Start-Up / Entrepreneur Route
For first-time founders and early-stage innovators establishing a business presence in the UK
Legate Hub provides structured guidance for early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to launch innovative, viable and scalable ventures under the Start-Up or transitional Entrepreneur visa routes.
Overview
The Start-Up and Entrepreneur routes are designed for individuals who wish to establish a business in the United Kingdom for the first time. Applicants must have a business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body that confirms innovation, viability and scalability. Successful founders may progress to the Innovator Founder route or settlement once the business demonstrates sustained growth and economic contribution.
Legate Hub’s team supports applicants with endorsement applications, business plan drafting, compliance preparation and post-approval business structuring.
Eligibility Requirements
- Endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body confirming that your business idea is innovative, viable and scalable.
- You must be at least 18 years old and intend to work full-time on developing your business venture in the UK.
- Ability to demonstrate ownership or significant contribution to the idea’s development.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and dependants (unless certified by the endorsing body).
- Evidence of English language ability meeting the minimum Home Office requirement (CEFR B2 level or above).
- Clean immigration history and no breaches of UK immigration law.
Required Documents
- Valid passport and travel documents.
- Endorsement letter issued within the last three months from an approved endorsing body.
- Comprehensive business plan demonstrating innovation, viability and scalability.
- Proof of maintenance funds (bank statements or endorser certification).
- Academic or professional qualification evidence (if relevant to business proposal).
- English language certificate or degree taught in English (if applicable).
- Proof of accommodation or intended UK address.
- Certified translations for non-English documents.
Application Process
- Stage 1 – Endorsement: Submit your business proposal, plan and supporting evidence to an approved endorsing body. Legate Hub assists with preparation, formatting and presentation.
- Stage 2 – Visa Application: Once endorsed, submit the online Home Office visa application, pay applicable fees, and book biometric appointment.
- Stage 3 – Decision: Await visa outcome (typically within 3–8 weeks, depending on service level).
- Stage 4 – Business Launch: Upon arrival, register your business and begin operations in line with your endorsement plan.
- Stage 5 – Progression to Innovator Founder: After demonstrating business traction, apply to switch to the Innovator Founder route for long-term residence or settlement eligibility.
Fees & Financial Overview
- Endorsement body fee (varies by organisation).
- Home Office visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Business setup costs including company registration, accounting, and professional advice.
- Legate Hub offers fixed-fee endorsement preparation and visa support packages tailored to early-stage founders.
Compliance & Monitoring
Endorsing bodies are required to monitor the progress of your business for the duration of your visa. Founders must:
- Work only on the endorsed business unless additional approval is obtained.
- Participate in periodic progress reviews and provide performance updates.
- Maintain accurate records of business activity, employment and financial performance.
- Inform the endorsing body and Legate Hub of any significant business changes or pivots.
Download Application Resources
Download and prepare these templates before endorsement submission. Legate Hub reviews all supporting materials before filing with endorsing bodies or the Home Office.
Why Choose Legate Hub
- End-to-end endorsement support tailored for first-time founders and early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Comprehensive business plan review aligned with endorsement criteria.
- Visa preparation and Home Office submission managed by experienced immigration professionals.
- Strategic guidance for transitioning to the Innovator Founder route or settlement eligibility.
Start Your Application Today
Ready to establish your business in the UK? Apply via Legate Hub
For strategic planning assistance, contact our immigration specialists.