Innovator Founder Visa
Innovator Founder Visa Applications
The Innovator Founder visa is the UK's main route for experienced entrepreneurs to establish a business in the UK. Abraham Baron Solicitors advise on endorsement, eligibility and the path to settlement.
- Innovator Founder visa applications
- Endorsement body advice and introduction
- Business plan and innovation assessment
- Free, no-obligation initial consultation
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UK entrepreneur visa
Applying for an Innovator Founder visa
The Innovator Founder visa replaced the Start-up and Innovator visas in April 2023 as the UK's primary route for entrepreneurs. It is designed for experienced business people with an innovative, viable and scalable business idea.
The Innovator Founder visa is the UK's main route for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business in the UK. It is not intended for first-time business owners but for those with demonstrable business experience and a genuinely innovative idea. The key requirement is endorsement from an approved endorsing body relevant to your sector. The endorsing body assesses whether your business idea is innovative (genuinely new or significantly different from anything already on the market), viable (with a realistic business model and potential for revenue generation), and scalable (with potential for growth and job creation). Unlike the previous Innovator visa, there is no minimum investment fund requirement — this was removed when the route was reformed in April 2023. Applicants must also meet an English language requirement at B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, which is higher than most other visa routes.
The Innovator Founder visa is initially granted for three years and offers one of the fastest routes to settlement in the UK. Applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after just three years — shorter than the standard five-year qualifying period for most other visa categories — provided they meet business milestone conditions assessed by their endorsing body. These milestones include job creation, revenue generation, innovation, and market impact. Those on certain other visa categories can switch to the Innovator Founder route from within the UK. Dependants — including a spouse or partner and children under 18 — can accompany the applicant and work or study without restriction. Choosing the right endorsing body is critical, as not all bodies cover all sectors and the relationship with your endorsing body is ongoing throughout the life of your visa. Abraham Baron Solicitors advise on every aspect of the Innovator Founder visa, from selecting the right endorsing body and preparing your business plan to the visa application itself and planning for settlement.
Our Innovator Founder visa services
Key stages
Innovator Founder visa — key stages
From endorsement through to settlement — every stage of the process
Pre-application endorsement
Securing endorsement from an approved body before applying for the visa
Endorsing body selection
Identifying the right endorsing body for your business sector
Business plan preparation
Developing a plan that demonstrates innovation, viability and scalability
Visa application
Submitting the Innovator Founder visa application with endorsement and supporting evidence
Milestone assessments
Meeting business milestones assessed by your endorsing body for settlement
Settlement (ILR) application
Applying for ILR after 3 years with successful milestone assessment
Innovator Founder visa requirements
Why choose Abraham Baron Solicitors for your Innovator Founder visa?
Business immigration specialists
Deep understanding of the Innovator Founder route, endorsement criteria and the commercial realities of starting a business in the UK.
Endorsement body relationships
We advise on selecting the right endorsing body for your sector and help you prepare for their assessment process.
Business plan expertise
We help you develop a business plan that clearly demonstrates innovation, viability and scalability to meet endorsement criteria.
Personal service
Dedicated solicitor throughout your application, from initial consultation through to settlement planning.
Settlement planning
We advise on milestone conditions from the outset, maximising your prospects of achieving ILR at the 3-year point.
Dependant applications
We handle applications for your spouse or partner and children alongside your main visa application.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the Start-up and Investor visas?
The Start-up visa and the Innovator visa were both replaced by the Innovator Founder visa in April 2023. The Tier 1 Investor visa (requiring £2 million investment) was closed in February 2022 and has no replacement route. The Innovator Founder visa consolidates the previous start-up and innovator routes into a single category with a clearer path to settlement. If you held a Start-up or Innovator visa before the change, you may be able to switch to the new Innovator Founder route. Abraham Baron Solicitors advise on transitional arrangements and the best route for your circumstances.
Do I need investment funds for the Innovator Founder visa?
There is no minimum investment requirement for the Innovator Founder visa — this was removed when the route was reformed in 2023. However, your business plan must demonstrate that your idea is viable (it must have a realistic revenue model) and that you have thought about how the business will be funded. While you do not need to show a specific investment amount, having access to funding strengthens your endorsement application. Abraham Baron Solicitors advise on presenting your business funding strategy effectively as part of the endorsement and visa application.
How do I get endorsed for an Innovator Founder visa?
Endorsement must be obtained from an approved endorsing body before you apply for the visa. The Home Office publishes a list of approved endorsing bodies, each covering different sectors and industries. You apply to the endorsing body with your business plan, and they assess whether your idea is innovative, viable and scalable. The endorsement process involves an interview and detailed assessment of your plan. Different bodies have different fees and processes. Abraham Baron Solicitors advise on selecting the right endorsing body for your sector and preparing your business plan to meet the assessment criteria.
