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Start-up Visa

The UK Start-up visa enables entry-level overseas entrepreneurs to come to the UK to establish an innovative start-up business without the need for investment funds.

Important update: The start-up visa will be only available to those who hold a valid start-up endorsement issued before 13 April 2023, and it will be closed to new applicants from 13 July 2023

 

Endorsements for Innovator Founder & Scale-up Visas

Helping you launch or grow your business in the UK

If you're an entrepreneur with a fresh business idea or a UK company looking to grow by hiring overseas talent, the Innovator Founder and Scale-up visa routes could be the right path for you. But before applying, you must secure an endorsement from an approved organisation that confirms your idea or business meets the UK’s strict criteria. Here's what you need to know.

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What is an Endorsement?

An endorsement is a letter issued by an approved endorsing body confirming that you or your business meet the requirements for the visa. These bodies are trusted by the UK Government to assess the quality of business ideas or companies. They do not make immigration decisions — instead, they assess whether an applicant or business shows clear potential for innovation, growth, and sustainability.

You must apply for your visa within 3 months of receiving your endorsement letter. After that, the endorsement becomes invalid.

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Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa is aimed at experienced entrepreneurs who wish to establish and grow an innovative business in the UK. Unlike older routes, there is no minimum investment amount required, but you must present a genuine business plan and show your commitment to the business.

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Key Features:

  • Visa duration: 3 years

  • Pathway to permanent settlement (ILR) after 3 years

  • Dependants can apply

  • Endorsement needed for initial application, extension, and settlement

  • Regular progress reviews at 12 and 24 months

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Your Business Must Be:

  • Innovative – introducing a new idea or solving a problem in a unique way

  • Viable – supported by your skills, experience, and realistic financial planning

  • Scalable – potential to grow nationally or internationally and create jobs

To qualify for settlement, you must demonstrate at least two success criteria, including:

  • £50,000+ investment into the business

  • Doubling your customer base

  • Strong R&D activity with IP protection

  • Annual revenue of £1 million, or £500,000 with £100,000 in overseas exports

  • Creation of 10+ jobs (or 5 with salaries of £25,000+)

Important: The business must be active, trading, and sustainable. You must play a key day-to-day role, and not be a passive investor.

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📈 Scale-up Visa

The Scale-up visa is designed for UK businesses with high growth potential who need to recruit skilled workers from overseas. This is ideal for newer companies that are growing fast but don’t yet meet the full Home Office definition of a “Scale-up”.

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Key Features:

  • Visa linked to a business, not the individual

  • Endorsement required for the business, not the applicant

  • Valid for up to 4 years, non-renewable

  • Can lead to settlement under certain routes

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Business Eligibility:

To qualify for endorsement, the UK business must:

  • Have at least 10 PAYE employees

  • Be VAT registered and solvent

  • Be under 4 years old (from first HMRC registration)

  • Have a plan to meet Scale-up growth criteria within 4 years

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The business must also meet 3 out of 5 of these extra indicators:

  1. 20% growth in staff or revenue (per year, for 2 years)

  2. Participation in UK Government-backed programmes

  3. Raised £1m+ in equity in one round

  4. 10% of revenue from overseas exports

  5. Significant R&D investment

No regular monitoring is required for the Scale-up route, but the business must show clear potential to grow and support skilled workers.

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The Role of the Endorsing Body

Endorsing bodies are responsible for:

  • Reviewing your business plan or company performance

  • Assessing whether you meet the endorsement criteria

  • Issuing a secure endorsement letter

  • Monitoring progress at checkpoints (for Innovator only)

They will not give immigration advice or make visa decisions — only the Home Office can do this.

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🧭 Which Route Is Right for You?

You are...Best route

Starting a brand-new, innovative business Innovator Founder

Scaling up an early-stage UK company and need to hire talent Scale-up

Already in the UK on a Start-up visa and want to grow Innovator Founder (Same Business route)

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💬 Need Help Getting Endorsed or Applying?

Applying under these routes can be complex, and getting the right endorsement is crucial. At UL Law Practice 07355 282 181, we help:

  • Entrepreneurs prepare strong business plans for endorsement

  • Businesses assess their eligibility and apply for Scale-up status

  • Applicants apply for visas, extensions, and settlement

  • You stay compliant with all requirements along the way

📞 For more support, contact us today to discuss your best route to the UK and begin your journey with confidence in the hands of trusted immigration professionals.

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GOV.UK: Start-up and innovator visas: guidance for endorsing bodies

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