FURTHER DETAILS
What replaced the UK Start-up Visa?
The Start-up Visa was previously available to people seeking to establish an innovative business in the UK for the first time.
New applicants can no longer apply under this route. The principal immigration route for founders of innovative businesses is now the Innovator Founder Visa.
The Innovator Founder route is intended for individuals who want to establish and run an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
Applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body and demonstrate that they have generated, or significantly contributed to, the business idea. They must also play a key role in its day-to-day management and development.
The Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa may be suitable where your proposed business offers an original commercial proposition and has realistic potential for growth.
The business must normally be:
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Innovative: offering an original proposition that is different from existing businesses in the market;
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Viable: supported by a realistic plan and a founder with the skills and experience needed to deliver it; and
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Scalable: capable of structured growth, job creation and expansion into wider markets.
The visa is normally granted for three years and may provide a route to settlement after three years where the business and residence requirements are met.
Read more about the UK Innovator Founder Visa.
Other possible business visa routes
The Innovator Founder Visa is not suitable for every entrepreneur or business. Depending on your circumstances, alternatives may include:
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a Skilled Worker Visa through an appropriately structured and licensed UK business;
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a UK Expansion Worker Visa for a senior employee establishing the UK presence of an overseas business;
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a Global Talent Visa for eligible leaders or potential leaders in qualifying fields;
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a High Potential Individual Visa for recent graduates of eligible universities; or
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another work, family or business immigration route.
The correct route will depend on the nature of the business, your proposed activities in the UK and your wider immigration circumstances.
OUR SERVICES
How Westkin can help
Business immigration routes have different requirements and are not interchangeable. We can review your proposed business activities and help identify the route that offers the most suitable and realistic immigration strategy.
Our service can include:
- assessing your personal and business circumstances;
- identifying the business immigration routes available to you;
- assessing whether your business may qualify under the Innovator Founder route;
- reviewing the innovation, viability and scalability of your proposal;
- advising on the endorsement requirements;
- considering Skilled Worker or self-sponsorship options;
- advising overseas businesses establishing a UK presence;
- reviewing your business plan and supporting evidence;
- preparing the immigration application and legal representations; and
- advising on dependant applications, extensions and settlement.
WHY WESTKIN
Why entrepreneurs choose Westkin
Business immigration cases require an understanding of both the Immigration Rules and the commercial structure behind the proposed UK activities.
Lawyer-led advice: your circumstances are assessed by an experienced business immigration lawyer.
Route comparison: we consider the available visa options rather than assuming that one route is suitable for every founder.
Commercial and legal assessment: we review how your experience, proposed role, business structure and supporting evidence fit the immigration requirements.
End-to-end support: we can assist from the initial strategy and endorsement stage through to the visa application, extensions and settlement.
Established immigration firm: Westkin is Legal 500 ranked, regulated by the SRA and IAA, has more than 700 Google reviews and has advised more than 70,000 individuals and businesses.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Find the right UK business visa
We begin by reviewing your professional background, business plans, proposed UK activities and current immigration position.
We will explain which routes may be available, the requirements you would need to meet and any legal or practical risks that should be addressed.
Once a strategy has been agreed, our lawyers can assist with the preparation and submission of the appropriate application.
Speak to a UK business immigration lawyer
The Start-up Visa is closed, but you may still have options for establishing, developing or working for a business in the UK.
Arrange a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers to discuss the most appropriate route for your circumstances.
Book a Consultation
Make an Enquiry
Last reviewed: 30 July 2026
The information on this page is general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements can change. Eligibility will depend on your circumstances and the rules in force on the date of application.
