The innovator founder visa has replaced the tier 1 UK entrepreneur investor visa which allowed one to get residency in this country. The conditions imposed for these kinds of visas for the UK can be explained by our UK immigration lawyer. Our team is at your disposal with assistance on immigration matters.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | Both |
|
Business investment option (Yes/No) |
For residency by investment in UK, the individuals are required to make an investment of 2,400,000 Euros in the United Kingdom. |
|
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 obtaining citizenship/ residency by investment |
5 years 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 |
Table of Contents
Applying for an Innovator Founder visa in the UK
The Innovator Founder visa replaced the former Innovator visa program, one of the main ways to obtain UK residency by investment, and comes with a series of modifications and benefits for foreign entrepreneurs. This visa is addressed to experienced entrepreneurs who want to open a business in the UK. Here is some information about how to apply for an Innovator Founder visa in the UK:
- Innovator Founder visa is addressed to citizens outside the EEA and Switzerland.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old when applying for an Innovator Founder visa for the UK.
- There is no obligation to have minimum funds for opening a business in the UK. However, endorsement is required.
- Candidates must present a business plan, supported from a financial point of view by an accepted endorser.
- In this case, knowledge of the English language as well as proof of personal finances is required.
We invite you to learn more about the Innovator Founder visa for the UK from our specialists. Our immigration solicitors in the UK are at your disposal with complete information and assistance to obtain the desired visa.
Validity of the Innovator Founder visa in the UK
Foreign citizens who obtain the Innovator Founder visa can enjoy residency for 3 years in the UK. We point out here the fact that after these 3 years, the visa can be extended for another 3. Moreover, those who hold the Innovator Founder visa can opt for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or more precisely permanent residency in the UK. You can discuss everything you need to know about this visa with one of our UK immigration lawyers.
What you need to know about endorsing bodies for Innovator Founder visa for UK
Although no minimum capital is required for starting a business in the UK through the Innovator Founder visa, an endorsement is required. As such, one must have a business idea agreed by an endorsing body. With this in mind, we specify here that one must have an endorsement letter from an accepted endorsement organization. Here are other requirements, to consider about residency by investment in the UK and this visa:
- Endorsement bodies can review the business proposal of the applicant, and then decide whether it meets the main business proposal requirements.
- Once the endorsement body accepts the business proposal of the applicant, an endorsement letter is sent to the Home Office in the UK.
For more information, get in touch with our immigration lawyer in the UK. You can also discover an infographic with details on this topic:
Residence for family members of a UK investor visa applicant
If you have obtained residency by investment in the UK and you want your family to obtain the same status, you must know that the application is made separately. Family members who can apply for this type of visa include spouses, partners, children under 18 years of age, or dependents over 18 years of age if living in the UK. The application can be made online. And, in this case, we advise you to collaborate with our immigration specialists. They can deal with the preparation of documents and compliance with the formalities required by the authorities.
Getting the British passport
If you received residence by investment in the UK through available programs, you can qualify for British citizenship after several years. UK citizenship by naturalization is the optimal method in this case. Here, you have to prove that you have Indefinite Leave to Remain Status, obtained after 2 or 3 years of living in the UK.
You can also get UK citizenship if you marry a UK citizen, but after proving that you have lived together for at least 5 years. Once this status is obtained, the British passport is also issued, one of the most powerful documents in the world, which allows visa-free travel to approximately 185 countries in the world. Thus, with a British passport, there is no need for an entry visa in the Schengen member countries, Australia, Canada, or Japan. If you are interested in obtaining a British passport through citizenship, we invite you to discuss all legal aspects with our specialists. You can also watch the following video presentation on this subject:
Some of the reasons to relocate to the UK
The UK is an excellent destination for those looking for a stable climate as well as a strong economy that can support at least a decent living. Many foreigners choose to immigrate to the UK to benefit from an excellent health system, as well as an educational one. Political and economic stability is another criterion considered for immigration to the UK. Moreover, there are many business and work opportunities in the UK for investors and specialists in various fields. Interestingly, the UK government emphasizes equal opportunities, so that the laws are clear regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, etc.
Choosing our immigration lawyers in London
Our UK immigration solicitors can offer complete legal support for non-EU/EEA citizens interested in residency by investment in the UK in 2024. Assistance is recommended for properly respecting the eligibility criteria of UK visas. We have a dedicated team of immigration lawyers in the UK who can provide the needed advice for citizens interested in relocating to the UK without complications. Some visa rejection cases might appear if applicants do not respect the requirements referring to documents and other formalities. Professionalism, confidence, and efficiency stand at the base of any collaboration with our clients because we want to offer the best possible outcomes right from the start. Our lawyers can help you apply for residency in the UK.
Short facts about immigration in the UK
Here are some interesting facts and figures about immigration in the UK:
- Over 81,000 family visas were issued in the UK in 2023.
- More than 108,000 family visa extensions were issued in the same year.
- Over 102,000 people received humanitarian protection in the UK in 2023.
- Around 67,000 asylum applications were registered in the UK in 2023.
Would you like to know more about residency by investment in the UK and related requirements imposed by the legislation? You are invited to discuss with our team of immigration solicitors in London and discover the legal support we can offer. Furthermore, if you want comprehensive information about immigration to the UK, you can get legal assistance from our lawyers. Contact us and make an appointment with our specialists.
