Skip to main content
Skip to content
UK Investment Immigration Program: Innovator, Start-up & Sole Rep
Written by
Varun Singh
Last updated
Read time
3 min

Overview: UK Investment Immigration & Business Routes

UK Innovator Visa Program

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must not be part of the European Economic Area or Switzerland
  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Sound health and certificate of good character
  • Meet English language requirements
  • Proof of financial self-sufficiency

Investment & Financial Requirements

  • Minimum investment: £50,000
  • Self-sufficiency: Bank balance of £945 for 90 consecutive days (independent of investment)

Endorsement by Authorized Bodies

  • Submission of business idea to endorsing bodies
  • Business idea must be new and show promise for growth

Processing Time and Decision

  • Process duration: 3 months
  • Decision communicated within 3 weeks

Validity, Extension & Settlement

  • Visa validity: 3 years
  • Can be extended/renewed multiple times
  • Eligible for settlement after 3 years

Business & Family Benefits

  • Set up one or multiple businesses
  • Work for your own business
  • Bring family to the UK
  • Cannot work for others or claim public funds

Learn more: UK Innovator Visa • United Kingdom services

UK Start-up Visa Program

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must not be part of the UK, EEA, or Switzerland
  • Requires letter of endorsement from a UK higher education institution or approved business organization

Business Idea Requirements

  • Idea must be new, original, innovative, and scalable
  • Must demonstrate English proficiency

Financial Maintenance

  • Maintain bank balance of £945 for 90 consecutive days to prove self-dependence

Processing Time and Decision

  • Process duration: 3 months
  • Decision communicated within 3 weeks

Validity, Extension & Switching

  • Visa validity: 2 years
  • Cannot be renewed; may switch to other visa routes after 2 years

Business & Family Benefits

  • Can bring family to the UK
  • Can work as an employee while setting up a start-up

Explore: UK Start-up Visa

UK Sole Representative Business Program

Purpose and Scope

  • Set up a subsidiary of your overseas business in the UK
  • Long-term assignment; media and broadcasting representatives can also apply

Eligibility & Work Experience

  • Must have worked for the overseas business for several years prior to application

Processing Time, Fees & Decision

  • Process duration: 3 months
  • Decision communicated within 3 weeks
  • Application fee: £610

Validity and Extension

  • Visa validity: 3 years
  • Can be extended by 2 more years

Work & Family Benefits

  • Can work for your company
  • Bring family to the UK
  • Cannot seek employment outside your company
  • Cannot claim public funds or switch visa type

Read more: Sole Representative Visa

Why Choose XIPHIAS Immigration

  • Expert immigration consultants for investment visas
  • Strong network with law firms, real-estate, and business houses
  • End-to-end support for investment and business immigration

To Know More About the Application Process and Your Eligibility

FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum investment required for the UK Innovator Visa?

A. £50,000 in investment funds, endorsement, English proficiency, and maintenance requirements

Q2. Does the UK Start-up Visa require an initial investment?

A. No, but endorsement, innovative business idea, English proficiency, and maintenance funds are required

Q3. How long is the Sole Representative visa valid and can it be extended?

A. Valid for 3 years; can be extended by 2 more years

Q4. Can my dependents accompany me on these visas?

A. Yes, spouse/partner and eligible children can accompany applicants on Innovator, Start-up, and Sole Representative visas

Related

3 of 3 insights

3 of 3 insights

UK Investment Immigration Program: Innovator, Start-up & Sole Rep | XIPHIAS Immigration