Tier 1 Migrants: Investing in or starting a business in the UK
If you are looking to start a new business or invest in a UK company then we can help provide the right advice.
Call us on +1 844 312 4979for immediate help & assistance with your situation. We’re here to help with a host of immigration issues in person, via the phone or online.
Tier 1 Visa
If you are wanting to move and work in the UK, you must first apply for a UK Work Visa. The Home Office operates a Five-Tier Points-Based system with category-specific requirements. The route for highly skilled and exceptionally talented workers is the Global Talent Visa.
Another option is the Innovator Founder Visa (formally the Innovator Visa). This route is suitable for experienced businesspeople who want to start a business in the UK.
The Innovator Founder Visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended for a further three years. In some cases, Innovator Founder Visa holders will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain status after three years of living in the UK.
There is not need to have a job offer to qualify for these visa but you must ensure you meet the other criteria including having an innovative business idea which has been endorsed by an approved body.
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Business Proposal Requirements
If you are wanting to live and work in the UK with a Innovator Founder Visa you must have a business proposal demonstrating the following:
- Innovation – have a genuine and original business plan which meets a new or existing market need and will provide economic benefit to the UK
- Viability – have the necessary skills, experience and market awareness to successfully run a business
- Scalability – show that the new business will encourage long-term job creation and growth
You must also ensure your idea is approved by an endorsing body and as part of your application for a Innovator Founder Visa application, you must submit an endorsement letter from an approved endorsement body.
The chosen endorsement body will review the applicant’s business proposal and assess if it meets the required business proposal requirements
For more information on the business proposal endorsement, call IAS today on +1 844 312 4979 or reach out online.
How Can IAS Help?
Our lawyers are able to provide expert business immigration advice for all UK Tier 1 Visa categories and advise you on your best options. We will ensure you are fully prepared for your interview and review any business plans or investment portfolios. You will receive an untimed session with your personal lawyer to discuss your circumstances.
The UK Tier 1 Visa has some of the most difficult to meet expectations, such as the extensive scrutiny for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa. This means this visa type has high refusal rates. Our qualified immigration consultants will ensure that you are in the best position to receive a positive result. Call now on +1 844 312 4979 or use our online form to get in touch.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on September 29th, 2025 at 2:26 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
This category is for those who are internationally recognized as a world leader or future world leader in your field of science or the arts.
The Global Talent Visa must be endorsed by a designated competent body such as the Arts Council or the Royal Academy of Engineering
You can no longer apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa and it has been replaced by a number of other options including the Innovator Founder Visa.
The Tier 1 General Visa allows a highly-skilled migrant to enter the country for work or self-employment purposes. However, this category is now closed to applicants outside the country.
There are limited circumstances where you may be able to extend your stay under the previous Tier 1 visa category. This includes if you are:
- A highly skilled migrant,
- A self-employed lawyer, composer or artist (or)
- Part of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP).
Your total point score must be 95 points (100 for any other eligible category). This is based on your age, qualifications, earnings, and UK experience. You will also need to prove your English Language ability and available funds.
If you want to extend your stay after your Tier 4 Student Visa and have a serious business idea, you could apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. This category is for international graduates of a UK university to extend their stay for 12 months to establish their business. You will also be able to apply as an overseas graduate chosen by UK Trade Investment (UKTI) as elite global graduate entrepreneurs. to extend their stay for an initial 12 months to establish a business.
To apply under this category, you must meet the 95-point requirement. This includes a letter of endorsement from a UK higher institution or from UKTI. Please note, this route has an annual cap of 2,000 places.
If you currently hold leave to stay in the UK on a different immigration category, you may be able to switch onto the UK Tier 1 Visa from inside the country. The application for a High-Value Tier 1 Visa can be complex. Seeking the advice of a qualified immigration attorney is highly recommended.
If you are intending to enter on a UK Tier 1 Visa, you will not need a Certificate of Sponsorship or a job offer. This requirement is for permanent or temporary skilled workers under categories 2 and 5 of the points-based system.
If you are in the UK on a Tier 1 Visa, most often you will have to have five years of continuous residence to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The Tier 1 Investor Visa has slightly different requirements based on how much money you have invested in the UK economy. Investing more than the minimum £2 million could mean that you could apply for ILR after two years.
High-value visas like the Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor Visas are some of the most difficult to obtain. The Home Office is known to be critical of all applications made under the Tier 1 Visa category.
The lawyers at IAS are available to help you through every step of the process of applying for a UK Tier 1 Visa. This includes preparation for your Home Office interview and reviewing your business documents.
Our services include:
- Speaking with you in person, over the phone or via Skype at a suitable time for you;
- Assessing your eligibility for the UK Tier 1 Visa route;
- Confirming your documentation is substantial and sufficient;
- Producing a Letter of Representation;
- Liaising with the Home Office throughout your application;
- Fully completing your application form(s) to a professional standard.
To discuss your eligibility for a UK Tier 1 Visa, or for more information, speak with the immigration lawyers at IAS now. Get in touch by calling +1844 290 6312 or using our online inquiry form.