How long does the Innovator Founder visa last and what is the settlement route?
The Innovator Founder visa is initially granted for 3 years and can be extended for a further 3 years. Uniquely, applicants can apply for ILR after just 3 years (rather than the standard 5) if they meet business milestone conditions. These milestones are assessed by your endorsing body and cover areas including job creation, revenue generation, innovation, and market impact. This accelerated settlement route makes the Innovator Founder visa one of the fastest routes to permanent residence in the UK. Abraham Baron Solicitors advise on milestone planning from the outset to maximise your prospects of achieving ILR at the 3-year point.
Can I bring my family on an Innovator Founder visa?
Yes. Your spouse or civil partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants on your Innovator Founder visa. Dependants can work and study in the UK without restriction. They are granted leave in line with your permission and can apply for ILR alongside you when you become eligible. You must demonstrate that you can support your dependants financially — the maintenance requirement for dependants is an additional £285 per dependant held for 28 consecutive days. Abraham Baron Solicitors handle dependant applications alongside the main Innovator Founder visa application.
How we handle your Innovator Founder visa application
Simple, transparent process from start to finish
Free Consultation
We assess your business idea, advise on the endorsement requirement and identify the right endorsing body for your sector.
Endorsement Preparation
We help prepare your business plan, innovation evidence and endorsement application.
Visa Application
Once endorsed, we prepare and submit your Innovator Founder visa application with all supporting evidence.
Settlement Planning
We advise on meeting milestone conditions and plan your route to ILR after 3 years.
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Stephane Bowley
I can recommend Ali to anyone he's very good at his job work really hard and keep you updated at all times.
Sheila Garces
I can't recommend this firm enough for their outstanding support during my housing disrepair case. From the very beginning, Ali made me feel heard and understood, which meant so much during what was a really stressful time.
Ahsan Hussain
Dealt with Isaa with regards to my personal injury claim, he was very professional and prompt with dealing with my claim, kept me updated and helped to get me a great settlement, would definitely recommend to others.
Shaz Josephs
From start to finish of my claim I can't say anything but thank you Isaa. 100% true to your word. What an amazing Solicitor.
Molly White
Absolutely amazing solicitors, helped me with my housing disrepair claim, from start to finish my solicitor Ali was amazing kept me updated on everything, everyone was also very polite who I spoke to highly recommended.
Alex
After a court case with my local council after their repeated failure for nearly two years to solve the mould and damp within my house I contacted Abraham Baron Solicitors and in no time did they help with my claim.
A M L
I am very grateful to Abraham Baron solicitors for their great work, specially Bahja has done a great work supporting me all the way through and they got the best result possible. Thank you very much.
Father and son Gaming
Took care of our claim from start to finish and the result was pretty decent. Thanks to everyone's hard work we got the desired outcome.
imaan aziz
Isaa has been a very good solicitor he has showed me and explained every detail of the situation I have been in and I appreciate it so much. I would recommend him to you guys.
Umar Asghar
Very highly respected people Nazsh and Ali Kassam both helped me with my case, always helped if I had any problems and concerns. Thank you so much for everything.
Aaron Webster
My handler Junayd did fantastic work in winning my settlement.
Arshe Habib
They are the most professional and the best when it comes to disrepair claims and worked really hard.
kamal hamed
Thank you so much Abraham Solicitors for sorting out my ongoing problems in my flats. Special thank you to Mr Ali Kassam — you are very talented, kind and responsible person.
Sean Connolly
I can recommend this company they fixed all my disrepair to my home. Jayned was my solicitor and he was excellent and I'd use them again if I need their help.
Satish Malaviya
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Special thanks to Issa, who handled my case with great professionalism, clear communication, and genuine care.
Sacherevell Aikens
Abraham Baron Solicitors are great to work with. Very helpful, above and beyond. If you need a solicitor ask for Iman Chishty, he is very good.
Usama Khan
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors while handling my injury claim. The process was smooth, professional, and stress-free. A special thank-you to Maria, who did all the hard work.
Rumana Miah
Abraham Baron Solicitors were very professional, helpful, supportive and patient throughout. They ensured our claim was dealt with efficiently and always communicated to us.
Becky Maunder
Junahd was absolutely amazing with my case. He went above and beyond to help me. Outstanding service provided by him and great outcome. Couldn't be more happier.
H Singh
Thank you to Issa. Always kept me updated during the whole process of the claim. Appreciate the time and dedication he put in.
