Country Specific Entrepreneur Visa Guides

Choose the Best UK Startup Visa Pathway with AI-Powered Eligibility Analysis

Your Quick Route to the UK’s Entrepreneur Landscape

Feeling lost in a maze of visa options? The UK offers a handful of routes under the Global Entrepreneur Visa umbrella. Innovator Founder, Expansion Worker or even self-sponsorship—each has its own rules. Choosing wrong can cost time and money. You deserve clarity.

That’s where Torly.ai comes in. This AI-driven eligibility checker analyses your background, business idea and funding in minutes. It pinpoints the best Global Entrepreneur Visa path for you—no guesswork, no jargon. Ready to skip the stress? AI-Powered Global Entrepreneur Visa Application Assistant

Global Entrepreneur Visa Landscape

The old Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Start-Up visas are long gone. In their place sit three main options:

  • Innovator Founder Visa: For innovative ventures with endorsement.
  • UK Expansion Worker Visa: For overseas businesses setting up UK operations.
  • Self-sponsorship under Skilled Worker: Sponsor yourself via your own UK company.

Each route follows strict Home Office guidelines. You’ll meet rules on English, funds, endorsements and more. A single slip can trigger delays—or even a refusal.

Main Eligibility Hurdles

  • English language level (B2 or above).
  • Proof of funds (from £1,270 held for 28 days).
  • Endorsement from an approved body (for Innovator Founder).
  • Valid sponsorship licence (for Expansion Worker or Skilled Worker).

Get these wrong, and you’ll waste months. But nail them, and you can pivot to settlement and growth.

Pathway 1: Innovator Founder Visa

This is the flagship Global Entrepreneur Visa route. It focuses on:

1. Innovative, Viable, Scalable

Your business plan must tick three boxes:

  1. Innovative: Original idea.
  2. Viable: Realistic goals and the right skills.
  3. Scalable: Job creation and market growth potential.

An approved endorsing body reviews your plan. They’ll ask tough questions. Be prepared.

2. Endorsement Process

  • Pick an endorsing body from the Home Office list.
  • Compile a persuasive business plan and evidence of funds.
  • Attend an interview (often virtual) if invited.
  • Secure your written endorsement letter.

Cost: £1,000 (excl. VAT) for endorsement + visa fee (£1,274 overseas or £1,590 in-UK).

3. Financial & Language Requirements

  • Hold at least £1,270 for 28 days.
  • Prove B2-level English (GCSE, degree, test or nationality).

No overdrafts. No shortcuts.

4. Extensions & Settlement

Your Innovator Founder visa runs for 3 years. You must report progress at 12- and 24-month milestones (often with your endorsing body). You can extend indefinitely, but each extension needs a new endorsement (£1,000).

After 3 years, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Criteria include:

  • £50,000 investment or significant business growth.
  • Creation of 10 full-time jobs or doubling of customers.
  • No more than 180 days spent outside the UK per year.

Pathway 2: UK Expansion Worker Visa

Want to expand an overseas company into the UK? The Expansion Worker Visa is your pick.

Who It Suits

  • Senior managers or specialist employees of a non-UK business.
  • Businesses not yet trading in the UK but ready to set up a branch or subsidiary.

Key Requirements

  • 12 months’ service for your overseas employer.
  • UK sponsor licence for the receiving UK entity.
  • Evidence of a UK “footprint” (premises lease or Companies House registration).
  • A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the worker.

Costs:

  • Visa: £298
  • Sponsor licence: £536
  • Healthcare surcharge + £1,270 in funds

Stays last 12 months, extendable by a further 12. No direct path to settlement.

Pathway 3: Self-Sponsorship under Skilled Worker

You can sponsor yourself if:

  1. You set up a UK company.
  2. You secure a sponsor licence.
  3. You assign yourself a qualifying role and salary.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Full control over your business and job title.
  • Cons: Complex licence process and ongoing compliance duties.

This route mirrors standard Skilled Worker rules. Seek professional advice to avoid missteps.

Why AI-Powered Eligibility Analysis Matters

Choosing the wrong Global Entrepreneur Visa route feels risky. Rules change often. Endorsements get stricter. You can waste months on paperwork.

Enter Torly.ai:

  • Instant, multi-angle checks on your business idea.
  • Deep dive into your experience and funding sources.
  • Gap analysis with clear action steps.
  • 24/7 AI support—no waiting weeks for a consultant.

Real-world results? A 95% simulated success rate and faster preparation. Say goodbye to form-filling nightmares and vague advice. With AI, you get:

  • A personalised score on each visa option.
  • Customised business plan drafts aligned to EB expectations.
  • Live feedback on documents, from financial proofs to CVs.

Ready for a fast, accurate Global Entrepreneur Visa recommendation? Explore the AI-Powered Global Entrepreneur Visa Eligibility Checker

Steps to Get Started with Torly.ai

  1. Sign up on the Torly.ai platform.
  2. Input your background, idea summary and funding details.
  3. Review your tailored report with top-ranked visa routes.
  4. Follow step-by-step guidance to fill forms and prepare docs.
  5. Submit with confidence—and track progress in real time.

Let AI handle the heavy lifting. Focus on refining your pitch, meeting endorsing bodies and growing your business.

Conclusion

The UK’s entrepreneur landscape offers solid routes under the Global Entrepreneur Visa label. Innovator Founder, Expansion Worker and self-sponsorship each have their own hurdles. Torly.ai cuts through the complexity with AI-powered analysis. It helps you pick the right route, strengthen your application and boost your chances of success.

Stop guessing. Start applying with clarity. Start your AI-Powered Global Entrepreneur Visa readiness journey