UK immigration routes for running your own business

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Separate business registration from permission to work

Incorporating a limited company, buying shares or registering as self-employed does not itself give you permission to live and work in the UK. First check your current immigration conditions: whether self-employment, company management and the proposed activities are permitted. Do not start paid work as a visitor expecting to regularise everything retrospectively.

Write down the business model, your role, funding source and where the work will actually take place. Choose an immigration route on that basis. If you already hold suitable independent permission, a new business-related visa may be unnecessary.

When Innovator Founder may fit

Innovator Founder ↗ requires endorsement of a new, innovative, viable and scalable venture. Simply opening a shop, salon or consultancy does not automatically establish those qualities. For a new venture, you must demonstrate sufficient funding and its source; business investment is separate from personal maintenance funds.

Before applying, read the eligibility requirements ↗ and select an organisation from the official endorsing body list ↗. Prepare a business plan, customer and competitor analysis, start-up budget, revenue forecast and explanation of your role. A consultant's promise of guaranteed endorsement does not replace the authorised body's decision.

Compare realistic alternatives

A specialist in an eligible field may qualify for Global Talent ↗, based on achievements rather than buying a business. Working through your own company under Skilled Worker would require full compliance with sponsor, job and salary rules ↗. There is no separate official route named self-sponsorship: that marketing term does not remove the requirements for a genuine role and sponsorship licence.

Compare permitted activities, family eligibility, costs, risks if the basis of permission ends and future settlement conditions. A commercially sensible project does not necessarily satisfy an immigration route. For a complicated ownership structure, obtain advice from a regulated immigration professional before making substantial investments.

Budget for ongoing requirements

In October 2026, Innovator Founder application fees are listed as £1,357 outside the UK and £1,693 for extending or switching inside the UK. Endorsement costs a separate £1,000, with £500 for each mandatory contact meeting, of which at least two are required. Add IHS and family application costs.

Permission normally lasts three years, with progress meetings after 12 and 24 months. Withdrawal of endorsement can affect the visa. Extension and settlement have their own requirements: turnover or paying tax does not by itself secure ILR. Keep financial records, progress evidence and a meeting calendar from the start of trading.