{"id":33487,"date":"2025-11-12T14:51:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/?p=33487"},"modified":"2025-11-12T14:52:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:52:24","slug":"innovator-founder-visa-a-gateway-for-spanish-entrepreneurs-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/2025\/11\/12\/innovator-founder-visa-a-gateway-for-spanish-entrepreneurs-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovator Founder Visa: A gateway for Spanish entrepreneurs in the UK\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In 2008, the UK introduced the Entrepreneur visa, which ran until 2018. Over the years, the system evolved, and in April 2023, the Innovator Founder visa replaced previous Innovator and Start-up visas, offering a more streamlined and supportive route for international entrepreneurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"><em>Blog post written by Chamber Member, <a href=\"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/single-member\/?userid=27483\">IAS<\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What Is the Innovator Founder Visa?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Innovator Founder visa is designed for individuals looking to establish a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">new business<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in the UK. Key features include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Endorsement from an approved body:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your business must be new, innovative, viable and scalable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No minimum investment required:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> You can bring your ideas to the UK without a fixed capital threshold.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Visa duration and extension:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The visa is initially granted for three years, with the option to extend for an additional three years. In some cases, holders may be eligible to apply for <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Indefinite Leave to Remain<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> after three years of lawful residence.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Family inclusion:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK, or remain as your dependants if already in the country and eligible.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This route provides not only the opportunity to establish a business in one of the world\u2019s most dynamic markets but also a pathway to long-term settlement in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Eligibility Criteria<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To qualify for the Innovator Founder visa, applicants must meet certain requirements to ensure they are prepared to establish a business in the UK. Applicants must:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be at least 18 years old<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have a new and endorsed business idea<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B2)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Demonstrate sufficient personal savings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Full eligibility details are available on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/innovator-founder-visa\/eligibility\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">GOV.UK<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How Spanish Entrepreneurs Can Apply<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spanish nationals interested in launching a business in the UK can follow these steps:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Develop an innovative business idea<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that is viable, scalable, and brings something new to the market.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Obtain endorsement<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> from one of the approved UK endorsing bodies:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">UK Endorsing Services<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Innovator International<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Envestors Limited<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Submit your visa application online<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, providing the necessary documents, including proof of identity, English language skills, and financial means.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Establish and grow your business<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in the UK while maintaining regular contact with your endorsing body.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Detailed guidance on the application process can be found <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/innovator-founder-visa\/apply-from-outside-the-uk\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why Apply Now?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Since its introduction, the Innovator Founder visa has seen a significant increase in successful applications, reflecting greater confidence in the process. In 2024 alone, nearly 1,000 Innovator Founder visas were granted \u2014 a clear sign that entrepreneurs see this as a stable and reliable route.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Home Office has also outlined plans to make the process even more attractive for overseas graduates of UK universities, encouraging them to start businesses and remain in the UK. This forms part of the government\u2019s long-term strategy to retain highly skilled talent and foster innovation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For Spanish entrepreneurs, this visa offers access to the UK\u2019s dynamic market, opportunities for investment and collaboration, and a supportive environment for business growth.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Next Steps<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re considering this route, here\u2019s what to do:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Research the endorsing bodies relevant to your business sector.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prepare a robust business plan that demonstrates <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">innovation, viability, and scalability<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gather all required documents before submitting your application.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For personalised guidance, Spanish nationals can turn to the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">British Chamber of Commerce in Spain<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for advice, and to our Member <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/single-member\/?userid=27483\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">IAS<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, whose team of immigration specialists provides tailored support to make the business visa application process as smooth and successful as possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how Spanish entrepreneurs can establish innovative businesses in the UK with the Innovator Founder visa in our latest blog by Chamber Member IAS<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":33490,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33487"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/75"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33487"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33487\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33487"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}