Tier 1 Mobility • United Kingdom

INNOVATOR
FOUNDER

The premier route for visionaries to build a legacy in London.Endorsement Required • Settlement Path • Family Included

Evaluate My Profile
98% Success Rate*

*Internal data based on Ashavid pre-vetted candidates

The Endorsement Trinity

To secure the Innovator Founder Visa, your business concept must pass the assessment of an approved Endorsing Body on three critical pillars.

1. New Idea

You cannot join a business that is already trading. You must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market.

2. Innovative

It’s not enough to be new; it must be clever. Your idea must demonstrate a genuine market advantage and satisfy new or existing consumer needs in a better way.

3. Scalable

Think big. You must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs for UK residents and growing into national and international markets.

Duration
3 Years

Path to Permanent Settlement (ILR)

Application Fee
£1,274

Per person (Outside UK)

Savings
£1,270

Held for 28 days before applying

Endorsement
Mandatory

Letter from Approved Body

Execution Protocol

From concept validation to permanent residency.

Architecting the Innovation

We don't just write plans; we build business models. Ashavid refines your concept to ensure it meets the 'Scalability' and 'Viability' criteria required by the Home Office.

Endorsement Defense

Submission to bodies like Envestors or UKES. We prepare you for the grill—mock interviews and pitch deck refinement until you are bulletproof.

Visa Issuance & Launch

With the Endorsement Letter in hand, visa approval is a formality (provided clean history). You land in the UK and incorporate your company.

The Settlement (ILR)

The ultimate goal. After 3 years, if you hit specific targets (e.g., £50k revenue growth or job creation), you achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Operational Parameters

Permitted
  • Launch multiple ventures simultaneously
  • Work for your own company (Director)
  • Bring spouse & children (Dependants)
  • Unlimited travel in/out of UK
  • Skilled 2nd Job (Level 3+ RQ)
Restricted
  • Professional Sportsperson / Coach
  • Doctor / Dentist in training
  • Access to Public Funds (Benefits)
*New Rule Update: Unlike the old Innovator visa, you are now allowed to take secondary employment to support yourself while building the startup.

Authorized By The UK Home Office

EnvestorsUK Endorsing ServicesInnovator InternationalThe Global Entrepreneurs Programme

Why Launch in London?

The UK isn't just a jurisdiction; it's a launchpad. Access the world's most generous tax reliefs for investors (SEIS/EIS) and the highest concentration of Venture Capital in Europe.

  • 0% Tax on Capital Gains (for SEIS investors)
  • Access to 500M+ Consumers (UK + Europe)
  • #1 Tech Ecosystem in Europe ($30B+ invested in 2023)
19%
Corp Tax Rate (Lowest in G7)
£150k
Avg. SEIS Investment
Unicorn Density
100+ Unicorns Created

The Ashavid Edge

Service LevelTypical Immigration LawyerAshavid Protocol
Business PlanGeneric TemplateBespoke Innovation Strategy
Financial ModelBasic Excel5-Year VC-Ready Projection
Interview PrepPDF GuideMock Interview Simulations
Post-Visa SupportNoneGrowth Board & Mentorship
Success Rate~40% (Industry Avg)92% (Internal Data)

Critical Questions

Q. What happens if my business fails?

The Innovator Founder visa allows for failure. As long as you can prove you genuinely attempted to execute your business plan and met your checkpoints, your visa status remains valid, and you can switch or re-apply.

Q. Can I take a job at another company?

Yes, but with restrictions. You can do skilled work (Level 3 or above) for other companies, provided it doesn't interfere with running your own business. This is a major upgrade from the old Innovator visa.

Q. Do I need £50,000 investment?

No. The £50k requirement was removed in April 2023. You only need to prove you have enough funds to start the business (based on your specific plan) and support yourself (£1,270).

Ready to launch in
London?

Ashavid specializes in the "Innovation Narrative" required for endorsement. We don't just fill forms; we architect businesses.