30 April 2026
Residency by Investment in UK
Foreigners interested in UK residency by investment can discuss all the legal aspects with our London immigration lawyers.
Would you like to apply for residency by investment in the UK in 2026? Our immigration lawyers in London can explain to you the formalities and handle all the procedures. You may explore this page and find out information about how to get this status.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | Both |
Setting up more than just one business with an Innovator Founder visa (Yes/No) | Permitted |
Real estate investment option (Yes/No) | No |
| Other investment options (if available) | – venture capital, – angel finance, – insider finance, – crowdfunding |
| Living requirement in UK (Yes/No) | Yes – 3 years of residence before indefinite leave to remain (Innovator Founder) |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | Residence only; there is no direct citizenship by investment |
| Direct immigration with family members (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Family members allowed to join the program | Yes |
| Residence visa/ citizenship processing time (approx.) | About 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK) after endorsement. Our team can offer details about residency by investment in UK. |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Time frame for getting residency by investment in the UK | About 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK) for the visa decision, plus the time needed to obtain endorsement. Our lawyers can offer details about residency by investment in UK. |
| Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Reasons to choose UK | – stable economy, – attractive investment incentives, – close proximity with some of the world’s largest consumer markets |
| Personal income tax rate | – 20% basic rate for taxable income between £0 and £37,700 – 40% for income between £37,701 and £125,140 – 45% for income over £125,140 (England, Wales and NI; after the £12,570 personal allowance) |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | 183 (with a British passport) |
| What is the Innovator Founder visa? | It replaced the former Innovator and Start-up visa programs in April 2023. Residency can be obtained through this new program. |
Minimum investments for getting the Innovator Founder visa | Not imposed |
Conditions to get the Innovator Founder Visa | Endorsement is needed, alongside a business plan and knowledge of the English language. |
| Clear criminal record/police certificate | Solicited at the time of application |
| Residence through Innovator Founder visa | Permanent residence after 3 years of living in the UK |
| Residency renewal after entering the Innovator Founder visa program | Available |
| Fees for partners and children joining the program | The same visa fee as the main applicant (GBP 1,357 outside the UK / GBP 1,693 inside), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge |
| Biometric information | Photo and fingerprints are taken at the time of application (or identity is verified via the ID Check app). |
| Decision | Issued in about 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK) with the standard visa service. |
| Priority service for getting an investor visa in the UK | Available for around GBP500 as a standard fee. The decision is issued in 5 days. |
| Using public funds when applying for an investor visa in the UK | Not permitted |
| Requirements for partners joining the residence by investment program in the UK | No English test is needed to join as a dependant; English and the Life in the UK test are needed later, when applying for indefinite leave to remain. |
| Indefinite leave to remain when having a business, investor, or talent visa in the UK | Possible after 3 years with an Innovator Founder visa or 3-5 years with a Global Talent visa, if the settlement requirements are met. |
| Proof of investments | Required regardless of the selected program of investments available in the UK |
| Working and/or studying with an investor visa in the UK | Options available |
What is the main investment route to residency in the UK?
By applying for the Innovator Founder visa in the UK.
What are the minimum investments for an Innovator Founder visa in the UK? None – the GBP 50,000 minimum was removed in April 2023.
Who can apply for the Innovator Founder visa?
The Innovator Founder visa is open to all nationalities except British and Irish citizens, including EEA and Swiss citizens.
Can family members be part of the Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
Yes.
What are the conditions to get residency by investments in the UK in 2026?
Getting the Innovator Founder visa requires the following:
- applicants must be at least 18 years old when applying for an Innovator Founder visa for the UK.
- candidates must present a business plan, endorsed by an approved endorsing body,
- knowledge of the English language, as well as proof of personal finances is required,
- candidates must present the source of funds. The immigration authorities in the UK will make rigorous checks,
- a healthcare surcharge is also solicited,
- applicants must own at least GBP 1,270 in a bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the visa application starts.
You can discover an infographic with details on this topic:
What other conditions are imposed for this type of UK visa?
The investor must be active in a business established in the UK.
How should the business plan be to get the Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
- Innovative,
- Scalable,
- Viable, etc.
IMPORTANT! Applicants must see the endorsing body after 12 and 24 months to discuss the progress of the business. The visa can be withdrawn at the discretion of the endorsing body.
How can I apply for an Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
- Outside the UK at the embassy or consulate in the country of origin,
- Inside the UK.
You can also watch the following video presentation on this subject:
What are the fees for an Innovator visa to get residency in the UK through investments?
- Around GBP 1,357/person for outside UK applications,
- About GBP 1,693/person for applications made in the UK (extensions or switching the visa).
IMPORTANT! GBP 1,000 is required to get an endorsement from an authorized endorsing body in the UK.
Can I switch my existing visa to the Innovator founder visa for the UK?
Yes, our UK immigration lawyers can explain the procedures for 2026.
What do you obtain after getting the Innovator Founder visa for the UK?
Foreign citizens who obtain the Innovator Founder visa can enjoy residency for 3 years in the UK. After these 3 years, the visa can be extended for another 3 years, and you can opt for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK/permanent residency.
What is permitted with an Innovator Founder visa in the UK?
- to start one or more businesses,
- work for your business as a manager or self-employed,
- bring your spouse & children,
- travel outside the UK and return,
- apply for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years with this visa.
What is restricted when holding an Innovator Founder in the UK?
- applying for public funds,
- use the investment money to sustain living in the UK.
What is the timeframe to get a decision on an Innovator Founder visa after the application?
About 3 weeks if you apply outside the UK or about 8 weeks if you submit your application in the UK.
Is the Innovator Founder visa a direct route to British citizenship?
No! Getting this visa does not allow citizenship applications. This should be done after at least 5 years of residency in the UK.
Would you like to know more about residency by investment in the UK in 2026? Contact us and make an appointment with our specialists.