UK Visa Routes for Entrepreneurs

Explore UK visa options for entrepreneurs, innovators, and business founders looking to start or grow a venture in the UK.

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Entrepreneur Visas Options

There are visa options for entrepreneurs which cover both active founders launching innovative ventures and high-net-worth individuals making qualifying investments. Most routes can lead to long-term residence and settlement.

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Innovator Founder Visa

Designed for individuals with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas endorsed by an approved UK body. This route suits both first-time entrepreneurs and experienced business owners setting up a new UK venture. It replaces the Start-Up and previous Innovator visas, and offers a direct path to settlement after three years.

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Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa

Although not an official visa category, self-sponsorship enables a business owner to register a UK company, obtain a Sponsor Licence, and sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker visa. This option requires a genuine business need, compliance with sponsor duties, and the ability to meet salary thresholds. It offers settlement after five years.

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Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extension

Now closed to new applicants, this legacy route still allows extensions for those who previously held a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa. Extension applicants must show active business involvement, investment, and job creation. This route may still lead to ILR before it closes entirely in 2025/2027, depending on circumstances.

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Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension

Also closed to new applicants, this route remains open for extensions and ILR applications for existing holders who maintain qualifying investments. The visa historically enabled high-net-worth individuals to settle based on investment thresholds of £2 million or more.

Entrepreneur Visas

The UK offers specialist visa routes for entrepreneurial individuals who want to establish or expand a business, including the Innovator Founder visa. The available routes often change, but generally require a viable, scalable business idea and, in some cases, endorsement from an approved organisation. Learn more about eligibility, investment requirements, and how these visas can lead to permanent residence.