Our Innovator & Start-up Visa Solicitors have detailed knowledge and experience in helping those who are looking to enter the UK with a brand-new business plan. In the past 20 years, the business population in the UK has increased by 69%. In fact, according to Forbes, the United Kingdom is ranked #1 in the world for business. However, immigration law changes frequently in the UK and is highly complex, so you are going to need expert advice from an immigration lawyer. Whether you have the funds to set up your business now, or you need to work in the meantime, we can help you secure your business venture in the UK.

Please be aware that as of February 2022, the UK government closed the Tier 1 Investor and Tier 1 Entrepreneur route to individuals for security reasons, but that’s not to say that the UK isn’t open for business. Alternative options are still available, as with the new Scale-up visa set to launch in August 2022.

Depending on your aims and circumstances, you can currently apply for the Innovator visa or the Start-up visa. Both allow you to set up a new business in the UK but are separately issued depending on where you are with your finances.

Innovator Visa

The innovator visa is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to enter the UK market with a brand-new business or business idea.

The rules for applying for an innovator visa have changed recently but mainly mean that you can no longer join an existing business that is already trading, and your business idea cannot be the same as anything else already on the market.

To apply for an innovator visa, you will need:

If you are successful in applying for an innovator visa, you should be aware that you cannot be employed elsewhere other than the business permitted under your visa. You can set up one or several businesses and bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. You can also travel abroad and return to the UK.

Start-up Visa

The Start-up visa is available to ambitious entrepreneurs looking to set up a business in the UK for the first time. Unlike the innovator visa, it allows individuals the opportunity to start-up their business without the required funds for investment, and after 2 years allows the holder to switch to another visa category, such as the innovator visa, where they can continue to develop their business.

To apply for a start-up visa, you will need:

With a start-up visa, you can work in another job, as well as work for your business, bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible, and travel abroad and return to the UK.

Sponsor Licence

Innovator & Start-up Visa

Global Mobility Visa

Global Talent Visa

Representative Business Visa

Skilled Worker Visa

Immigration Legal Fees