Build and run an innovative, viable and scalable UK business with endorsement from an approved body.
Residency to citizenship
- 01Innovator Founder
- 02Settlementfrom 3 years
- 03British citizenship
Each stage has its own eligibility requirements.
- Benefits
- A three-year visa, eligible dependants and a possible settlement application after three years if the separate business-growth and residence tests are met.
- Eligibility
- Age 18 or over, an active founder role, an endorsed business and English at B2. There is no universal fixed minimum investment.
- Requirements
- A current endorsement, credible business plan and funding evidence, normally £1,270 held for 28 days for personal maintenance, unless exempt. Settlement requires fresh endorsement and additional tests.
YOUR LONG-TERM PATHWAY
Residency to citizenship
- 01
Innovator Founder
Enter and maintain the endorsed Innovator Founder business route.
- 02
Settlement · from 3 years
A fresh endorsement must confirm the required business achievements. Meet continuous-residence rules, normally no more than 180 days abroad in any twelve-month period, and the applicable knowledge-of-life requirements.
- 03
British citizenship
Usually five years of UK residence and 12 months with settled status, ordinarily no more than 450 days abroad in five years and 90 in the final year. English, Life in the UK and good-character requirements apply. British spouses have a different basis.
Settlement does not grant nationality. Even three-year settlement on Innovator Founder does not by itself make citizenship available in year four.
Each stage requires its own qualifying conditions and decision. The years shown are eligibility periods, not approval times.
