UK INNOVATOR FOUNDER VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The UK Innovator Founder Visa route is open to Swiss (and non-Swiss) start-up entrepreneurs and experienced businesspersons residing in Switzerland who wish to establish a business in the UK. Applicants from Switzerland do not need a specific amount of funds to invest, but must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea, supported by a business plan and approved by a UK endorsing body.

Applicants from Switzerland must have generated or significantly contributed to their business idea and intend to play a key role in the daily management and development of their business.

Visa Details for Swiss Residents

• Valid for 3 years.

• Can lead directly to indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

• Applicants can bring their partner and children under 18 to the UK.

If you are interested in starting a new business in the UK or already own a UK business, you may also be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship through your own UK company.

Requirements for a UK Innovator Founder Visa Application in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Innovator Founder Visa from Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are at least 18 years old.

• You have an endorsement letter from an approved UK endorsing body confirming:

  • You are fit and proper for endorsement under the Innovator Founder route.

  • No concerns about the source of any funds invested in your business.

  • No suspicion that you or your business benefits from illicit or unexplained wealth.

  • You have a business plan you generated or significantly contributed to.

  • You will have a daily role in the business.

  • You will have at least two contact point meetings with the endorsing body at regular intervals.

  • You are either the sole founder or an instrumental member of the founding team.

  • Your business venture is innovative, viable, and scalable.

• Your endorsement letter was issued no more than 3 months before your Innovator visa application.

• You are competent in English to at least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

• If you are outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you have at least £1270 to support yourself, plus £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for a first child, and £200 for each additional child.

• Your application does not fall under general grounds for refusal.

The exact requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances. We recommend consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law or a specialist UK immigration law firm for expert advice.

Who Is the Innovator Founder Visa Suitable For?

The Innovator Founder Visa is for start-up entrepreneurs and experienced businesspersons in Switzerland looking to set up an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK.

Applicants typically have a new business idea and the business is not yet established. However, you may join a business after it is registered with Companies House in the UK, provided it has not started trading. The Home Office must be satisfied that you significantly contributed to the business plan.

Innovator Founders can work as sole founders or as part of a founding team, provided they are instrumental members.

If you wish to join an already trading business in the UK, the UK Skilled Worker visa may be more suitable. If you are a senior manager or specialist employee of an overseas business establishing a commercial presence in the UK, consider the UK Expansion Worker visa instead.

Investment Funds Requirement for a UK Innovator Founder Visa Application from Switzerland

Innovator Founder Visa applicants from Switzerland do not need to show a specific amount of investment funds. However, your business idea must be viable and scalable, meaning you need to demonstrate access to sufficient funds to set up and grow your business.

Endorsement Criteria for a UK Innovator Founder Visa Application from Switzerland

New Business Endorsement Criteria

To be endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body, you must meet these requirements:

General Requirements

• You are a fit and proper person to receive endorsement.

• No concerns about the source of any funds invested.

• No suspicion of illicit or unexplained wealth.

Business Plan Requirement

• Have a business plan you generated or significantly contributed to.

• Demonstrate a daily role in the business.

• Confirm at least two contact point meetings with your endorsing body during your permission period.

• Be the sole founder or an instrumental member of the founding team.

Innovative, Viable, and Scalable Business Requirement

• Innovation: Genuine, original business plan meeting new or existing market needs or creating a competitive advantage.

• Viability: Realistic, achievable business plan based on available resources. Possess or develop necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness.

• Scalability: Evidence of structured planning and potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.

Same Business Endorsement Criteria

If you previously had permission on the Innovator, Innovator Founder, Start-up, or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route, you may apply for further endorsement:

• Business registered with Companies House, listing you as a director or member.

• Business is active, trading, and sustainable.

• Significant progress against your business plan.

• Active in daily management and development.

• Attended at least two contact point meetings with your endorsing body.

Approved UK Endorsing Bodies

Approved UK endorsing bodies include:

• Envestors Limited

• UK Endorsement Services

• Innovator International

• The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)

Legacy Endorsing Bodies may continue to support previously endorsed Innovators until they reach Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Richmond Chambers Switzerland S.A. can introduce eligible clients to endorsing bodies, ensuring direct contact with investment panel members and timely decision-making.

English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

Innovator Founder Visa applicants from Switzerland must show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at least level B2.

Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

Swiss Citizen (and non-Swiss Citizen) applicants from Switzerland must show at least £1,270 in personal funds held for 28 days before the application date.

Applying as Part of a Team

Swiss Nationals (and non-Swiss Nationals) residing in Switzerland can apply for a UK Innovator Founder Visa as part of a founding team, but each applicant must receive their own endorsement from an approved endorsing body.

Switching into the UK Innovator Founder Visa Category

Innovator Founder Visa applications can be made from Switzerland or by switching within the UK, provided you were not last granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules.

Application Fee in Switzerland

• £1,191 if applying from outside the UK.

• £1,486 if switching within the UK.

• £1,000 (ex. VAT) endorsement fee to the relevant endorsing body.

Innovator Founder Visa Validity Period

• Initial visa valid for 3 years.

• Possible to extend for 3-year periods, subject to re-endorsement.

• No maximum time limit in the Innovator Founder category.

• Apply for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years in the category.

Conditions of Stay

• Work for the business you have established.

• Permitted secondary employment in a skilled role (at least RQF Level 3).

Contact Point Meetings

• At least two contact point meetings with your endorsing body at regular intervals.

• Assess progress against your business plan.

• Visa may be cancelled if you fail to attend meetings.

Indefinite Leave to Remain as an Innovator Founder

Requirements include:

• Endorsement by an approved UK endorsing body, confirming significant achievements, active trading, and sustainability.

• Satisfying at least two criteria, such as investment, job creation, customer growth, research and development, or revenue generation.

• No more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during the 3 years before application.

• Sufficient knowledge of English and Life in the UK.

Stages to Obtaining an Innovator Founder Visa

1. Complete Enquiry Form: Free initial assessment of your suitability.

2. Eligibility Assessment: Verify general eligibility requirements.

3. Concept Assessment: Review and advise on your business concept.

4. Introduction to Endorsing Bodies: Formal introduction to endorsing bodies.

5. Concept and Business Plan Approval: Consultation and endorsement process.

6. Full KYC and Due Diligence: Background check and fund source verification.

7. Visa Application: Prepare and submit application to Home Office.

8. Approval & Mentoring: Post-approval support and mentoring.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Richmond Chambers is recognised as one of the UK’s leading immigration practices for Innovator Founders. Our team assists innovative entrepreneurs from Switzerland with immigration options, guiding them through Home Office rules and policies.

We provide approachable, proactive, and reliable immigration advice to entrepreneurs and businesspersons residing in Switzerland as part of a professional and friendly service.