Would you like to apply for residency by investment in the UK in 2026? Our immigration lawyers in London can explain to you the formalities and handle all the procedures. You may explore this page and find out information about how to get this status.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | Both |
Setting up more than just one business with an Innovator Founder visa (Yes/No) | Permitted |
Real estate investment option (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Other investment options (if available) | – venture capital, – angel finance, – insider finance, – crowdfunding |
| Living requirement in UK (Yes/No) | 2-5 years, according to the invested amount |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | Yes |
| Direct immigration with family members (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Family members allowed to join the program | Yes |
| Residence visa/ citizenship processing time (approx.) | 3-4 months Our team can offer details about residency by investment in UK. |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Time frame for getting residency by investment in the UK | Around 6 months, depending on verifications and application reviews. Our lawyers can offer details about residency by investment in UK. |
| Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Reasons to choose UK | – stable economy, – attractive investment incentives, – close proximity with some of the world’s largest consumer markets |
| Personal income tax rate | – 20% basic rate for income between £0 and £37,700 – 40% for income between £37,701 and £150,000 – 45% for income over £150,000 |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | 139 |
| What is the Innovator Founder visa? | It has replaced the former Innovator visa program. Residency can be obtained through this new program. |
Minimum investments for getting the Innovator Founder visa | Not imposed |
Conditions to get the Innovator Founder Visa | Endorsement is needed, alongside a business plan and knowledge of the English language. |
| Clear criminal record/police certificate | Solicited at the time of application |
| Residence through Innovator Founder visa | Permanent residence after 3 years of living in the UK |
| Residency renewal after entering the Innovator Founder visa program | Available |
| Fees for partners and children joining the program | Around GBP2,885 for each member |
| Biometric information | Photo and fingerprints are taken at the time of visa issuance. |
| Decision | Issued in about 6 months when applying with the standard visa service. |
| Priority service for getting an investor visa in the UK | Available for around GBP500 as a standard fee. The decision is issued in 5 days. |
| Using public funds when applying for an investor visa in the UK | Not permitted |
| Requirements for partners joining the residence by investment program in the UK | Must meet the English requirements and pass the Life in the UK test. |
| Indefinite leave to remain when having a business, investor, or talent visa in the UK | Candidates can apply for a Global Talent visa and meet the financial requirements. |
| Proof of investments | Required regardless of the selected program of investments available in the UK |
| Working and/or studying with an investor visa in the UK | Options available |
Table of Contents
What is the main investment route to residency in the UK?
By applying for the Innovator Founder visa in the UK.
What are the minimum investments for an Innovator Founder visa in the UK?
GBP 50,000.
Who can apply for the Innovator Founder visa?
The Innovator Founder visa is addressed to citizens outside the EEA and Switzerland.
Can family members be part of the Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
Yes.
What are the conditions to get residency by investments in the UK in 2026?
Getting the Innovator Founder visa requires the following:
- applicants must be at least 18 years old when applying for an Innovator Founder visa for the UK.
- candidates must present a business plan, supported from a financial point of view by an accepted endorser,
- knowledge of the English language, as well as proof of personal finances is required,
- candidates must present the source of funds. The immigration authorities in the UK will make rigorous checks,
- a healthcare surcharge is also solicited,
- applicants must own at least GBP 1,270 in a bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the visa application starts.
You can discover an infographic with details on this topic:
What other conditions are imposed for this type of UK visa?
The investor must be active in a business established in the UK.
How should the business plan be to get the Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
- Innovative,
- Scalable,
- Viable, etc.
IMPORTANT! Applicants must see the endorsing body after 12 and 24 months to discuss the progress of the business. The visa can be withdrawn at the discretion of the endorsing body.
How can I apply for an Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
- Outside the UK at the embassy or consulate in the country of origin,
- Inside the UK.
You can also watch the following video presentation on this subject:
What are the fees for an Innovator visa to get residency in the UK through investments?
- Around GBP 1,357/person for outside UK applications,
- About GBP 1,693/person for applications made in the UK (extensions or switching the visa).
IMPORTANT! GBP 1,000 is required to get an endorsement from an authorized endorsing body in the UK.
Can I switch my existing visa to the Innovator founder visa for the UK?
Yes, our UK immigration lawyers can explain the procedures for 2026.
What do you obtain after getting the Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
Foreign citizens who obtain the Innovator Founder visa can enjoy residency for 3 years in the UK. After these 3 years, the visa can be extended for another 3 years, and you can opt for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK/permanent residency.
What is permitted with an Innovator Founder visa in the UK?
- to start one or more businesses,
- work for your business as a manager or self-employed,
- bring your spouse & children,
- travel outside the UK and return,
- apply for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years with this visa.
What is restricted when holding an Innovator Founder in the UK?
- applying for public funds,
- use the investment money to sustain living in the UK.
What is the timeframe to get a decision on an Innovator Founder visa after the application?
About 3 weeks if you apply outside the UK or about 8 weeks if you submit your application in the UK.
Is the Innovator Founder visa a direct route to British citizenship?
No! Getting this visa does not allow citizenship applications. This should be done after at least 5 years of residency in the UK.
Would you like to know more about residency by investment in the UK in 2026? Contact us and make an appointment with our specialists.
