeking to establish a genuinely innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK. You must have your business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body. There is no minimum investment requirement, but your business must be original — you cannot simply copy an existing business model. This visa leads to ILR after 3 years if you meet the business milestones set by your endorsing body.

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is for leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, digital technology and science, engineering and technology. Rather than employer sponsorship, you need to be endorsed by a designated endorsing body in your field. Successful applicants can work flexibly for multiple employers, as a freelancer, or set up their own company. There is an accelerated route to ILR (3 years for leaders, 5 years for promising talent).

UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)

Previously known as the Sole Representative Visa, this route allows overseas businesses to send employees to the UK to establish a new branch or subsidiary. The applicant must be a senior employee with knowledge of the overseas business and authority to make decisions on its behalf. The UK operation must be a genuine new branch or wholly-owned subsidiary.

Investor Considerations

The Tier 1 Investor Visa has been closed to new applicants. Those seeking to invest in the UK now typically do so via the Innovator Founder Visa or by establishing a presence that allows them to relocate through business immigration routes. We advise on the most suitable pathway based on your individual circumstances and investment profile.

Speak with our business immigration team on 0203 137 8699 or email info@visaprofessionals.com.