United Kingdom
Innovator Founder Programme
United Kingdom Residence by investment Overview
The UK is the global economic and political leader; It offers unparalleled investment opportunities. London, the world’s financial capital, provides a dynamic international business environment.
With top-tier educational institutions and a welcoming international culture, the UK is an ideal destination for families and entrepreneurs seeking growth, stability, and a vibrant lifestyle.
Minimum Investment
GBP 50,000
Business
Citizenship in
6
Years
Minimum Investment
N/A
Real Estate
Visa-Free Access
180+
Countries & Territories
Benefits of the UK Innovator Founder Program
- Fast Track to Residency: Within three weeks, you can secure your UK residence permit.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Applicants and their family members can apply for UK permanent residency after holding an Innovator Founder visa for three years.
- UK Permanent Residency: UK permanent residents enjoy a high standard of living, world-class infrastructure, top-tier education, and exceptional healthcare.
- British citizenship: You can apply for British citizenship and gain full UK citizenship rights upon meeting the citizenship requirements.
- Favorable Tax Environment: You can take advantage of the UK’s advantageous tax regime, primarily if you are not domiciled.
- Global Connectivity: You can enjoy global connectivity and make international business travel easy with direct flights to major cities worldwide.
- Access to UK schooling: Your family can attend some of the world’s most prestigious schools and universities.
- Family Inclusion: Investors can add close family members, including their spouse and unmarried children under 21, so they can join them in the UK.
Requirements of the UK Residence by Investment
To qualify for residency, you must:
- Pass due diligence before applying.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have no criminal record.
- Possess a strong business idea and relevant experience in the field.
Pathways & Investment Options of the UK Residence by Investment
Pursuing success in the UK’s dynamic international business environment and obtaining permanent residency and citizenship is possible. Innovators and entrepreneurs seeking UK residency have 2 distinct paths
Path 1: Isle of Man Innovator Program
This Program enables gifted entrepreneurs to launch their ventures on the Isle of Man. It is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to start a company in the Isle of Man, collaborate with an existing company by investment, or manage an existing company.
Path 2: Skilled Worker Business Visa Program
This Program offers a unique 5-year business setup pathway with exclusive benefits. A skilled worker business visa allows investors to set up a company in the UK for 5 years.
What You Can & Cannot do with UK Innovator Founder Visa
With an Innovator Founder visa, you can:
- Establish one or more businesses.
- Work for your business as a director or a self-employed partner.
- Work outside your business, provided it is ‘skilled work’—such as jobs on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list or roles requiring at least a Level 3 qualification.
- Bring your spouse and children with you as dependents.
- Return to the UK after traveling abroad.
- Apply for UK permanent residence if you have resided in the UK for three years and meet all other eligibility requirements.
You cannot:
- Work as a professional sportsperson, such as a coach.
- Obtain most benefits (public funds) or the state pension.
Your Innovator Founder visa will come with a detailed list of permitted and restricted activities.
Procedures & Time Frame of the UK Innovator Founder Visa
To apply for UK residence by investment, you must submit a completed application along with supporting documents to the British diplomatic post in your country of residence. Processing times vary depending on the location of your application.
Investors and their dependents can apply for British citizenship after residing in the UK for five years, including 12 months as a permanent resident. During this period, you must not spend more than 450 days outside the UK and no more than 90 days in the year before submitting your citizenship application.
The required investment level depends on the time frame for obtaining permanent residence (ILR) in the UK. With an investment of £2 million, ILR can be granted after five years. A higher investment of £5 million or £10 million can shorten this period to three or two years, respectively. To qualify, you must demonstrate proficiency in English, knowledge of British culture, and maintain your investments.
If you wish to expedite the process, fast-track options for permanent residency are available, with processing times ranging from two to five working days.
Citizenship
After residing in the UK for a certain period, usually five years, followed by one year as a permanent resident, an applicant can apply for UK citizenship. The requirements include proving English language proficiency and demonstrating good character.
Spouses of UK citizens are eligible to apply after residing in the UK for three years.
Naturalization comes with various benefits, such as full citizenship rights, the right to vote, and the opportunity to obtain a British passport.
UK Innovator Founder Visa FAQ's
Who can I include in my UK Innovator Founder Visa application?
The main applicant can include dependents, such as spouses and children under 18, in their visa application.
What are the investment options available for the UK Innovator Founder Program?
The investment requires a possible, approved business plan and sufficient investment funds. They must be significant founding team members and demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability in their business strategy.
What is the minimum investment requirement for the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
While the government no longer demands proof of funds exceeding £50,000 for the innovator visa, you must demonstrate to the endorsing body that your business can attain sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Enterprises frequently require significant investment; depending on the business kind, model, and industry, at least £200,000 in finance may be necessary to lay a solid basis for long-term success.
What is the processing time of an application for the UK Innovator Founder Program?
It takes approximately one to eight weeks for the processing to be completed for the UK Innovator Founder Program.
Do I need to live in the United Kingdom after obtaining my residency?
To maintain residence status, applicants must reside in the UK for at least three years with no absences exceeding 180 days in 12 months.
When will I be eligible for permanent residency in the UK?
If you maintain your visa status, you will be eligible for permanent residency after 3 years.
What are the interviews, language tests, or work experience requirements UK Immigration Program?
To apply for this program, you must take an interview, a language test, or have previous work experience.
Can I obtain UK citizenship through the residence by investment program?
Yes. Investors may be eligible to apply for British citizenship after maintaining a residence for 5 years.
Overview of United Kingdom
The UK is an island nation in Northwestern Europe, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK is renowned for its fascinating history and vibrant culture, offering a unique combination of bustling city life and picturesque countryside. This makes it an attractive choice for affluent individuals and business owners.
- Population: 68 million
- Language: English
- Economy: Leading trading and financial center, third largest in Europe
- Currency: British pound
The UK has a strong economy with significant finance, technology, and manufacturing strengths. London is a global financial hub, and the UK’s stable economic environment attracts international investment, providing robust business and wealth growth opportunities.
The UK is a global air travel nexus, with major airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester offering extensive international connectivity. High-net-worth individuals can easily travel and conduct business worldwide.
- Stability and Safety: The UK is renowned for its stable political climate and robust legal system, ensuring a secure environment for residents and their investments.
- Ownership of Property: The UK offers beneficial conditions for property possession, with a broad real estate market ranging from historic estates to modern apartments in vibrant cities.
- Health Care: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides extensive health care services, facilitating high-quality healthcare for residents.
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