United Kingdom, one of the most famous investment destinations, has two very distinct investment programs to help investors choose the plan that could suit their requirements—the UK Innovator Visa and the UK Start-up Visa. The United Kingdom (UK) is the hub for modern industrialization. Most manufacturing factories have their location in the UK. The capital London is a global city and the financial capital of the world. The service sector forms 79% of the UK’s economic turnover. London is one of the three global command centers of the world. Textile, shipbuilding, coal mining, steel making are a few of the large-scale industries of the UK. The automotive and information technology industries are also gaining big in the UK currently.
Earlier, businesspeople could come to the UK through the UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa category. However, since March 2019, this program ceased to exist. Businessmen who can afford initial investments can work their way into the UK through the UK Innovator Visa Program. There are many investment opportunities available for investing in the UK market.
Not every business house is open for investment in the UK. There are few chosen businesses in which one can invest. These are approved by the Government of the UK. XIPHIAS Immigration, with its reach and know-how, helps its clients obtain their Innovator Visa or the Start-up Visa. XIPHIAS Immigration has signed up with multiple business houses to help its clients in their chosen approach.
Explore more: UK Innovator Visa • UK Start-up Visa • United Kingdom services
UK Innovator Visa Program
The UK Innovator Visa Program is for experienced businesspersons looking to invest in the UK. Such applicants can invest in their innovative idea implementation in the UK. Businesses should be viable and scalable in the long run. The investment required to qualify under this program is £50,000. The investor needs to obtain a letter of endorsement from an endorsing body. The investor cannot be a national of the EEA or Switzerland. Through this investment visa program, the investor and immediate family can get to live in the UK for good—first as permanent residents, later as citizens.
The applicant will have to submit a business plan proving the viability and scalability of the business. The plan should be genuine and demonstrate that it meets new and existing market needs with a competitive edge.
- Validity: 3 years (entry on Innovator Visa or switch from a different visa)
- Renewal: Renewable; after 5 years of living in the UK, eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (UK Settlement)
Learn more: UK Innovator Visa Guide
UK Start-up Visa
The UK Start-up Visa replaces the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. This program can be used by high-potential businesspeople who want to start a new business in the UK.
- No initial investment required (unlike the Innovator route)
- Applicant must be 18+, have a business plan/idea approved by an authorized governing body (endorsement required)
- Must prove English language competence and financial ability to support self and dependents (provide proof)
- Validity: 2 years (not renewable). Applicants can switch to other visa programs to continue living in London/UK
Learn more: UK Start-up Visa Overview
UK Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
The UK Sole Representative of an Overseas Business Visa helps senior managers or management representatives of an already running overseas business to open a branch in the UK. The branch should align with the parent business.
- The representative cannot work for anybody else
- Stay: 3 years, extendable by 2 years
- Eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years in the UK
- Must provide documents proving relationship with the business, English language competency, and domain experience
- Family (immediate) can accompany
Explore: Sole Representative Visa
How XIPHIAS Immigration Supports Your UK Business Entry
XIPHIAS Immigration is made of international investment experts who can help you relocate and build your business the way you want in the UK. Reach us today for more information about the available UK Business Visa programs.
Call: +91-9019400500 • Email: [email protected] Or connect via our contact page
To Know More About the Application Process and Your Eligibility
Please get in touch with our expert consultants at +91-9019-400-500 or email us at [email protected]
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between the UK Innovator Visa and the UK Start-up Visa? A. The Innovator Visa typically requires £50,000 investment and an endorsed, scalable business, with a route to settlement. The Start-up Visa requires no initial investment, is valid for 2 years, and allows switching to other routes later.
Q2. Do I need an endorsement for these UK business routes? A. Yes. Both Innovator and Start-up routes require endorsement by an authorized body based on innovation, viability, and scalability. The Sole Representative route requires documented proof of your position and company authority.
Q3. Can my family accompany me to the UK on these visas? A. Yes. Dependents (spouse/partner and eligible children) can usually accompany under Innovator, Start-up, and Sole Representative routes, subject to meeting maintenance and documentation requirements.
Q4. When can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)? A. Under the Innovator route, you may be eligible for ILR after 5 years (subject to meeting program criteria). The Sole Representative route also leads to ILR after 5 years of qualifying residence.
