Are you dreaming of launching your own business in the United Kingdom? You’re not alone. Thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs look to the UK as a hub for innovation and enterprise.
While the original Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa UK has been closed to new applicants, there are still viable routes available for ambitious individuals like yourself.
Understanding your options in 2025 and beyond is key to turning your business vision into reality. This guide covers everything you need to know, from eligibility and documentation to investment requirements and application procedures.
Whether you’re already in the UK or planning to relocate, here’s how you can still pursue your entrepreneurial goals.
What Is the Entrepreneur Visa UK?
The UK’s Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa was once a popular route for overseas individuals looking to start or take over a business in the UK.
It allowed entrepreneurs to enter the UK with a minimum investment of £200,000 or £50,000 (under specific exceptions such as graduate entrepreneur routes). Holders could set up businesses as sole traders, partners, or company directors.
The visa also offered a pathway to permanent residency and British citizenship, allowing applicants to apply for settlement after five years, or even three years under certain accelerated conditions.
Additionally, family members, including partners and children, could join the main visa holder in the UK.
However, the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa closed to new applicants on 29 March 2019. Since then, it has been replaced by more innovation-focused routes such as the Innovator and Start-up visas.
Is the UK Entrepreneur Visa Still Available in 2025?
As of 2025, you can no longer apply for a new Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa. However, if you already hold one, there are still options available.
You can apply to extend your visa, settle in the UK (through indefinite leave to remain), or bring eligible family members to join you.
The UK government phased out this visa due to concerns over misuse and the need to encourage more scalable, innovative business ventures.
It has now been replaced with the Innovator Founder visa, which focuses on viable and scalable business models supported by approved endorsing bodies.
For those looking to set up a business in the UK in 2025, the main options are the Innovator Founder visa and Self-Sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, depending on individual circumstances and eligibility.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a UK Business or Entrepreneur Visa?
Although the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa is closed, eligibility still applies to extensions and other routes. If you already have the visa, you may qualify to extend or settle in the UK if you:
UK Entrepreneur Visa Eligibility
- Registered as a company director or self-employed within six months of your visa start date
- Were actively trading and created at least two full-time jobs that lasted 12 months
- Invested £50,000 or £200,000, based on your initial visa requirement
- Can continue supporting yourself financially
- Have remained actively involved in your UK business
For Innovator Founder Visa or Start-up Visa Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea
- Obtain an endorsement from an authorised body
- Meet the English language requirement (B2 level)
- Provide proof of maintenance funds if applying from outside the UK
These requirements help ensure applicants are genuine entrepreneurs with long-term business prospects in the UK.
What Are the Endorsement Requirements for Start-up and Innovator Visas?
To apply for a Start-up or Innovator visa, getting endorsed by an authorised body is essential. These endorsing bodies evaluate your business idea based on three core criteria:
- Innovation: Your idea must be original, solve a real problem, or offer something new to the market
- Viability: You must show that the business can succeed, has potential for growth, and is financially sustainable
- Scalability: Your idea should be capable of creating jobs and expanding into national or international markets
The Endorsement Process Includes
- Submitting a comprehensive business plan
- Undergoing an interview or review process with the endorsing body
- Demonstrating the entrepreneur’s experience, commitment, and market understanding
Only certain UK higher education institutions or approved business organisations can act as endorsing bodies. Each has its own application process and evaluation criteria.
How Much Investment Is Needed for a UK Entrepreneur or Innovator Visa?
The investment amount depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For the discontinued Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, the requirements were:
- £200,000 of personal or third-party funds, or
- £50,000 if you had funding from a UK government body, venture capital firm, or a seed competition
For the Innovator Founder visa, there is no fixed minimum investment amount as before. Instead, you must prove you have sufficient funding to launch and run your business, and that your business idea is scalable and well-financed.
Applicants are also expected to show financial sustainability through maintenance funds and prove they are not reliant on public funding.
This flexibility allows for a more dynamic approach to entrepreneurship while maintaining financial safeguards.
