UK Start-up and Innovator Visas

If you have an innovative idea for a new business, you may be eligible for a UK Start-up or Innovator visa. Our specialist immigration lawyers can help you assess your eligibility and apply for your visa to bring your entrepreneurial ambitions to life.

At Lexus Law, we recognise the potential that business, industry and trade in the UK presents to overseas businesspeople. If you have a business idea that has been assessed and approved for its innovation, scalability and viability by a UK endorsing body, we can help you to apply for either a Start-up or Innovator Visa. Deciding which visa to apply for will depend on whether you have previously started businesses in the UK and how much capital you have available to invest into your new business.

HOW CAN LEXUS LAW HELP?
  • Before preparing your application, we will help you decide which immigration route is most suitable to your circumstances. We will then make sure meet all criteria stipulated by UKVI for the relevant visa category.
  • We can provide guidance in obtaining an endorsement letter for your business idea from an endorsement body approved by the Home Office.
  • We will help you gather the required documentation and assist with the submission of your visa application.

Speak to our team

Start your journey towards your business ambitions with one-to-one advice on applying for UK Start-up and Innovator visas from leading immigration lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for the UK Start-up and Innovator visas?

Applicants for either of these immigration routes must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • Your business idea must have been endorsed for its innovation, scalability and viability by an approved body
  • Your application must be made within three months of the date on your endorsement letter.
  • Your English language level should be a minimum of B2 (CEFR) or 5.5 (IELTS).
  • You must have at least £1,270 to support yourself if applying from outside the UK, or from within the UK if you’ve been in the country for less than 12 months.

To be eligible for a UK Start-up visa, you must not have established a business in the UK previously (unless this was under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa).

Individuals applying for the UK Innovator visa must have invested or be able to invest at least £50,000 in their UK business, unless switching from the Start-up visa category to pursue the same venture.

How long can I stay in the UK?

UK Start-up visas are valid for two years, after which you will need to switch to a different visa category (such as the Innovator visa) if you wish to continue developing your business in the UK. The Start-up category does not provide a direct route to settlement in the UK.

If you are issued an Innovator visa, you will have leave to stay in the UK for up to three years. After three years of continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for settlement, providing your business meets a number of conditions set out by the Home Office.

Our Process

01.

Contact us to book your complimentary consultation.

If you need trustworthy legal advice regarding immigration in the UK, we would be pleased to help. Fill in our contact form with a brief overview of your situation and we will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with our immigration law experts.

02.

Let us review your circumstances and provide a quotation.

During your free consultation, we will provide guidance on how we can support you with your immigration needs. Once we have assessed your current situation and objectives, we will advise on the best course of action and will supply a quotation for our recommended services.

03.

Leave the complex legal matters to our dedicated immigration lawyers.

Once you have approved the quote, we will supply you with our full terms of business. After the terms have been agreed to, we will work closely with you (or on your behalf where appropriate) to achieve your immediate and long-term UK immigration goals.

“This firm can only be described as excellent. Their knowledge of immigration law is second to none. The fast efficient way that they deal with situations is first-class professionalism at its very best. Once you have used Jay and his team you will never use anyone else.”


CLIENT Testimonial

“Jay Moghal of Lexus Law is extremely professional and has deep and impressive knowledge of all aspects of immigration law and procedure. He is creative and a great communicator, fierce and energising, encouraging the pursuit of his clients’ cases with impeccable judgement. I would not hesitate to recommend Jay. His knowledge and professionalism shines through in every event.”


CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS

“Highly recommended. Jay is a thorough professional, who reviewed the case in depth, looked after all the aspects and his suggestions on what I should submit with the case were spot on. I don’t think my case would have been accepted without his help.”


CLIENT Testimonial

“Lexus Law were an absolute dream to deal with. Jay Moghal was our appointed lawyer and he was excellent to deal with. He ensured we submitted all of the required documents and when our application was delayed with COVID challenges he chased the UK Government to expedite the issue and ensure a successful outcome. Highly recommend Lexus Law and Jay to anyone who needs immigration to support.”


CLIENT Testimonial

“Jay and his team assisted with switching over from a student BRP to a spousal one. All I had to do was show up to my appointment and take my fingerprints/photos. They handled the rest! What a dream.”


CLIENT Testimonial

“Lexus Law was founded in 2020 by Jay Moghal, and is building a reputation acting for corporate clients alongside Moghal’s established position among high-net-worth clients.”


THE LEGAL 500

“Jay was wonderful to work with and he made the process of getting our TIER 1 investment visa smooth and easy. He was responsive, professional yet very personable. Even after we got our Visa, he was always ready and willing to answer questions that helped us feel more secure and steady. Moving and transitioning to a new country is always fraught with a myriad of emotions. Jay was definitely an anchor that helped us feel steady.”


CLIENT Testimonial

“I have a good experience with Mr Jay Moghal. I faced a couple of problems and appreciate his professionalism and transparency to deal with my issues and solve the problem. I highly recommend him.”


CLIENT Testimonial