Starting or expanding a business in the UK is a dream for many entrepreneurs worldwide. However, navigating the visa requirements can be daunting without expert guidance. That’s where our Entrepreneur Visa Lawyer UK services at Primus Solicitors come in. With updates in 2025 adding new layers of regulations and opportunities, we ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
What is the Entrepreneur Visa?
The Entrepreneur Visa, often referred to as the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (phased out in 2019), has been succeeded by the Innovator Visa and Start-Up Visa. These visas are tailored for ambitious individuals looking to establish innovative businesses in the UK.
With the 2025 updates, there’s a renewed focus on business viability and sustainability, encouraging entrepreneurs to bring more value to the UK economy. This includes stricter evaluation criteria, making the expertise of a dedicated visa lawyer indispensable.
Key Features of the Innovator Visa:
- Requires an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body.
- Minimum investment of £50,000 in 2024, maintained for 2025.
- Focus on innovative, scalable, and viable business ideas.
Our Services: At Primus Solicitors, we specialize in preparing robust applications, helping you secure endorsements, and ensuring your business idea aligns with immigration requirements.
Is entrepreneur visa still valid in UK?
No, the Entrepreneur Visa is no longer valid in the UK. It was replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa and the Start-up Visa in March 2019 as part of the UK government’s efforts to attract more innovative entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas.
Key Differences:
- Innovator Founder Visa: For more experienced entrepreneurs, this visa requires you to have at least £50,000 in investment funds to start a business, and your business idea must be endorsed by an approved organization.
- Start-up Visa: Aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs without needing significant investment funds, but you must have your idea endorsed by a designated UK organization.
If you were on the Entrepreneur Visa before its closure, you can continue on that visa until it expires, but future applicants must apply for the Innovator or Start-up Visa instead.
Requirements For A Startup Visa | Common Challenges faced
The Start-up Visa in the UK is designed for individuals looking to launch an innovative business. To be eligible, you must have an endorsed business idea that is new, innovative, and scalable, and it must be supported by a recognized endorsing body. Unlike the Innovator Visa, there is no minimum investment fund requirement. However, you must show that you can financially support yourself while in the UK, with a minimum of £1,270 in personal savings. The visa is valid for 2 years, and it allows you to work on your business idea full-time. After 2 years, you can switch to an Innovator Visa if your business has progressed.
The application process for an Entrepreneur Visa in the UK can be complex and time-consuming. Here are some common challenges:
- Endorsement Hurdles: Securing approval from endorsing bodies can be competitive.
- Documentation Requirements: Incomplete or incorrect paperwork is a frequent reason for refusals.
- Financial Proofs: Demonstrating investment funds in a traceable and legitimate manner can be tricky.
Primus Solicitors’ Role:
We meticulously handle every aspect of your application, from gathering documents to drafting compelling business plans, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
How much do you need for entrepreneur visa UK?
To apply for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you need to meet specific financial requirements. Firstly, you must have at least £50,000 in investment funds to support your business, which can come from personal savings or external investors.
Additionally, you need to show you have sufficient personal maintenance funds, with a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. If you’re bringing dependents, you’ll need to demonstrate extra funds for each family member: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child. These funds are necessary to ensure you can support both your business and living expenses in the UK while building your entrepreneurial venture.
How 2025 Difference from 2024
| Aspect | 2024 | 2025 |
| Investment Threshold | £50,000 | £50,000 (unchanged) |
| Endorsement Bodies | Limited numbers | Expanded options, more scrutiny |
| Business Idea Focus | Viable and innovative | Scalable, with environmental goals |
| Application Timeline | Average 8 weeks | Streamlined to 6 weeks |
Stay Ahead: With these updates, our lawyers ensure your application aligns perfectly with the 2025 requirements, maximizing approval chances.
Why is Primus Solicitors Better than Others?
At Primus Solicitors, we believe in more than just providing legal services—we are your business growth partners. Our tailored approach includes:
- Comprehensive consultations to understand your vision.
- Drafting business plans that meet immigration and market demands.
- Ensuring compliance with evolving UK immigration laws.
With a 98% success rate for business visa applications, we’ve helped countless entrepreneurs achieve their UK ambitions.
Costs and Processing Times
While official visa application fees remain at £1,036, additional costs like the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and legal representation fees can vary. Our transparent pricing ensures you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden charges.
Entrepreneur Visa Lawyer UK FAQs
- Can I switch to an Innovator Visa from another UK visa?
Yes, depending on your current visa category. Contact us to evaluate your eligibility. - How long does it take to get the visa?
Applications typically take 6-8 weeks, but our proactive approach often shortens the timeline. - Can I bring dependents on this visa?
Absolutely! Your spouse and children under 18 can join you in the UK. - What happens if my endorsement is rejected?
We assist in refining your business plan and reapplying, ensuring a stronger submission. - Are there renewal options for the Innovator Visa?
Yes, the visa can be extended for 3 years, with no cap on renewals, provided you meet the criteria.
The Primus Advantage
Choosing the right legal partner can make all the difference. At Primus Solicitors, our dedicated team of Entrepreneur Visa Lawyers ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.
Ready to turn your UK business dreams into reality? Contact us now or visit Primus Solicitors today. Your success is our priority!
