Last reviewed: 31 October 2026. Sources: GOV.UK Innovator Founder visa guidance (checked 31 October 2026).
For founders and business owners based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the UK Innovator Founder visa is the main UK route for setting up and running an innovative business in person. This guide sets out the official requirements as published on GOV.UK, and what they mean in practice when you apply from the UAE.
Who the route is for
GOV.UK states that you can apply if you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK that is different from anything else on the market, your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved endorsing body, and you meet the other eligibility requirements. The route replaced the earlier Innovator visa.
Core requirements (GOV.UK, October 2026)
- Endorsement. An approved endorsing body must assess the business and issue an endorsement letter. GOV.UK says the business must be new (you cannot join a business that is already trading), innovative, viable with potential for growth, and scalable, with evidence of planning for job creation and growth into national and international markets.
- Funding and its source. If you are setting up a new business, you must show your endorsing body that you have enough funding and where it comes from.
- English language at CEFR B2. You can usually prove it with a UK school qualification, a UK degree, a degree taught in English and confirmed by Ecctis, or a Secure English Language Test. Nationals of listed countries (for example Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand) are exempt.
- Age. You must be at least 18.
- Personal maintenance funds. At least £1,270 held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. Investment funds for the business cannot count towards this.
Documents checklist
- Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body
- Valid passport or other identity and nationality document
- Bank statements showing the £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days
- Proof of the English requirement
- Tuberculosis test results if your nationality requires one
- Certified translations of any document not in English or Welsh
Applying from the UAE
- The application is made online. You then prove your identity either with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre; you are told which applies when you apply.
- GOV.UK says a decision usually comes within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. It can take longer, for example if documents need verifying or an interview is required.
Family members
Your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. A partner must be a spouse or civil partner, or have been in a relationship with you for at least 2 years. Dependants’ visas usually end on the same date as yours.
Length of stay and what comes next
- The visa is granted for 3 years.
- You meet your endorsing body after 12 and 24 months to show progress. The visa can be cut short if the endorsement is withdrawn.
- You can extend for further 3-year periods with a new endorsement, with no limit on the number of extensions.
- GOV.UK states you may be able to apply for settlement after 3 years in the UK, subject to the rules in force at the time.
How Baker & Co works with UAE-based founders
Baker & Co is a management and immigration consultancy with offices in Dubai and Lisbon. We help founders prepare the business case and evidence an endorsing body and UKVI will expect, and coordinate the application timeline from the UAE. Every decision rests with the endorsing body and UK Visas and Immigration.
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Official sources
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