Innovator Founder visa

United Kingdom · for applicants from Nigeria

Verified · 20 August 2026

For experienced entrepreneurs setting up an innovative, viable and scalable UK business. Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body. No fixed minimum investment (the old £50,000 rule was removed in 2023). Route to settlement after 3 years.

Rules last verified: 20 August 2026 · by Beatrice B

At a glance

Embassy processing

About 3 weeks after endorsement

Our turnaround

5–7 working days

Done-for-you Standard

Government fees

~£2,462

≈ ₦4,485,764

Path to settlement

3 years

Why applications get refused

Endorsement refused

Idea not innovative/viable/scalable, or founder not actively running it.

Fix: Show a genuinely novel, scalable plan and your active leadership role.

Maintenance funds not shown

£1,270 not held for 28 days.

Fix: Hold maintenance funds for the required period.

Document checklist

Required

Current passport / valid travel document

When: "all"

Endorsement letter from approved body

When: "all"

Business plan

When: "all (for endorsement)"

Proof of English (B2)

When: "unless exempt"

Proof of maintenance funds (£1,270)

When: "unless exempt"

TB test certificate

When: "Nigeria"

Application timeline

1. Prepare your application

Gather documents, draft supporting letters, complete forms

1–3 weeks

2. Rekoja review (if Done-for-you)

Specialist checks your file before you submit

5–7 working days

3. Submit online or at visa centre

Biometrics appointment may be required

1 day

4. Embassy decision

Standard processing. Priority options may be available.

About 3 weeks after endorsement

All-in government fees

These are the fees you pay to the government, not Rekoja's service fee. Shown at the indicative exchange rate.

Mandatory

Visa application fee

£1,357

2,472,454

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), per year

£1,035

1,885,770

Tuberculosis (TB) test at an approved clinic (IOM Nigeria charges about $94; the price is set by the clinic, not the Home Office)

£70

127,540

Biometric enrolment

£0

0

Total government fees

2,462

≈ ₦4,485,764

Optional

Priority / super-priority service (optional)

£500

911,000

Proof of funds (must hold, not pay)

Investment funds for the business

£0

0

Indicative. 1 GBP = 1,822 NGN · 16 September 2026. Government fees change. Confirm on the official website before paying.

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  • Rules verified against the official source, with the date
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Not a visa decision or legal advice. Rules shown are as of the last verification date above. Immigration rules change. Confirm before filing. The embassy decides, not Rekoja.