Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Guidance
The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa category of the Points-Based System was designed for individuals seeking to invest in the United Kingdom by setting up, taking over, and actively managing one or more businesses in the UK.This visa category aimed to attract entrepreneurial talent to contribute to the UK’s economic growth.
Contact us for expert assistance with your Entrepreneur visa application.
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Entrepreneur Visa
To apply for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, you must meet specific requirements. You need access to investment funds of at least £50,000 or £200,000, depending on your circumstances. These funds must be held in one or more regulated financial institutions and be freely available (“disposable”) to invest in a UK business
If utilizing third-party funds, they can come from family members, other investors, or corporate bodies, whether within the UK or overseas. Additionally, you must demonstrate your English language proficiency by passing an approved test at CEFR Level B1, holding a degree taught in English equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
It’s also essential to prove you have sufficient personal savings to support yourself while in the UK, with required amounts varying based on where you apply from.
You need £200,000 from personal or third-party sources to invest in a UK business venture.
Show English skills by passing a test or holding a degree taught in English.
Demonstrate sufficient personal savings to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
Regulated Financial Institutions Investment funds must be in regulated institutions and free to spend in the UK.
Contact Salam Immigration for expert assistance with your Entrepreneur Visa application.
Services We Provide
Innovator Founder Visa Guidance
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs seeking to establish an innovative business in the UK. This visa provides a pathway for entrepreneurs to settle in the UK while contributing to business growth and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:
- Have a business idea endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B2 or equivalent).
- Demonstrate financial sufficiency to support themselves in the UK.
- Actively engage in developing and managing their UK business.
This visa replaces the former Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, offering more flexibility and support for innovative business ventures.
Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is granted for three years, with the opportunity to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after this period. Successful applicants can settle in the UK, expand their business, and eventually apply for British citizenship.
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Guidance
Please Note: The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa category is closed to new applicants as of 29th March 2019. It has been replaced by the Innovator Visa for entrepreneurs wishing to establish a business in the UK. However, if you currently hold a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, you may still apply for extensions or settlement under this route.
Innovator Visa Business Endorsement Requirements
Before beginning your Innovator Visa application, you must have your business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body. These bodies are organisations with a proven track record of supporting UK entrepreneurs, including reputable venture capital firms and business development organisations.
Endorsing bodies will assess your business idea based on three key criteria:
- Innovation You need to present a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and will benefit the UK economy.
- Viability You must demonstrate that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to run the business successfully.
- Scalability Your business should have potential for growth and job creation within the UK market.
Required Documents for the Innovator Visa
At Salam Immigration, we are dedicated to delivering expert advice and comprehensive support to individuals and families across the UK. With a trusted Immigration Lawyers, our advisors are fully trained and regulated to handle a wide range of cases.
We assist clients with both private and corporate immigration matters, as well as publicly funded support for asylum seekers, victims of domestic abuse, and survivors of trafficking.
Our professional services cover various immigration processes, including:
- Entry clearance, leave to enter and leave to remain applications
- Points-based system applications
- Marriage and Family visa applications
- Permanent residency and British citizenship applications
- Work permits and employment-related immigration matters
- Deportation appeals, bail, and detention issues
- Refugee and humanitarian protection requests
- Appeals and judicial review challenges
Your Trusted Immigration Experts Across the UK
Salam Immigration is a nationwide immigration law firm with offices in over 4 cities across the UK. Our team of 20+ experienced immigration lawyers is ready to assist you, whether in person at one of our offices or remotely via phone or online consultations.
We prioritize your convenience and tailor our services to meet your needs. You can visit our offices in cities like:
- London
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Leicester
- Chester
At Salam Immigration, every client matters. We are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you, just as we have for countless satisfied clients featured on our website.
Increase Your Chances of UK Visa Success With Salam Immigration
When applying for a UK visa with our Immigration Lawyers, you will receive full support at every stage of the process. We will assist you in gathering, organising, and presenting your supporting documents in a well-structured portfolio, helping to minimise delays or the risk of refusal by the Home Office.
As part of our service, your dedicated Immigration Lawyers draft a Letter of Representation—a professionally written document based on case law, immigration legislation, and Home Office guidelines—to strengthen your case.
