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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tell us what you need help with
A regulated adviser reviews your situation and comes back with an honest next step within 1 business day.
- An IAA-regulated UK immigration adviser reviews your case.
- A personal reply with your next step, within 1 business day.
- No payment required. Fixed fees if you proceed.
- 4.9 on Google
- IAA Level 3 · the highest tier
- 7,000+ clients helped
- Fast-track support
Prefer to talk? Book a call.
Send a free enquiry
- An adviser for your route reads it today.
- You get a written reply within 1 business day: whether it is worth applying, the likely cost, and the risks.
- If you want to go further, a call. Still free.
Want the call sooner? Pick a time now and we will have read your enquiry before it.
