Start-Up Visa Alternatives After Closure – 2025 Options

The UK’s Start-Up Visa officially closed to new applicants in July 2023.
By 2025, entrepreneurs are asking the same question: what are my options now if I want to set up or expand a business in the UK?

Although the Start-Up route has ended, several strong alternatives remain. In this guide, AHJ Immigration explains the current visa landscape for innovators, skilled entrepreneurs, graduates and employers who still want to invest or work in the UK legally.

Why the Start-Up Visa Closed

The Start-Up Visa was originally designed for first-time entrepreneurs endorsed by approved UK institutions.
However, the route was replaced as part of the government’s drive to simplify and consolidate business immigration.

Reasons for closure included:

• Overlapping criteria with the Innovator route;
• Low business survival rates;
• Shift toward digital sponsorship and accountability models.

The Current Routes for Entrepreneurs (2025)

The Innovator Founder Route – The Natural Successor

Introduced in 2023, the Innovator Founder Visa combines features of the old Start-Up and Innovator visas.

Requirements:

• Endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body;
• A viable, innovative and scalable business plan;
• English at B2 level;
• Investment funds if required by endorsing body (no minimum set by law).

Benefits:

• 3-year visa with path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR);
• Ability to work for your business and take secondary employment;
• Spouse and children can accompany as dependants.

Self-Sponsorship – The Modern Entrepreneur’s Option

For experienced business owners, self-sponsorship is becoming the most practical route.

It involves:

1. Registering a UK company and applying for a Sponsor Licence;
2. Sponsoring yourself under the Skilled Worker Visa category;
3. Meeting skill and salary requirements (£29,000+ or appropriate SOC code rate).

Advantages:

• No third-party endorsement required;
• Full control of your company;
• Route to ILR after five years.

Graduate Entrepreneurs – What You Can Do Now

If you are on a Graduate Visa, you cannot extend it but you can switch into:

• Skilled Worker Visa (with employer sponsorship);
• Innovator Founder Visa (with endorsed business idea);
• Start your own company via self-sponsorship.

Universities often continue to support graduates through internal entrepreneurship programmes even after the Start-Up route closure.

Global Talent Visa – For Industry Leaders

The Global Talent route remains open to exceptional individuals endorsed by recognised UK bodies such as Tech Nation or Arts Council England.

Benefits:

• Work freely for any employer or business;
• No minimum salary;
• Route to ILR after 3 or 5 years;
• Family dependants allowed.

Skilled Worker Visa – For Stable Employment

Many would-be entrepreneurs now prefer to gain initial UK experience under the Skilled Worker Visa.
It allows long-term work, salary progression, and future sponsorship flexibility if you later launch your own venture.

Requirements (2025):

• Licensed employer sponsor;
• Eligible job role;
• Minimum salary of £29,000 or the going rate;
• English at B1 level.

Investment-Based Options

Though the old Investor Visa closed, entrepreneurs can still consider:

• Innovator Founder route with personal investment;
• Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility) route if opening a UK branch;
• Sponsor Licence route to bring key staff once business established.

Comparative Overview

How to Choose the Right Route

When deciding, consider:

• Your experience – entrepreneur, graduate, or employee?
• Financial readiness – do you have funds or a sponsor?
• Timeline – short stay or settlement goal?
• Risk tolerance – prefer employment stability or independence?

AHJ Immigration helps you compare options and plan the best legal pathway for 2025 and beyond.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

1. Applying under the wrong visa category.
2. Submitting weak or unverified business plans.
3. Ignoring endorsement body criteria.
4. Underestimating salary or maintenance requirements.
5. Failing to plan for dependants or ILR early.

The Role of Endorsing Bodies

For Innovator Founder applications, only approved endorsing bodies can assess and monitor your business.
They evaluate innovation, scalability and credibility every 12 months.
Strong mentoring relationships with endorsing bodies are often key to success.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

Our experienced team advises on every stage of the transition from Start-Up to new routes:

• Innovator Founder applications and endorsement liaison;
• Self-Sponsorship via Sponsor Licence setup;
• Business plan preparation and compliance reviews;
• Switching from Graduate or Skilled Worker routes;
• ILR and family applications after long-term residence.

We combine legal expertise with business insight to help you establish roots in the UK confidently.

Why Choose AHJ Immigration

• OISC-regulated immigration specialists.
• Transparent, fixed-fee service with clear timelines.
• Free 30-Minute Consultation to explore your options.
• 1-Hour Paid Consultation for in-depth strategy (deductible if you proceed).

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or Book Your Consultation Online to discuss your best visa option today.

Disclaimer

Information correct as of October 2025. Visa routes, eligibility and investment thresholds may change. Always confirm latest rules on GOV.UK before applying.

FAQs

1. Can I still apply for the Start-Up Visa in 2025?
No, it closed to new applicants in July 2023. Existing holders can extend or switch into Innovator Founder.

2. What replaced the Start-Up Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa replaced it, combining Start-Up flexibility with a direct route to settlement.

3. Can I start a business on a Skilled Worker Visa?
You may own shares but cannot run the business full-time unless sponsored or switched to a self-sponsorship or Innovator route.

4. Do I need investment funds for Innovator Founder?
Not by law, but most endorsing bodies expect evidence of sufficient capital to launch and scale.

5. Can I bring my family?
Yes. Dependants can apply with you under all major business routes and will have work rights.