UK Business Visa – Routes for Entrepreneurs and Investors (2025 Guide)

The UK remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for innovation and investment.
Whether you plan to start a new venture, expand an overseas company, or invest in existing enterprises, the Home Office offers several immigration routes tailored to business leaders.

At AHJ Immigration, we help founders, investors and executives choose the correct route, prepare strong evidence, and secure long-term residence in the UK.

Overview of UK Business Visas in 2025

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa replaced both the Start-Up and Innovator routes.

Requirements

• Endorsement from an approved body;
• Business idea must be innovative, viable and scalable;
• English at B2 level;
• Regular check-ins with the endorser.

Benefits

• 3-year visa with direct path to ILR;
• No minimum investment threshold;
• Can take secondary employment.

AHJ Immigration assists with endorsement liaison, business plans and compliance.

Self-Sponsorship Route

Entrepreneurs can create a UK company, obtain a Sponsor Licence, and then sponsor themselves under the Skilled Worker route.

Advantages

• You control your own business and salary;
• No endorser or investor approval needed;
• Leads to ILR after 5 years.

Requirements

• Company registered with Companies House;
• Genuine vacancy at RQF Level 3 +;
• Minimum salary £29 000 (2025 rate).

This method suits established professionals launching UK subsidiaries or consultancies.

Global Talent Visa

For innovators, scientists and creatives who are already recognised in their field.

Eligibility

• Endorsement by a Home Office-approved body (e.g., Tech Nation successor, Arts Council, UKRI).
• Evidence of exceptional achievement or promise.

Key Benefits

• Work freely without sponsorship;
• Fast-track settlement after 3 years;
• Bring dependants with full rights.

Global Business Mobility – Expansion Worker

Designed for companies abroad opening their first UK branch.

Requirements

• Proof of overseas trading and link to UK entity;
• Sponsorship by licensed UK branch;
• Skilled role and minimum salary £48 500 (2025).

Limitations

• Temporary route only; no direct ILR; must switch later to Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder.

Investor Options in 2025

The old Tier 1 Investor Visa is closed, but investors can still:

• Support or partner with Innovator Founder applicants;
• Establish a company and self-sponsor their own visa;
• Invest through Global Talent or Skilled Worker routes if employed as directors or advisers.

Comparing Key Routes

Business Plan and Compliance Tips

• Prepare a clear business plan with market research and financial projections.
• Keep accurate payroll and tax records.
• File annual returns with Companies House and HMRC.
• For endorsed routes, submit progress reports on time.

AHJ Immigration reviews every business plan to ensure it meets Home Office expectations of “innovation and scalability”.

Transition and Switching Options

You can switch from:

• Graduate Visa → Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder;
• Skilled Worker → Self-Sponsorship or Innovator Founder;
• Expansion Worker → Skilled Worker or ILR after qualifying time.

Strategic switching can save years toward settlement.

Common Application Mistakes

1. Submitting generic business plans without innovation.
2. Using unregulated agents for endorsement.
3. Ignoring compliance after licence approval.
4. Under-reporting shareholding or salary to HMRC.
5. Failing to plan for dependant applications.

Preparing for ILR and Beyond

Whichever route you choose, maintain:

• Continuous lawful residence;
• Annual accounts and payslips;
• Life in the UK Test and English at B1 level.
  Settlement opens doors to British citizenship after 12 months of ILR.

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

We advise entrepreneurs and investors on:

• Choosing the best visa route;
• Sponsor Licence and self-sponsorship setup;
• Endorsement and business plan support;
• ILR and citizenship planning.

Our team combines immigration law expertise with real-world business understanding.

Why Choose AHJ Immigration

• OISC-regulated consultants with business-immigration experience.
• Transparent fees and clear timelines.
• Free 30-Minute Consultation to identify your route.
• 1-Hour Paid Consultation for in-depth strategy (deductible if you proceed).

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 or Book Your Consultation Online to begin your UK business-visa journey.

Disclaimer

Information accurate as of October 2025. Rules, endorsement criteria and salary thresholds may change. Always confirm current requirements on GOV.UK before applying.

FAQs

1. Is the UK Start-Up Visa still available?
No. It closed in 2023 and was replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa.

2. How much investment is needed for a UK business visa?
There is no fixed amount; you must show sufficient funds to launch and sustain your business.

3. Can I bring my family on a business visa?
Yes, dependants can join you and will usually have permission to work and study.

4. Can I switch from a Skilled Worker Visa to a business visa?
Yes. You may switch inside the UK if you meet requirements for Innovator Founder or self-sponsorship.

5. How soon can I get Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Innovator Founder route offers ILR after 3 years; Skilled Worker and self-sponsorship routes after 5 years of continuous residence.