Mhamad Maulud
I want to give 5 star review to Abraham Baron Solicitors for great job and professional. Special thanks to Issa for his support. They were able to get good money for my injury claim very quickly.
Jim Mummert
Excellent result achieved with the professional assistance of Solicitor Sejal Karavadra who specializes in visa applications and the Home Office. Highly recommended.
Isa Ali
I want to give my full appreciation to Abraham Baron Solicitors and especially to Imam for his outstanding support with my housing disrepair claim. When I had lost hope, they guided me with professionalism.
Jane Hunt
Absolutely fantastic service, totally professional and respectful at all times. I was updated and kept informed every step of the way. I'm really happy with the outcome which was a really quick process.
Darren Stone
Abraham Baron Solicitors done a great job with my damp claim and would highly recommend them.
Julie Pinot de Moira
We found them supportive and thorough.
Jalil Nebizai
The best firm I have dealt with, very professional, very knowledgeable, amazing customer service. Would like to praise Mubi, who did amazing work. She went the extra mile and made a lot of effort on my claim.
Rizgar Zaree
2 times in the last 8 months I gave my case to Isaa and he went above and beyond to settle my claim very quickly. Very professional and reliable service.
katherine Harrison
The firm Abraham Baron Solicitors Limited is a fantastic firm, very professional, extremely kind. Get things done very fast. Very easy to contact and the outcome is true to the lawyers' words.
Marcus Williams
Highly recommended this company. Great communication levels from start to finish. Imam very friendly and good at his job, many thanks to you guys.
Phillip Marriott
Munira and Abraham both worked extremely hard to get the repairs done. Even though it was something they don't usually deal with, they got us the result we wanted.
Daisy Maria
Iman has been amazing from the very first day we spoke and has always paid complete attention to my needs. He has communicated with me throughout and shown so much support.
Kristal Thomas
I am very satisfied with the work that Imam and the firm has done from start to finish. Excellent communication throughout and have achieved an excellent outcome.
A Demisse
ABS is very helpful, pays attention to what I am saying, and is totally honest. I received so much help from Mr Ali Kassam, who handled my case professionally from start to finish.
Anil Badhan
Gave my case to Issa Khan and he went above and beyond to settle my claim. Very professional and reliable service. I felt valued as a customer.
Jay
Iman Chishty is the man. He done an amazing job, helped me so much and is a good and down to earth person to speak to. Highly Recommended.
fozia c
Excellent professional service! Isaa Khan handled my accident claim with prompt communication and a favourable outcome — closed within a matter of weeks.
Matthew Hurley
Yes and thank you very much for all the help, really grateful.
VernB
Imam has been the best. From the beginning he gave me good advice and support because it wasn't an easy process but with his frequent updates and explanations of the next steps, I felt at ease.
Lee Duffy
Can't thank this firm enough and the gentleman who helped me. With me being so ill, all these problems just got too much for me. I'd recommend these guys to anybody out there.
T G
Can't recommend this firm enough and Imam who took on my case has been so helpful keeping me updated with things and getting me the help I needed!
NANCY THORPE
Exceptional service provided by the company. Specifically Hana Nasreen — she provided knowledge and experience with a professional approach with regular updates. She dealt with my disrepair claim successfully.
Muryam Rivers
Exceptional service provided by the company and specifically from Imam. Professional approach, commitment, and regular updates. Dealt with issues and concerns successfully.
Natasha Frost
Amazing, friendly, helpful and go the extra mile! Abraham helped me with a case against my landlord.
Talha Khan
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Abraham Baron Solicitors, particularly by Sejal Karavadra. Her dedication and commitment to my case were truly remarkable.
arsham manouk
We are council tenants and we had a great experience with this firm. They helped us resolve a situation with our upstairs neighbours, whose persistent leaks were damaging our property.
Caroline Aro
We had a lovely experience with this firm. The client care was exceptional, the advice was easy to understand. My father felt his voice was heard all the time. They won the case.
Raise Malik
From the very beginning, I experienced excellent service with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Throughout my claim, they kept me well-informed, patiently explaining whenever needed.
akhtar miah
I had an exceptional experience. Their professional approach and unwavering confidence in handling my case truly stood out. The team's expertise and dedication provided me with peace of mind.
Adam Kalam
I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism that the team provided me with. They really went the extra mile to make sure everything was completed exactly how we wanted it.
Mohammed Rashid
Absolutely fantastic service, very efficient, good communication at all times. Nice and prompt resolution, very happy with their service indeed.
mohsin Farooq
5 star service, very professional. Will recommend to all friends and family. Thank you Abraham.
