Startup & Innovator

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur route has been replaced with the UK Start-Up Visa.

The start-up visa is a one-off visa which is valid for 2 years. This category does not lead directly to settlement in the UK. Individuals who are non-EEA national entrepreneurs that are seeking to set up a new business in the UK.

Open to graduates and non-graduates and you do not need to have secured any initial funding. You will need to demonstrate that you have an innovative, viable and scalable business concept approved by an endorsing body.

UK Start-up visa holders may extend their stay in the Innovator visa category and qualify for ILR three years later.

As a UK start-up visa holder you are entitled to can bring your partner and children who are under the age of 18 to the UK.

To quality to apply, you must be:

Over the age of 18;
You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);
Want to start up your business in the UK;
Received an endorsement (issued not more than 3 months before the date of your Start-up visa application) by an approved UK endorsing body; who has positively assessed your business for innovation, viability and scalability;
You are genuinely capable, intend to and will spend the majority of your working time in the UK on developing your business venture stated in your application;
Not previously established a business in the UK (unless as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur);
You will need at least £945 available to support yourself (and £630 for each dependant) without relying on public funds.

Who is suitable for the UK Start-up visa?

The UK Start-up is suitable for high potential entrepreneurs seeking to start a business for the first time in the UK.
The new business should not have started trading. The only exception is if the applicant has already been granted leave under the Start-up or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) categories, or under the Tier 4 doctorate extension scheme.

Alternative Routes:
– If you want to join a trading business – Tier 2 General Skilled Worker Visa;
– Experienced businessperson seeking to establish a business in the UK – Innovator Visa;
– You are a senior employee of an overseas business looking to establish a commercial presence in the UK – Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa;
– If you want to invest in a trading business – Tier 1 Investor Visa route;

What is the investment funds requirement for a UK Start-up visa?

When you apply for a UK Start-up visa you will not need any funds to invest in your business. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a ‘viable’ and ‘scalable’ business idea; which in practice, may mean you need to have funds available to invest to satisfy this requirement. Indeed certain endorsing bodies will require some funding as a condition of endorsement.

What are the UK Start-up visa endorsement criteria?

For an endorsing body to approve your business proposal you (and any other person, if you are part of a team) will need show that your business idea meets all of the following:
– Scalability: the business plan demonstrates the potential for job creation and national growth.
– Innovation: the business is genuine, meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage;
– Viable: you will spend the majority of your time in the UK actively develop the business and possess the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business;

List of approved UK Start-up visa endorsing bodies

The Home Office has published a list of endorsing bodies for Start-up visa applications. This list contains links to the websites and details of the application process and endorsement criteria.

Obtaining a UK Start-up visa endorsement

We can assist overseas entrepreneurs to prepare UK Start-up visa applications and assist in introducing you to an endorsing body via direct contact with investment panel members as well as promoting transparent and timely decision-making, to help in a UK Start-up visa endorsement.

Switching into the UK Start-up visa category

Applications to switch to the UK Start-up visa category from within the UK are possible, if your last grant of leave to remain was as:
– Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur (if you have not been granted 2 years’ leave in the category)
– Tier 2 General
– Tier 2 ICT Skilled Worker
– Tier 4 General Student
– Prospective Entrepreneur.

Endorsement Letter for UK Start-up Visa

The Immigration Rules are prescriptive in what information must be included in the letter issued by a UK Start-up visa endorsing body and must be submitted as part of your Start-up visa application.

Seeking legal advice to ensure that your endorsement letter satisfies the requirements of the rules would be prudent.

How long does the UK Start-up visa last?

The UK Start-up visa is usually valid for 2 years. If you had leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur previously, then you can expect to be granted additional leave up to the maximum combined 2-years.

Who can join me under the UK Start-up visa?

Your partner and any children under the age of 18 may accompany or join you as your dependant(s).

Can I extend my UK Start-up visa/applying for ILR?

Applying for an extension or settlement at the end of your 2 year UK Start-up visa is not possible.

However, you can apply for further leave to remain under the Innovator category if you intend to continue developing your business; after a further 3 years, you can then apply for settlement.

Conditions of stay as a Start-up / Innovator

Remaining in contact with the endorsing body, who will conduct checks at 6 and 12 months periods to be satisfied that you continue to work on the business venture and can show reasonable progress of the original or a new business idea. Endorsements can be withdrawn, leading to a curtailment of leave if this is not demonstrated. There are other conditions that you will need to satisfy and should take legal advice.

You are not required to spend any specific period of time in the UK. You will be allowed to undertake employment other than working for the business.

Obtaining a UK Start-up visa endorsement

How can we help?

We have extensive experience in all types of start-up businesses visas. After you have secured approval from an endorsing body, we will guide you in understanding and meeting the complex Home Office rules to maximise your chances of securing a Start-up visa.

We are approachable, responsive and proactive; taking pride in our commitment to meet the needs of our clients by providing sincere, clear, and reliable immigration advice.

Innovator Visa

To qualify to apply you must have £50,000 or more in investment funding for the purpose of setting up a new business.

You do not need any investment funds if your business is already established and has been endorsed under a previous Innovator Visa.

You must meet a minimum English language requirement and be endorsed by an authorised body, such as higher education institute or approved business sponsor.

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