Start-Up Visa Closure
The UK Start-Up visa closed to new applicants on 13 July 2023. If you hoped to start an innovative business here, the Innovator Founder visa may provide another route. Our solicitors can help you understand what this change means for your plans.
Your Start-Up permission does not automatically convert into an Innovator Founder visa. Whether you are starting afresh or held this visa previously, we can assess your eligibility and explain the next steps.
What Replaced the UK Start-Up Visa?
The Innovator Founder visa replaced the former Start-Up and Innovator routes. It supports eligible entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and may offer a route to settlement if the requirements are met.
- New Start-Up visa applications are no longer accepted
- An approved endorsing body must assess and endorse your business
- Your idea must be innovative, viable and capable of growth
- No fixed minimum investment requirement for the visa
- Permission normally lasts three years, with settlement potentially available
Explore our Innovator Founder visa services for tailored advice on your next steps.
Will Your Business Idea Qualify to the UK Market?
Businesses applying for a UK start up through innovator founder visa should remember the following requirements:
- Your idea must offer something genuinely different in the UK market, with a clear benefit for your intended customers.
- You should explain how you will deliver the business, using realistic projections, relevant experience and evidence of demand.
- Your plan should show how the business could grow, create jobs or expand across UK and international markets.
- You must secure endorsement before the Home Office visa application; the endorsement letter must usually be dated within three months of applying.
- The endorsing body will expect you to stay involved in the business and attend progress meetings during your visa.
How the Application Process Works
The Innovator Founder application has two stages. First, an approved body must endorse your business idea. You then submit a separate Home Office visa application. Our business immigration solicitors can review your eligibility, explain which documents you need and help prepare your application. We also advise former Start-Up visa holders considering their next steps.
Step One: Business Endorsement
Your business must first satisfy an approved endorsing body. New ventures are assessed for innovation, viability and scalability, together with your ability to develop the proposal. If you previously held a Start-Up visa, different assessment provisions may apply. We can explain what evidence is relevant in your circumstances.
- Planning to launch a UK business? Speak to AXIS Solicitors about your Innovator Founder visa options.
An endorsing body will consider your market, business model, funding and ability to develop the venture. Your business plan should explain what makes the idea different, supported by credible research and financial forecasts. Our solicitors can help you understand what the endorsement stage requires and review your application materials.
Our endorsement guide explains the requirements. The endorsement fee is £1,000, with at least two mandatory contact point meetings costing £500 each. These charges exclude VAT where applicable.
We can help you identify the relevant endorsing body rules, including any provisions for previous Start-Up visa holders.
Step Two: Visa Application
Once endorsed, you must meet the Home Office immigration requirements. Our solicitors can review your eligibility, prepare your application and check the supporting documents for consistency.
As at October 2026, the Home Office fee is £1,357 outside the UK or £1,693 for switching or extending inside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge is additional. You must also verify your identity, which may involve an app or a biometric appointment depending on your circumstances.
You may need evidence of English language ability, personal savings and a tuberculosis test, depending on your circumstances. We can help you identify the correct documents before applying. Endorsement alone does not guarantee visa approval.
Visa Duration and Settlement
Innovator Founder permission lasts up to three years, and you may apply to extend it. Eligible applicants can pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain after three qualifying years if they meet the relevant conditions.
Time spent on a Start-Up visa does not count towards the three-year Innovator Founder settlement period. Applicants must also meet business achievement, residence and Life in the UK requirements. Our solicitors can explain the evidence you will need and help you plan for an extension or settlement application.
Working While Growing Your Business
You may run your endorsed business, but work restrictions still apply.
You can work in the business you established and may take outside employment where the role requires skills at RQF Level 3 or above. However, restrictions on other work still apply, and public funds are unavailable. We can help you understand whether your intended work is permitted.
Work conditions differ from the former Start-Up visa. Before taking another job, entering a contracting arrangement or changing your duties, make sure the role is allowed under your current immigration permission.
Your Responsibilities After Approval of UK Start Up Business
Your responsibilities continue after the visa is granted. You must remain active in your business, attend endorsing body meetings and comply with your immigration conditions. Clear business records will also help with future reviews. Our solicitors can explain these obligations and advise you if your circumstances change.
- Maintain contact with your endorsing body: Attend meetings, normally around months 12 and 24. Keep evidence of your business progress, key decisions and milestones so you are ready for each review.
- Remain involved in your business: Continue to play an active role in the venture you have established. If you want to take other employment, check the relevant skill and visa conditions first.
- Keep clear business records: Save invoices, contracts, accounts and evidence of trading or development. These documents can help show how your business is progressing when your endorsing body reviews it.
- Protect your immigration position: Monitor visa expiry dates, keep details accurate and seek advice before major changes. Make any further immigration application in good time.
- Address endorsement concerns promptly: If support is withdrawn, your permission could be affected. We can explain the immigration consequences and consider any options available to you.
Understanding the requirements early can help you manage risks and prepare for your next application.
What Happens After Visa Approval?
Visa approval lets you focus on growing your business, but endorsement and immigration requirements continue throughout your stay. Our solicitors can explain the contact meetings, evidence and milestones you should plan for, including what may be needed for an extension or settlement application.
Keeping Your Endorsement
- Attend progress review meetings
- Show evidence of achievements
- Raise concerns without delay
Following Your Visa Conditions
- Keep actively developing your business
- Check before accepting outside work
- Do not claim public funds
- Apply before expiry of your existing visa
Managing Your Business Finances
- Review your registration obligations & file applicable tax returns
- Maintain proper accounting records
- Check whether VAT registration applies
Planning Your Immigration Future
- Review extension requirements early
- Keep records of UK residence
- Check timelines and visa expiry
Other Possible Visa Routes
- Search for Skilled Worker visa possibilities
- Relevant family immigration routes can also help
- Get advice tailored to your circumstances
Expert Tips to Plan Your Business Journey in the UK
Your business plans and immigration strategy should work together from the outset.
Developing a Strong Business Plan
Your business plan should explain what makes your idea viable and distinctive.
- Explain what makes your idea innovative
- Show your UK market research
- Include realistic financial forecasts and growth plans
We can review the immigration requirements.
Meeting Endorsing Body Expectations
Endorsing bodies expect you to demonstrate genuine business progress.
- Attend scheduled contact point meetings
- Share business updates and evidence
- Respond promptly to any concerns
Prepare early for each review.
Switching to Innovator Founder
Your current permission determines whether you can switch.
- Certain visa holders cannot switch within the UK
- Start-Up permission does not transfer automatically
- You still need appropriate endorsement evidence
We can check your eligibility.
Bringing Your Family
Your partner and children may be eligible to join you.
- Applications for eligible partners and children
- Separate visa applications and fees
- Financial and relationship evidence
Ask us about planning applications together.
Growing Your UK Business
The route supports businesses with genuine prospects for growth.
- Record important business milestones
- Monitor income and trading performance
- Plan your next growth stage
Evidence can support future endorsement and settlement.
