UK Visas for Founders 2026 | Start & Scale in Britain

Building something? Britain wants founders — and has three serious routes in. Which one fits depends on your idea, your backing and your timeline.

Innovator Founder · Global Talent · Scale-up · Expansion Worker.

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Innovator Founder Visa

Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-20.

TL;DR

Founders typically use the Innovator Founder Visa (£1,357, endorsed business idea, settlement possible after 3 years) or Global Talent (£766, no sponsor). Founders expanding an existing overseas business use UK Expansion Worker (£340).

£1,357

Innovator Founder fee

3 years

To settlement (Innovator Founder)

£1,000

Endorsement fee

Routes for Founders

Three ways in — by idea, by track record, or by existing business.

Innovator Founder VisaAn endorsed, innovative, scalable idea — the main founder route.Learn more →

Endorsing Bodies ExplainedWho assesses your idea, what they test and the £1,000 fee.Learn more →

Global Talent VisaFor recognised tech and science leaders — no endorsement of the business itself.Learn more →

UK Expansion WorkerBring your existing overseas company to Britain — £340.Learn more →

Scale-up Worker VisaJoining a fast-growth UK company rather than starting one — £937.Learn more →

Sponsor LicenceOnce you’re trading: the licence to hire your own overseas talent.Learn more →

What Our Clients Say

Independent Google reviews from the people and businesses we have supported.

    
 
 
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   Brenda Pinto 
 
 
 
  I just had my e visa approved by the Home Office. I wish to say a Big Thank You to Ana Maria for helping me through the whole process. Ana is brilliant! I was very apprehensive at first but Ana reassured me and helped me through the whole application! She is very good at her job & knowledge of the immigration.
  
 
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   Andrea Yanet 
 
 
 
  Morgan Smith Immigration service was outstanding! From the moment I first contacted them, their professionalism and dedication were evident. Ana Maria guided us through every step of the process with clarity and precision. She provided expert advice tailored to our specific situation, ensuring that we understood all the requirements and deadlines. Attention to detail was impeccable, which made the whole experience much smoother than I anticipated. She took the time to address all my concerns and was always just a phone call or email away. Their responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile made me feel supported and confident throughout the entire process. Thanks for an exceptional service. Muchas gracias!
  
 
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   Jeffrey Boateng 
 
 
 
  Ana Maria was professional from inception to completion. She provided legal & administrative support throughout the leave to remain, ILR & naturalisation process. I will recommend Ana and the firm with no hesitation!
  
 
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   Bouchiar Imane 
 
 
 
  Exceptional Service. I want to thank Ana for all her help and guidance. she took our case and it was a bit complicated, but she managed to guide us through it when it comes to documentation and the overall process she did an amazing job she was working with us even through her time off which we appreciate - Our application was successful and she will be our go to person for our future visa plans Thank you Ana!!
  
 
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   Jose Miguel Lopez Bermudez 
 
 
 
  I have been an user of their legal services over the years, they always provide great advice and reassurance in each immigration process, ending with very successful outcomes each time. Dr Ana Duque is an objective, diligent and kind immigration adviser, that knows really well the UK's immigration system, and is a well prepared professional. I highly recommend their services and advice in any immigration process.
  
 
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   Achier Deng Akol 
 
 
 
  Our little kids were able to have their mum around to care for them in the UK because of Morgan Smith Immigration Firm in general but Ana Maria in particular! We cannot thank them enough. Victoria and Achier
  
 
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   Loreinis Mejia 
 
 
 
  Ana María guided us through all the process to apply for skilled workers visa for my sister, she was very patient explaining all the new changes the Home Office put in place and make her best to reapply on our behalf following the new guidelines. My sister now has her visa thanks to Ana María’s help and guidance.
  
 
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   Hafiz Jarabanda 
 
 
 
  Is great service Ana dealed with my wife case from day one in the Uk and she’s absolutely great solicitor ,  great person We never had any problem with her I just want to say many many thanks for everything she done for us
  
 
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   Laeto Moor 
 
 
 
  I'm writing this review to express my deepest gratitude to Ana Maria of Morgan Smith Immigration. As a Nigerian citizen applying for a UK visa, the process felt incredibly daunting, especially after a previous refusal. Despite these challenges, Ana Maria was incredibly professional and supportive. She took on my case and provided exceptional guidance throughout the entire process. Her deep understanding of the UK immigration system and her specific knowledge of navigating situations like mine were invaluable. Ana Maria's advice was clear, concise, and put me in the best possible position to succeed with my visa application.  I'm thrilled to say that, thanks to her expertise and dedication, my visa was approved! I highly recommend Ana Maria at Morgan Smith Immigration. Her knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering support will make a world of difference in your journey.
  
 
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   iris domingo 
 
 
 
  I highly recommend their services.  Ana is amazing and very knowledgeable.  From my first phone call she took time to listen to my concerns and offered the best advice based on my situation, this was followed by her quickly sorting everything out for me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about for founders in 2026.

Which UK visa should a startup founder choose?

Most founders use the Innovator Founder Visa: an approved endorsing body assesses the idea as new, innovative, viable and scalable, and the visa (£1,357 outside the UK) can lead to settlement in just 3 years. Founders with an established overseas business often use UK Expansion Worker instead.

Do I need investment to get a founder visa?

There is no fixed minimum investment for Innovator Founder — but for a new business the endorsing body must be satisfied you have sufficient funding and know where it comes from.

What is an endorsement?

A formal assessment by a Home Office-approved body (£1,000 excluding VAT) confirming your business idea meets the route tests. The letter is valid for 3 months, and progress is checked at £500 contact-point meetings after the visa is granted.

Can I work for my own company on these routes?

Yes — Innovator Founder is built for running your own business, and Global Talent allows employment, self-employment and directorships freely.

How fast can a founder settle in the UK?

Innovator Founder allows settlement applications after 3 years — the fastest mainstream route — if the business meets the growth requirements. Global Talent can also settle in 3 years for some categories.

Can Morgan Smith Immigration help before endorsement?

Yes — that is where the work is won. Our advisers shape the business plan around the endorsement tests, match you to the right endorsing body and manage the visa once the letter is issued.

Sources

Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.

Ready to Build in Britain?

From endorsement strategy to settlement — one team for the whole founder journey.