A UK Business Visa allows entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to establish or expand a business in the United Kingdom under routes such as the Innovator Founder Visa or Self-Sponsorship via the Skilled Worker Visa.

Most applications are refused due to weak business plans, missing endorsement, incorrect visa routes, poor financial documentation, or incomplete applications. Legal guidance can prevent these issues.

The Innovator Founder Visa is a route for experienced entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas, endorsed by a Home Office-approved body. It replaced the old Innovator and Start-Up visas.

There’s no fixed minimum investment, but you must prove that your business has realistic financial potential and enough funds to support operations and living costs.

Endorsement is a certification from an approved organisation confirming your business meets the innovation and viability criteria. Without endorsement, Innovator Founder Visa applications are automatically refused.

Each endorsing body focuses on specific industries (e.g. tech, sustainability, health, fintech). Review their requirements carefully or consult a solicitor to align your business concept before applying.

Self-sponsorship allows you to set up a UK company, obtain a sponsor licence, and sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker Visa — ideal for entrepreneurs without endorsement.

It depends on your goals.

• Innovator Founder suits high-growth, innovative startups needing endorsement.
  

Self-sponsorship fits professionals establishing a genuine business who prefer full control.

Requirements generally include a credible business plan, proof of English language ability (B2), sufficient funds, endorsement (if needed), and a clean immigration record.

You must show you can support yourself and fund your business, though exact amounts vary by visa type. Innovator Founder has no set minimum, while Skilled Worker self-sponsorship depends on company setup costs and salary.

Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the visa category, your location, and whether additional checks or endorsement verification are required.

Yes. Most routes, including Innovator Founder and Skilled Worker, allow you to bring dependents (spouse/partner and children) to the UK.

You’ll receive a refusal letter with reasons. Depending on the case, you can reapply, appeal, or request an administrative review—with legal help to strengthen your case.

Ensure your business plan is detailed and scalable, your funds are verifiable, and your documents are complete and consistent. Working with an immigration lawyer significantly increases success rates.

Yes, in some cases you can switch from another visa type (like Skilled Worker or Student) to the Innovator Founder route if you meet eligibility criteria and secure endorsement.

For self-sponsorship, yes — you’ll need a registered UK company and a sponsor licence. For the Innovator Founder Visa, company registration usually comes after endorsement.

Yes. Many applicants use the Innovator Founder or Expansion Worker Visa to expand an overseas business into the UK, provided it aligns with visa criteria.

A solicitor helps with business plan preparation, endorsement applications, visa route selection, compliance documentation, and Home Office representation to maximise approval chances.

Adam Bernard Solicitors provide end-to-end legal support — from drafting a compliant business plan to securing endorsement, applying for a sponsor licence, and managing your visa submission.

You can book an initial consultation online or by contacting their London offices directly to discuss your business immigration goals and receive a tailored visa strategy.