Entrepreneurship and investment in the UK

The UK investor visa (Tier 1 Investor) has been closed since February 2022, and investing alone does not give residence. The main route for entrepreneurs in 2026 is the Innovator Founder visa: an innovative, viable and scalable business plan endorsed by an approved body, with no fixed minimum investment.

Business routes

The Innovator Founder visa

• The plan must be innovative (new to the market), viable and scalable (able to create jobs and grow).
• Endorsement comes from Home Office-approved bodies; check the current list before applying.
• The £50,000 minimum investment was removed in April 2023, but funding must be sufficient to deliver the plan.
• Holders may take other work alongside their own business.
• Partner and children can come too; the route leads to settlement.

Turkish nationals: the ECAA business route (Ankara Agreement)

The special business route for Turkish nationals (ECAA) has been closed to new applicants since 31 December 2020. But people who already hold this leave can still extend it and get settlement after 5 years.

Frequently asked questions

Does investing in the UK give residence?

No. The investor visa closed in 2022. Innovator Founder is for entrepreneurs who run their own innovative business.

How much money do I need for Innovator Founder?

There is no fixed minimum; the endorsing body checks that funding is sufficient to deliver the plan.

Is the Turkish ECAA business visa still open?

Not for new applicants; existing holders can extend and get settlement after 5 years.

Based on the Immigration Rules and the fees table of 8 April 2026.