The Start-up and Innovator routes are designed to attract entrepreneurial talent and innovative, scalable business ideas to the UK. Launched in March 2019 under the current system for non-EU citizens, both routes are for individuals looking to set up an innovative UK business. Start-up is for those setting up an innovative business for the first time, whilst Innovator is for those with industry experience and at least £50,000 funding. Individuals require support from an Endorsing Body, before applying, which must have assessed the business idea as being innovative, viable and scalable. The routes are not capped, and the UK Government has been actively promoting the routes to attract talented entrepreneurs.
The Start-up and Innovator routes enhance the UK’s visa offer to leading international business talent and maintain our position as a top destination for innovation and entrepreneurs. In the future, we will continue to expand coverage of the existing routes to more sectors and businesses.
Who can apply?
These routes will be open to both EU and non-EU citizens.
Applicants can be individuals or teams. The Start-up route is for those setting up a business for the first time, who need to work to support themselves while developing their business ideas. The Innovator route is for those with industry experience and at least £50,000 funding, who can dedicate their working time to their business ventures, or those moving from Start-up who are progressing their business.
Each applicant for Start-up and Innovator must have the support of an approved Endorsing Body. Endorsing Bodies are either Higher Education Providers or business organisations who have a track record of supporting UK based entrepreneurs and the support of a Government Department. Endorsing Bodies assess each application to ensure it is innovative, viable and scalable, and are responsible for monitoring the progress of the businesses they endorse.
To deliver and ensure an improved service to users the Home Office has partnered with some of the UK’s leading business development experts. It is they, rather than the Home Office, who assess applicants’ business ideas.
Table 4: Start-up conditions and requirements
| Requirements | Conditions and restrictions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| English language | Yes | Capped | No |
| Application fee | Yes | Switching – routes (in-country) | Yes |
| Immigration Skills Charge | No | Route to settlement | No |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Yes | Dependants | Yes |
| Biometrics | Yes | Access to funds | No |
| Maintenance | Yes | Supplementary work | Yes |
Table 5: Innovator conditions and requirements
| Requirements | Conditions and restrictions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| English language | Yes | Capped | No |
| Application fee | Yes | Switching – routes (in-country) | Yes |
| Immigration Skills Charge | No | Route to settlement | Yes |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Yes | Dependants | Yes |
| Biometrics | Yes | Access to funds | No |
| Maintenance | Yes | Supplementary work | No |