Parminder Badhan
Outstanding service. If you're looking for a solicitor who is prompt, efficient and helpful with excellent communication skills, I would highly recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Azharul Islam
Very knowledgeable in many areas, extremely clear in all communications and a genuine caring organisation. I fully recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Hammad Ullah Sharif
Highly competent at what they do! The professional guidance and support provided was above and beyond. Would happily recommend.
Aman Rayat
Amazing solicitors!! I would definitely recommend them as they are very knowledgeable and give the best service to all their clients.
The Magnetic Muslimah
I definitely recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors, top service, very quick response, great customer service. Abraham is very knowledgeable and knows the law very well.
Jayesh Bhatt
Brilliant service, very professional and helpful and also very efficient.
Adele Dwyer
I am very happy with the work that has been done for my family, and very impressed with the work done in a short time frame. I would recommend this firm to others.
Stephane Bowley
I can recommend Ali to anyone he's very good at his job work really hard and keep you updated at all times.
Sheila Garces
I can't recommend this firm enough for their outstanding support during my housing disrepair case. From the very beginning, Ali made me feel heard and understood, which meant so much during what was a really stressful time.
Ahsan Hussain
Dealt with Isaa with regards to my personal injury claim, he was very professional and prompt with dealing with my claim, kept me updated and helped to get me a great settlement, would definitely recommend to others.
Shaz Josephs
From start to finish of my claim I can't say anything but thank you Isaa. 100% true to your word. What an amazing Solicitor.
Molly White
Absolutely amazing solicitors, helped me with my housing disrepair claim, from start to finish my solicitor Ali was amazing kept me updated on everything, everyone was also very polite who I spoke to highly recommended.
Alex
After a court case with my local council after their repeated failure for nearly two years to solve the mould and damp within my house I contacted Abraham Baron Solicitors and in no time did they help with my claim.
A M L
I am very grateful to Abraham Baron solicitors for their great work, specially Bahja has done a great work supporting me all the way through and they got the best result possible. Thank you very much.
Father and son Gaming
Took care of our claim from start to finish and the result was pretty decent. Thanks to everyone's hard work we got the desired outcome.
imaan aziz
Isaa has been a very good solicitor he has showed me and explained every detail of the situation I have been in and I appreciate it so much. I would recommend him to you guys.
Umar Asghar
Very highly respected people Nazsh and Ali Kassam both helped me with my case, always helped if I had any problems and concerns. Thank you so much for everything.
Aaron Webster
My handler Junayd did fantastic work in winning my settlement.
Arshe Habib
They are the most professional and the best when it comes to disrepair claims and worked really hard.
kamal hamed
Thank you so much Abraham Solicitors for sorting out my ongoing problems in my flats. Special thank you to Mr Ali Kassam — you are very talented, kind and responsible person.
Sean Connolly
I can recommend this company they fixed all my disrepair to my home. Jayned was my solicitor and he was excellent and I'd use them again if I need their help.
Satish Malaviya
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Special thanks to Issa, who handled my case with great professionalism, clear communication, and genuine care.
Sacherevell Aikens
Abraham Baron Solicitors are great to work with. Very helpful, above and beyond. If you need a solicitor ask for Iman Chishty, he is very good.
Usama Khan
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors while handling my injury claim. The process was smooth, professional, and stress-free. A special thank-you to Maria, who did all the hard work.
Rumana Miah
Abraham Baron Solicitors were very professional, helpful, supportive and patient throughout. They ensured our claim was dealt with efficiently and always communicated to us.
Becky Maunder
Junahd was absolutely amazing with my case. He went above and beyond to help me. Outstanding service provided by him and great outcome. Couldn't be more happier.
H Singh
Thank you to Issa. Always kept me updated during the whole process of the claim. Appreciate the time and dedication he put in.
Mhamad Maulud
I want to give 5 star review to Abraham Baron Solicitors for great job and professional. Special thanks to Issa for his support. They were able to get good money for my injury claim very quickly.
Jim Mummert
Excellent result achieved with the professional assistance of Solicitor Sejal Karavadra who specializes in visa applications and the Home Office. Highly recommended.
Isa Ali
I want to give my full appreciation to Abraham Baron Solicitors and especially to Imam for his outstanding support with my housing disrepair claim. When I had lost hope, they guided me with professionalism.
Jane Hunt
Absolutely fantastic service, totally professional and respectful at all times. I was updated and kept informed every step of the way. I'm really happy with the outcome which was a really quick process.
Darren Stone
Abraham Baron Solicitors done a great job with my damp claim and would highly recommend them.
Julie Pinot de Moira
We found them supportive and thorough.
