Innovator Founder visa: Indian citizen in India → United Kingdom
Indian citizens who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK get their business idea endorsed by an approved body, then apply online on gov.uk for an Innovator Founder visa to stay for up to 3 years.
Lets you set up and run an innovative business in the UK if an approved endorsing body assesses that your business idea meets the requirements.
- Validity
- You can stay for 3 years if you come to the UK on an Innovator Founder visa.
- Entries
- Multiple entry for the duration of your visa.
- Max stay per visit
- Up to 3 years; you can apply to extend your visa.
When to start
Start 30 days–3 months before your travel date.
Getting an appointment in India
- Delhi & Mumbai: usually 1–2 weeks for a slot; peak season can stretch towards 4 weeks.
- Tier-2 centres (Pune, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad) often have earlier slots — a train ticket can beat the wait.
- The New Delhi centre relocated in early 2026 — confirm the current address on the official VFS site before you go.
- Applicants report slots opening 7–21 days out in normal months — book the moment you pay your fee.
You can apply if you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK.
You'll need to get an endorsing body to assess that your business idea meets the requirements.
Complete the application on gov.uk. It costs £1,357 per person if you apply outside the UK, plus the healthcare surcharge.
As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
From outside the UK you'll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
What you'll need
- Endorsement letter — An 'endorsement letter' to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business or business idea. ✓ verified
- Passport / identity document — A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality. ✓ verified
- Proof of funds — Bank statements showing you've had at least £1,270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. ✓ verified
- Proof of English language — Proof that you meet the English language requirement. ✓ verified
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results — Your tuberculosis test results if you're from a country where you have to take the test. ✓ verified· you're from a country where you have to take the test
Where you'll apply
Apply online on gov.uk, then prove your identity — either with the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a UK visa application centre (VFS Global) in India.
Fees
| Innovator Founder visa (apply from outside the UK) | GBP 1357 |
Gotchas to watch
- You must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets.
- Getting an endorsement from an approved endorsing body is required before you apply, and the endorsing body must keep assessing your business while you're in the UK.