Updated 8 November 2026
The UK Innovator Founder visa is the UK’s route for founders who want to start and run a new, innovative business there. It does not depend on a job offer. Instead, an approved endorsing body must back your business idea. For Kenyan founders, the question is less about money and more about whether the idea is genuinely new and can grow. This guide sets out the rules and costs from GOV.UK.
Source: GOV.UK Innovator Founder visa guidance (last updated 9 September 2026), including its eligibility, English and documents sections, read on 8 November 2026. Check GOV.UK for changes before applying.
On this page
UK Innovator Founder visa: key facts
| Item | GOV.UK rule |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Founders setting up a new, innovative business in the UK |
| Endorsement | Required from an approved endorsing body; £1,000 fee |
| Check-ins | Meet the endorsing body at 12 and 24 months; £500 each time |
| Visa fee | £1,357 from outside the UK; £1,693 to extend or switch inside |
| Savings | £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days |
| English | CEFR level B2 |
| Length | 3 years, extendable; settlement possible after 3 years |
| Decision | Usually 3 weeks from outside the UK |
What your business must be
GOV.UK says the business idea must be:
- new: you cannot join a business that is already trading;
- innovative: an original idea that is different from anything else on the market;
- viable, with potential for growth;
- scalable: with evidence of plans to create jobs and grow into national and international markets.
This excludes many common diaspora plans. Opening a franchise, an ordinary shop or a consultancy like many others already on the market will not pass the innovation test, however well funded.
Getting endorsed for the UK Innovator Founder visa
Before you apply, an approved endorsing body must assess your business or idea and, if it qualifies, issue an endorsement letter. You need that letter for the visa application. The endorsement costs £1,000, paid to the endorsing body. If your visa is granted, you meet the body after 12 and 24 months to show progress, at £500 per meeting. Your visa may be cut short if the endorsement is withdrawn.
For a new business, you must show the endorsing body you have enough funding and where it comes from. GOV.UK does not set a fixed minimum investment on these pages. You do not need investment funds if your business is already established and was endorsed for an earlier visa, or if you have agreed changes to it with your endorsing body.
Other requirements
- be at least 18;
- prove English at CEFR B2, through a UK school qualification, a UK degree, an English-taught overseas degree assessed by Ecctis, or a SELT. Kenya is not on the exempt list;
- have at least £1,270 of personal savings for 28 consecutive days. Investment funds and money from illegal work cannot be counted;
- provide TB test results, since Kenya is on GOV.UK’s TB test list, and certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh.
How much the UK Innovator Founder visa costs
- visa fee: £1,357 per person from outside the UK;
- endorsement: £1,000;
- check-in meetings: £500 each, at least two;
- immigration health surcharge, which GOV.UK says you must also pay with the application;
- £1,270 of savings to show.
Before the surcharge, test and translation costs, the fixed fees for one founder are £1,357 + £1,000 + £1,000 = £3,357 over the first three years. Dependants pay their own visa fees.
What you can and cannot do
You can set up one or more businesses, work for your business as a director or partner, take other work that needs at least a level 3 qualification, bring eligible dependants, travel, and apply to settle after 3 years if you meet the requirements. You cannot claim most public funds or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Steps from Kenya
- Test your idea against the four criteria and write a credible plan for jobs and growth.
- Choose an approved endorsing body from GOV.UK’s list and apply for endorsement.
- Prepare English evidence, a TB test, 28 days of bank statements and your passport.
- Apply online with your endorsement letter and pay the fee and surcharge.
- Prove your identity with the ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
- Expect a decision in about 3 weeks, then plan your 12-month check-in.
Is it right for you?
The visa suits founders with technology, fintech, agritech or product ideas that are genuinely new in the UK market and can be shown to scale. If your plan is mainly to work or study, the Skilled Worker or Graduate routes are better fits. Treat any agent who “guarantees” an endorsement with caution, because endorsing bodies make their own assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum investment for the UK Innovator Founder visa?
GOV.UK’s pages set no fixed figure. You must show the endorsing body you have enough funding and where it comes from.
Can I join an existing UK business?
No. The business must be new. You cannot join one that is already trading.
How long can I stay?
3 years, with unlimited 3-year extensions and possible settlement after 3 years.
Can my family come?
Your partner and children can apply as dependants if they are eligible.
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