You can apply for an Innovator visa if you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK – it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market.

Eligibility: Before you apply you need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body. They will provide you with an endorsement letter if your business is eligible. You must also:

• Meet the English language requirement
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK

Benefits: you can

• Set up a business or several businesses
• Work for your business – this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership
• bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependents’’, if they’re eligible
• Travel abroad and return to the UK
• Apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided the documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK. You can stay for 3 years and can apply to extend your stay for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend. You may be able to apply for settlement. A team can be formed for innovator application but the same investment funds cannot be shared. The team must have £50,000 for each Innovator applicant.