To ensure accuracy and compliance, our Immigration Lawyers will complete and submit all application forms and supporting documents on your behalf. Our team will also liaise with the Home Office throughout the process until a decision is reached.
While UKVI has the final say on visa applications, we are committed to providing you and your family with the highest quality legal support, personalised care, and expert guidance—reflected in our strong success rates and client satisfaction.
What Can Salam Immigration Do for You?
Our services range from one-off advice sessions—where our Immigration Lawyers assess your eligibility and requirements—to comprehensive application and appeal support packages tailored to your specific circumstances.
When you choose Salam Immigration, you will be assigned a dedicated Immigration Lawyers who specialises in your area of immigration law, whether that be visas, nationality, corporate immigration, EEA applications, or asylum matters. Your advisor will work closely with you, providing realistic and transparent guidance on your case, outlining an action plan, and helping you prepare the necessary documents, evidence, and application forms.
Specialist Immigration Services for Businesses
As experts in UK immigration law, we also offer a wide range of corporate immigration services for businesses, entrepreneurs, overseas investors, employers, recruiters, and education providers.
We assist businesses in obtaining sponsor licences, support professionals looking to work or set up a business in the UK, and guide education providers on enrolling international students on Student Visas. Additionally, we help carriers, hauliers, and transport service providers meet their legal obligations when operating in the UK.
Specialist Immigration Services for Businesses
Get in touch with our team to book a consultation with one of our top Immigration Lawyers. We’re here to provide the guidance you need to navigate the immigration process with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Why Work With Salam Immigration Specialists?
- How Can Salam Immigration Assist You and Your Family?
- Your Trusted Immigration Experts Across the UK
- Increase Your Chances of UK Visa Success With Salam Immigration
- What Can Salam Immigration Do for You?
- Specialist Immigration Services for Businesses
- Immigration Solutions from Professionals
Table of Contents
- Why Work With Salam Immigration Specialists?
- How Can Salam Immigration Assist You and Your Family?
- Your Trusted Immigration Experts Across the UK
- Increase Your Chances of UK Visa Success With Salam Immigration
- What Can Salam Immigration Do for You?
- Specialist Immigration Services for Businesses
- Immigration Solutions from Professionals
Written By SalamImmigration
Samera Akhtar
Solicitor-Branch Manager
Samera Akhtar is an Expert Immigration Lawyer at Axis Solicitors. She also serves as a Compliance Officer for Legal and Administration with Axis Solicitors Limited. Samera specializes in Immigration law. Her extensive knowledge and expertise enable her to provide clients with effective legal solutions and comprehensive guidance in their immigration matters.
Our Advice Sessions are designed to provide you with expert guidance on your immigration situation. During these sessions, we assess your eligibility, discuss your options, and outline a clear action plan for your application or appeal. Whether you’re applying for a visa or seeking advice on your immigration status, our lawyers are here to help.
Yes, at Salam Immigration, we offer complete support for your UK Visa Application. From assessing your eligibility to helping you gather the necessary documents, we ensure your application is thorough and complies with Home Office requirements. Our team will guide you through each step to maximise your chances of a successful application.
If your visa application has been refused or if you’re facing immigration challenges, our Appeal Services & Legal Representation can help. We offer professional legal representation, helping you navigate the appeals process with confidence. Our lawyers will review your case, advise you on your best options, and represent you at hearings if necessary.
For urgent immigration needs, we offer a Fast-Track Application Service. This service ensures that your application is processed quickly, helping you get the results you need in the shortest time possible. Whether you need a visa, a work permit, or another immigration solution, we prioritise your case and ensure all steps are completed promptly.
Yes, our Documents & Records Checking Service ensures that all the paperwork for your application is in order. We will carefully review your documents to ensure accuracy and completeness, reducing the risk of delays or rejections. This service helps provide peace of mind that your application is fully prepared.
We provide Asylum and Detainee Help to those seeking protection in the UK. If you’re facing detention or need assistance with an asylum claim, our legal team offers expert support to guide you through the process. We’ll ensure your case is handled professionally, helping you navigate the asylum system or support you during detention.
