Innovator Visa UK (for Emiratis)

The UK Innovator Visa, also known as the Innovator Founder Visa, enables people living outside the UK, including the Emiratis, to establish an innovative business in the UK.

This visa is attractive for anyone looking to set up a business and settle in the UK.

After three years of living in the UK, the visa holder can apply for indefinite leave to remain, which can later lead to citizenship.

Visa holders can also bring their dependents (spouses and children under 18) to the UK.

However, before applying for the Innovator Visa, applicants must ensure that they meet the required criteria and can demonstrate their eligibility with adequate documents to maximise the chances of a successful application.

Page Contents

• What is the Innovator Visa?
• Eligibility Requirements for the UK Innovator Founder Visa
• Supporting Documents for the UK Innovator Founder Visa for the UAE Nationals
• Endorsement Standards for a UK Innovator Founder Visa
• How To Apply for the UK Innovator Founder Visa from the UAE?
• Processing Time and Cost for Innovator Founder Visa Application
• Innovator Founder Visa Validity Period and Extension
• How Can Total Law Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

UK Innovator Visa Benefits

The Innovator Founder Visa is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs from the UAE, offering various benefits:

The application process is simplified for UAE nationals exempt from Tuberculosis (TB) testing, and the English language proficiency requirement is straightforward.

As there are no funding restrictions, this visa is accessible to entrepreneurs with promising business ideas but limited initial funding. It enables them to establish a business in the UK and get access to the UK market with extensive trade networks, enabling opportunities for growth and expansion.

Finally, the Innovator Visa is a long-term pathway to settlement and, eventually, British citizenship. It allows its holders to bring their dependents to the UK to live, study and work without restrictions.

When applying for the Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Able to show that you have prior experience of running or working in business and an understanding of the industry or market in which your business will operate
• Your business must be approved by the correct endorsing body relevant to your sector
• Your business idea must be innovative, viable, and scalable, meeting the specific criteria outlined by the endorsing body
• Prove to the endorsing body that you have enough funding to set up a new business and show where your money is coming from to demonstrate that the investment money will be acquired through legitimate means
• Demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply for your visa or visa extension
• Meet the English language requirement – evidence of being able to read, write, speak and understand English to a level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale

When applying for the Innovator Founder Visa, you will be required to provide the following documents to support your application:

• An ‘endorsement’ letter from an approved endorsing body
• A valid passport and any visas or relevant travel history documents – your passport must have a blank page for your visa
• Bank statements to show that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply
• English language proficiency certificate

You may be required to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

If you’re unsure what documents you should provide for your visa, contact Total Law immigration lawyers to help you determine the exact documents before you apply.

Your application will be evaluated once you develop a detailed business plan and submit it to the endorsing body. If approved, you will receive an endorsement letter.

You will then gather all the required supporting documents and complete your online application form. Before submitting your application, you will be prompted to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and the visa application fees.

You must book an appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and any required supporting documents.

If you’re a UAE national applying from outside of the UK, a decision on your application will take up to a month to be processed after you submit your biometric information. It costs £1,357 if you’re applying from outside the UK.

If you’re applying from within the UK, the process can take up to 8 months. Please note that the processing time can take longer if, for example, your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to attend an interview.

You will also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which typically costs £1035 per applicant per year.

The Innovator Founder Visa is valid for 3 years. Your visa may be cut short if the endorsing body withdraws your endorsement, but you can reapply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.

You can apply to extend your visa for another 3 years if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. There is no limit on the number of times you can extend. However, you must provide a valid endorsement approval for each extension.