Innovator Founder Visa: Business Endorsement Requirements for Swiss Citizens Explained

The Innovator Founder Visa is a unique opportunity for Swiss citizens and non-Swiss residents of Switzerland who wish to establish a business in the UK. To qualify, your business idea must be innovative, viable, and scalable, supported by an endorsement letter from an approved UK endorsing body or legacy endorsing body.

This post will delve into the specific business endorsement requirements needed to apply for the Innovator Founder Visa.

Overview of the Innovator Founder Visa Route for Swiss Nationals

Similar to the previous Start-up and Innovator visas, Swiss applicants for the Innovator Founder Visa must obtain an endorsement letter from a recognised endorsing body listed on the UK Home Office website. This letter must confirm that your business meets either the same business or new business criteria, and you must also demonstrate that you are a genuine Innovator Founder applicant.

You must fulfil the English language requirements at CEFR level B2 across all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Additionally, if you are applying for entry clearance or have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you need to show that you have held at least £1,270 for a 28-day period before the application date.

General Requirements for Innovator Founder Visa Endorsement for Swiss Citizens

When Swiss citizens apply for the Innovator Founder Visa, they must provide an endorsement letter from one of the approved endorsing bodies. This letter must include specific details, such as the endorsing body’s name, reference number, issue date, and your personal information.

The letter must confirm the following:

• You are a suitable and responsible candidate for the Innovator Founder route.

• The endorsing body has no concerns regarding the source of any funds you’ve invested in your business.

• The endorsing body has no reason to suspect that you or your business may be linked to illicit or unexplained wealth.

  
  

Endorsement Criteria for New Business Ventures by Swiss Nationals

Business Plan Requirement

To receive an Innovator Founder Visa endorsement, Swiss applicants must present a detailed business plan, showing that they have either generated or significantly contributed to the business idea. The endorsing body will evaluate your involvement in the day-to-day execution of this plan and require you to schedule at least two contact meetings during your visa period.

You can apply as the sole founder or as a key member of the founding team.

Innovative, Viable, and Scalable Business Requirement

• Innovation: Your business plan should be original, addressing new or existing market needs or creating a competitive edge. The endorsing body will assess the uniqueness and market potential of your idea, along with its ability to stand out from existing products or services.

• Viability: Your business plan must be realistic and achievable with the resources at your disposal. The endorsing body may evaluate the likelihood of your business succeeding in the UK, considering your skills, experience, and market knowledge.

• Scalability: You must provide evidence of structured planning, with potential for job creation and expansion into national and international markets. Swiss applicants should highlight plans to build a UK-based team and scale the business across borders.

Endorsement from Legacy Endorsing Bodies for Swiss Applicants

Legacy endorsing bodies were previously approved by the UK Home Office. To qualify under the new business criteria, your endorsement letter must have been issued before 13 April 2023 or be from the same body that supported your previous Start-up Visa.

Endorsement Criteria for the Same Business by Swiss Citizens

Swiss applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify under the same business route:

• You must have or have had permission as an Innovator Founder or under the Start-up or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route.

• Your business must have been previously assessed by an endorsing body.

• You must have attended at least two contact point meetings with the endorsing body during your visa period.

• Your business should be active, trading, sustainable, and making significant progress against your original plan.

• The business must be registered with Companies House, with you listed as a director, and you must be actively involved in its management.

  
  

Legacy Endorsing Bodies: 

Swiss applicants may use an endorsement letter from a legacy endorsing body if it is the same body that supported their previous Start-up Visa application and the letter is dated within the last 12 months.

Contact Our UK Immigration Law Specialists in Switzerland

Swiss citizens seeking expert advice on applying for the UK Innovator Founder Visa can contact our immigration lawyers in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or get in touch via our contact form.