united kingdom
Explore the UK's Entrepreneurial Opportunities
The United Kingdom offers exceptional opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts through the Innovator and Startup Residence visas.
These programs provide a pathway to establish and grow your business in one of the world's most dynamic startup ecosystems.
Fast processing after 3 weeks when applying outside of the UK
3 year residence visa renewable for another 3 years
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 4 years of citizenship and holding IRL for 12 months
No investment requirement by meeting certain program criteria
Obtain approval from a governing body after 12 and 24 months to show progress on your business
World Talents is here to support you throughout your startup journey, providing mentorship, resources, and connections to accelerate your growth.
Build your business while enjoying UK residency benefits.
Access incentive and rebate programs.
Bring your spouse and minor children to the UK.
Main steps
Compliance & CV/eligibility assessment
Research and Business Plan Development (2–4 weeks)
Endorsing Body Application and Approval (4–8 weeks)
(The timeframe varies depending on the endorsing body.)
- Develop an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea tailored to the UK market.
- Create a comprehensive business plan that meets endorsing body requirements.
Endorsing Body Application and Approval (4–8 weeks)
- Submit your business plan to a Home Office-approved endorsing body.
- Provide any additional documents requested and await the endorsement decision.
(The timeframe varies depending on the endorsing body.)
~6-12 weeks
VISA APPLICATION
Submission of Visa Application (2-4 weeks)
Approval and Travel to the UK (2-4 weeks)
- Compile required documents, including the endorsement letter, proof of English proficiency, and financial evidence.
- Apply online for the Innovator Founder visa and attend a biometric appointment.
- Processing times are generally within 3 weeks for applications outside the UK and 8 weeks for in-country applications.
Approval and Travel to the UK (2-4 weeks)
- Receive your visa and plan your move to the UK.
- Upon arrival, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days.
~2-4 weeks
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT & GROWTH
Setting Up and Running the Business (Ongoing)
Meeting Settlement Criteria (3 years)
- Establish and operate your business according to the endorsed plan.
- Ensure regular communication with your endorsing body, as they will review your progress at intervals.
- (Reviews are usually annual but vary by endorsing body.)
Meeting Settlement Criteria (3 years)
- Demonstrate business growth through benchmarks such as creating jobs, generating significant revenue, or market expansion.
- Retain your endorsement and meet other eligibility requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
~uP TO 3 YEARS
Indefinite Leave to Remain Application
Apply for ILR After 3 Years
- Submit proof of meeting the settlement criteria, including financial and operational evidence from your business.
- Attend biometric appointments and await the ILR decision.
~4-12 weeks
Post-ILR Renewal
Renew Ability to Apply for ILR (4 years total)
- If ILR is not achieved after 3 years, you can extend the Innovator Founder visa for an additional 3 years.
- Continue growing your business and fulfilling settlement criteria for a future ILR application.
~ongoing
Eligible family
members
members
Our program is designed with families in mind, prioritising their well-being and unity. We recognise that every family is unique, and we offer tailored support to help eligible family members join you on your journey to the United Kingdom.
Children under 18 years
financially Dependent children 18–27 or financially dependent parents under 65
Spouse or unmarried partner (same sex or opposite sex)
The following individuals can be included in your application:
At our program, we prioritise the well-being and unity of families
We understand that each family is unique, and our provisions ensure that eligible family members can join you on your path to the UK.
Contact us for more information on how we can assist you in including your eligible family members in your application.
Contact us for more information on how we can assist you in including your eligible family members in your application.