Jalil Nebizai
The best firm I have dealt with, very professional, very knowledgeable, amazing customer service. Would like to praise Mubi, who did amazing work. She went the extra mile and made a lot of effort on my claim.
Rizgar Zaree
2 times in the last 8 months I gave my case to Isaa and he went above and beyond to settle my claim very quickly. Very professional and reliable service.
katherine Harrison
The firm Abraham Baron Solicitors Limited is a fantastic firm, very professional, extremely kind. Get things done very fast. Very easy to contact and the outcome is true to the lawyers' words.
Marcus Williams
Highly recommended this company. Great communication levels from start to finish. Imam very friendly and good at his job, many thanks to you guys.
Phillip Marriott
Munira and Abraham both worked extremely hard to get the repairs done. Even though it was something they don't usually deal with, they got us the result we wanted.
Daisy Maria
Iman has been amazing from the very first day we spoke and has always paid complete attention to my needs. He has communicated with me throughout and shown so much support.
Kristal Thomas
I am very satisfied with the work that Imam and the firm has done from start to finish. Excellent communication throughout and have achieved an excellent outcome.
A Demisse
ABS is very helpful, pays attention to what I am saying, and is totally honest. I received so much help from Mr Ali Kassam, who handled my case professionally from start to finish.
Anil Badhan
Gave my case to Issa Khan and he went above and beyond to settle my claim. Very professional and reliable service. I felt valued as a customer.
Jay
Iman Chishty is the man. He done an amazing job, helped me so much and is a good and down to earth person to speak to. Highly Recommended.
fozia c
Excellent professional service! Isaa Khan handled my accident claim with prompt communication and a favourable outcome — closed within a matter of weeks.
Matthew Hurley
Yes and thank you very much for all the help, really grateful.
VernB
Imam has been the best. From the beginning he gave me good advice and support because it wasn't an easy process but with his frequent updates and explanations of the next steps, I felt at ease.
Lee Duffy
Can't thank this firm enough and the gentleman who helped me. With me being so ill, all these problems just got too much for me. I'd recommend these guys to anybody out there.
T G
Can't recommend this firm enough and Imam who took on my case has been so helpful keeping me updated with things and getting me the help I needed!
NANCY THORPE
Exceptional service provided by the company. Specifically Hana Nasreen — she provided knowledge and experience with a professional approach with regular updates. She dealt with my disrepair claim successfully.
Muryam Rivers
Exceptional service provided by the company and specifically from Imam. Professional approach, commitment, and regular updates. Dealt with issues and concerns successfully.
Natasha Frost
Amazing, friendly, helpful and go the extra mile! Abraham helped me with a case against my landlord.
Talha Khan
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Abraham Baron Solicitors, particularly by Sejal Karavadra. Her dedication and commitment to my case were truly remarkable.
arsham manouk
We are council tenants and we had a great experience with this firm. They helped us resolve a situation with our upstairs neighbours, whose persistent leaks were damaging our property.
Caroline Aro
We had a lovely experience with this firm. The client care was exceptional, the advice was easy to understand. My father felt his voice was heard all the time. They won the case.
Raise Malik
From the very beginning, I experienced excellent service with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Throughout my claim, they kept me well-informed, patiently explaining whenever needed.
akhtar miah
I had an exceptional experience. Their professional approach and unwavering confidence in handling my case truly stood out. The team's expertise and dedication provided me with peace of mind.
Adam Kalam
I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism that the team provided me with. They really went the extra mile to make sure everything was completed exactly how we wanted it.
Mohammed Rashid
Absolutely fantastic service, very efficient, good communication at all times. Nice and prompt resolution, very happy with their service indeed.
mohsin Farooq
5 star service, very professional. Will recommend to all friends and family. Thank you Abraham.
Parminder Badhan
Outstanding service. If you're looking for a solicitor who is prompt, efficient and helpful with excellent communication skills, I would highly recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Azharul Islam
Very knowledgeable in many areas, extremely clear in all communications and a genuine caring organisation. I fully recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Hammad Ullah Sharif
Highly competent at what they do! The professional guidance and support provided was above and beyond. Would happily recommend.
Aman Rayat
Amazing solicitors!! I would definitely recommend them as they are very knowledgeable and give the best service to all their clients.
The Magnetic Muslimah
I definitely recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors, top service, very quick response, great customer service. Abraham is very knowledgeable and knows the law very well.
Jayesh Bhatt
Brilliant service, very professional and helpful and also very efficient.
Adele Dwyer
I am very happy with the work that has been done for my family, and very impressed with the work done in a short time frame. I would recommend this firm to others.
Your first conversation is free, confidential, and without obligation. Contacting us does not start proceedings or commit you to any fees.