What Documents Do You Need for a UK Entrepreneur Visa Application?
To apply for a UK entrepreneur or business visa, such as the Innovator or Start-up visa, it is essential to gather a comprehensive list of documents that prove your eligibility, financial capacity, and genuine intent to build a business in the UK.
These documents play a crucial role in ensuring your application is processed smoothly and without delay.
You Will Need to Submit
- A valid passport or travel identification document
- Proof of English language ability (e.g., IELTS certificate)
- A detailed business plan endorsed by a recognised body
- An official endorsement letter confirming business innovation and viability
- Recent bank statements showing personal maintenance funds
- Evidence of investment capital, if applicable
- Business registration proof (for Tier 1 extensions)
- A criminal record certificate from any country lived in
- Tuberculosis test results if required by your country
All documents must be in English or Welsh, or certified translations must be provided to meet UKVI standards.
How to Create a Winning Business Plan for the UK Visa?
Your business plan is a vital document that forms the foundation of your UK visa application.
Endorsing bodies use it to assess whether your idea demonstrates innovation, viability, and potential for long-term success in the UK market. It must be professionally structured, thoroughly researched, and clearly written.
Key Components Include
- Executive Summary: A concise overview of your business idea and mission
- Market Analysis: Insight into competitors, demand, target audience, and market trends
- Marketing Strategy: Specific plans for attracting and retaining customers
- Operations Plan: Organisational structure, daily operations, staffing, and business model
- Financial Forecast: Realistic projections of income, expenses, profits, and funding needs
- Growth Strategy: Steps to scale, including market expansion and job creation in the UK
Your plan must be original and show a clear path to success. Supporting data, realistic financials, and a strong market understanding will strengthen your chances of getting endorsed and approved.
How Do You Apply for a UK Entrepreneur or Business Visa?
Applying for a UK entrepreneur or business visa requires careful planning and the right documentation. The process may vary depending on the visa type, but the core steps remain the same.
Key Steps to Apply
- Develop a Business Idea: Your business must be innovative, viable, and scalable for approval.
- Create a Strong Business Plan: A well-structured plan showcasing growth potential increases your chances significantly.
- Seek Endorsement (if applicable): If applying for an Innovator or Start-up visa, you need prior approval from an authorised endorsing body.
- Complete the Online Application: Submit your visa application through the UK Home Office portal accurately and carefully.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: This includes proof of funds, business endorsements, and valid identity verification documents.
- Attend a Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre promptly and efficiently.
After submission, avoid leaving the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man until a decision is made. Processing typically takes up to eight weeks, so ensure all documents are accurate to prevent unnecessary delays.
Can You Extend or Switch from an Entrepreneur Visa to Another Route?
If you already possess a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, you can apply for an extension or even settlement in the UK, provided specific conditions are fulfilled.
These include registering as a director or self-employed within six months of the visa start date, investing the required amount, and creating at least two full-time jobs lasting 12 months. You must also provide evidence of active involvement in your business activities.
For those holding a Start-up visa nearing expiration, switching to the Innovator Founder visa may be the best option, particularly if the business is scalable and meets endorsement criteria. This allows you to continue operations while maintaining legal status.
Your family members or dependants can also extend or switch their visas independently, using the appropriate application route online.
They must attend a biometric appointment and meet all other requirements. Each extension or switch is assessed individually, so timely applications and full compliance with guidelines are essential.
What Are the Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them?
Securing a UK business visa is not always straightforward, as applicants often encounter several obstacles. Below are some common challenges along with solutions to improve your chances of success.
1. Weak Business Idea
- Challenge: Endorsing bodies prefer innovative and scalable business concepts. A generic or unoriginal idea may lead to rejection.
- Solution: Conduct thorough market research and refine your proposal to demonstrate uniqueness, scalability, and market demand.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
- Challenge: Missing, inaccurate, or uncertified documents can delay or even disqualify your application.
- Solution: Double-check all requirements, ensure translations are certified, and provide well-organized, accurate paperwork.
