UK Innovator/founder visa for international founders

Start a business in the UK
in 5 proven steps

The UK Innovator/Founder visa, also known as the Innovator visa or the Entrepreneur visa,
is a premiere relocation programme for internal start-up founders and seasoned entrepreneurs.
This visa gives you access to the world’s top business hub and can take your business
to an entirely new level.
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5 steps

Start your own business in the UK with an Innovator/Founder visa in 5 steps

01

Bespoke brainstorm

To be successful in your Innovator visa application, you will first need to secure the approval (aka ‘endorsement’) of a reputable UK organisation (aka ‘endorsing body’). We’ll run an extended interview with you to learn everything we can about your business idea to create a winning case strategy.
02

Business plan + CV workshop

We’ve been getting up close and personal with UK endorsing bodies to see beyond their formal requirements. We leverage our understanding of Tech Nation & other endorsing organisations to your advantage.
03

Authentic experience

Once your endorsement is received, we’ll put together your document stack and apply for your Innovator/Founder visa, including for your family members.
04

Visa application

To be successful in your Innovator visa application, you will first need to secure the approval (aka ‘endorsement’) of a reputable UK organisation (aka ‘endorsing body’). We’ll run an extended interview with you to learn everything we can about your business idea to create a winning case strategy.
05

Company formation

When your visa is issued, we’ll help you set up your company, bank account, and business address. You’ll get lifelong access to our specialised immigration advice for international founders.

eligibility

Is my business idea eligible for a UK Innovator visa?

If it ticks these four boxes, you are good to go.

It’s new

You must register a completely new business and cannot join a company that is already trading

It’s viable

You will need to provide evidence that your business idea has a realistic chance of success in the UK market

It’s innovative

You need to be developing a unique and creative solution to address market needs or challenges

It’s scalable

Emphasizing the potential for the proposed business venture to grow and expand over time

Join the world’s top talent
in the United Kingdom

With 10 years of specialised experience, we make every client’s immigration journey as smooth as possible.
Book free consultation

how We are different

Why Open Kinetics?

Founder-centric advice

As founders ourselves, we understand founders. We promise to make your experience as stress-free and time-efficient as possible.

Insider knowledge

We’ll make sure your business plan proactively addresses your endorsing body’s every question and help you ace your interview.

Visa compliance support

You will need to demonstrate to your endorsing body that your business is progressing as part of two or more scheduled contact point meetings. We’ll prepare you for that.

Post-visa support

We’ll help you and your family settle in and support you with visa extensions and settlement. We’ll introduce you to our network and be your port of call.

FAQS

Looking for answers?
We’ve got you covered.

Does my idea need to be tech focused?

Not necessarily! If your business addresses an existing gap in the market, you are likely to satisfy the innovation requirement and be eligible to apply.

Do I need to have any prior experience as an entrepreneur?

It’s beneficial but not a mandatory requirement. You need to have relevant skills and knowledge acquired in your earlier career as a founder/co-founder, employee or even as part of your studies as a recent graduate. This will largely depend on the nature of your business and the level of expertise objectively required to turn your business idea into reality.

Can I work elsewhere while building my business in the UK?

Yes, you are allowed to take on additional work. Your dependent partner will also be allowed to work/study/start a separate business in the UK with minimum restrictions.

testimonial

Celebrating our alumni

Evgenia and her colleagues were incredibly helpful in assisting me with securing my Entrepreneur visa.
Evgenia’s expertise in the details and complexity of immigration law and her insight into the challenges international founders face made the entire process clear and smooth. Additionally, I referred a friend with a particularly complex case to Evgenia, and she successfully managed it, resulting in my friend ultimately obtaining their settlement status. I’m extremely grateful for Evgenia’s efforts and professionalism and cannot recommend her highly enough.

Maria Sukhareva

Founder @Leelaby

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OISC Registration Number F202331657

Ultraspecialised UK immigration planning for experts, founders, and businesses.

+44 753 922 81 72
[email protected]
124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX

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