3. Insufficient Funding Evidence
- Challenge: If your financial documents are unclear or inconsistent, your application may be rejected.
- Solution: Maintain up-to-date financial records, provide clear evidence of available funds, and ensure consistency across documents.
4. Difficulty in Securing Endorsement
- Challenge: A poorly structured business plan may fail to meet the expectations of endorsing bodies.
- Solution: Tailor your business plan to their criteria, highlighting innovation, potential growth, and feasibility.
5. Application Delays
- Challenge: Missing information or additional interview requirements can slow down processing.
- Solution: Carefully review all submission details, respond promptly to any queries, and prepare for possible interviews.
With careful planning, thorough documentation, and expert guidance, you can navigate these challenges and improve your chances of securing a UK business visa.
Should You Work with an Immigration Solicitor or Consultancy?
Yes, working with a qualified immigration solicitor or consultancy can greatly improve your chances of visa approval.
The application process for business-related visas in the UK involves detailed documentation, legal procedures, and interactions with endorsing bodies.
Mistakes or omissions in your application can lead to delays or even rejection, which is why expert assistance can be invaluable.
A legal advisor can guide you through preparing your business plan, ensuring it meets the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria required for endorsement.
They can also help clarify eligibility rules, assist in gathering necessary documents, and ensure your application aligns with Home Office standards.
Additionally, solicitors stay updated with any changes in immigration law, helping you avoid common pitfalls and stay compliant.
While legal advice is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for first-time applicants or those dealing with complex cases or visa switches. Choosing an experienced professional could make a significant difference in the outcome.
What Are the Best Alternatives to the UK Entrepreneur Visa?
With the closure of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, business-minded individuals must explore alternative routes to establish themselves in the UK. Below is a comparison of the best available options:
| Visa Type | Best For | Key Requirements |
| Innovator Founder Visa | Experienced entrepreneurs with scalable ideas | Endorsement from an approved body, innovation, viability, and scalability |
| Start-up Visa | First-time entrepreneurs | Endorsement from an approved body, no investment required |
| Sole Representative Visa | Overseas company representatives | Must open a UK branch, cannot be a major shareholder |
| Self-Sponsorship (Skilled Worker Visa) | Entrepreneurs establishing their own UK business | Meet salary & job requirements, register as a sponsor |
| Global Talent Visa | Leaders in tech, academia, arts, and research | Endorsement from a recognised industry body |
Each visa has unique eligibility requirements, so selecting the right one depends on your business experience, financial resources, and long-term goals.
Thorough research and planning will help you choose the most suitable route for your UK business venture.
Conclusion
While the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is no longer open for new applicants, the UK remains an inviting destination for business-minded individuals.
Whether you are extending your current visa or exploring newer options like the Innovator Founder route, having a clear plan and meeting the eligibility criteria is key.
Make sure to research thoroughly, build a compelling business plan, and prepare your documents accurately.
Seeking legal advice or expert support can also enhance your chances of success. With the right preparation, you can confidently pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions in the UK.
FAQs About Entrepreneur Visa UK
How long does it take to get a decision on a UK business visa?
A decision typically takes up to 8 weeks from the date of application, unless your case is complex or requires further checks.
Can I apply for a Start-up visa without prior business experience?
Yes, you can apply without experience if your business idea is innovative and endorsed by an authorised body.
What is the validity period of an Innovator visa?
The Innovator visa is usually granted for 3 years and can lead to settlement if requirements are met.
Do I need to show proof of English language proficiency?
Yes, most UK business visas require at least a B2 level of English proficiency through an approved test.
What kind of businesses qualify for a UK Innovator visa?
Businesses must be original, scalable, and solve a market need, as judged by your endorsing body.
Is there a minimum turnover requirement for visa renewal?
There is no strict turnover requirement, but your business must show progress, job creation, and financial sustainability.
What happens if I lose my endorsement while in the UK?
Losing your endorsement may impact your visa status, and you must either get re-endorsed or leave the UK before your visa expires.
