Brazilian applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Innovator Founder visa for Brazilian citizens
Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
This page covers the Innovator Founder visa specifically for Brazilian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Brazil. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 3 weeks – 8 weeks
- Government fees
- Endorsement body fees (varies by body) plus visa application fee and IHS £1,035/year.
- Typical duration
- 3 years per grant; extendable. Leads to settlement after 3 years.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro
Tourist entry vs. this route
Brazilian nationals enter United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Innovator Founder visa is required separately for the activity it covers.
Key figures for Brazilian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
3 weeks – 8 weeks
Endorsement by an approved body is a pre-requisite; visa decision is 3 weeks outside the UK or 8 weeks inside.
Verified 1 June 2026 · GOV.UK — Innovator Founder visa →
Time to permanent residence
Arrival → ILR (5 years) → citizenship (6 years). Faster on Global Talent / Innovator Founder (3 years to ILR).
Leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), then British citizenship.
Visa overview
The Innovator Founder visa replaced the Start-up and Innovator visas in April 2023. It requires endorsement from a Home Office–approved body based on a business that is innovative, viable and scalable. Unlike its predecessor, there is no minimum investment threshold — but the endorsement bar has risen.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Endorsement from an approved body confirming the business is innovative, viable and scalable.
- ✓English language at CEFR B2.
- ✓Financial requirement of £1,270 held for 28 days (unless exempt).
Common blockers
- !Business lacks genuine novelty — a copy of an existing UK or foreign business rarely meets the innovation criterion.
- !Plan does not show realistic path to market and growth.
Typical evidence
- ·Detailed business plan tailored to endorsement body's criteria.
- ·Evidence of any funding, team, or traction to date.
- ·Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body.
Application pathway
Develop and validate the business concept
Most successful applicants spend months refining the business case and financial model before approaching an endorsing body.
Engage an approved endorsing body
Apply to one of the Home Office–approved endorsing bodies. Each has its own application process, fees, and review cadence.
Secure endorsement
Receive the endorsement letter confirming the innovation, viability and scalability tests are met.
Submit visa application
File the visa application within 3 months of endorsement and pay fees.
Launch and attend contact-point meetings
Attend endorsement body contact-point meetings at 12 and 24 months and provide evidence of progress.
Other United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes covered for Brazilian applicants
Not sure United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer entrepreneur routes that Brazilian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Brazilian citizens eligible for the Innovator Founder visa?+
Eligibility for the Innovator Founder visa is set by UK Home Office and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Brazilian applicants typically file the Innovator Founder visa?+
São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by UK Home Office — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Brazilian applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
Brazilian nationals enter United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Innovator Founder visa is required separately for the activity it covers.
How long does the Innovator Founder visa take to process from Brazil?+
The typical published decision window is 3 weeks – 8 weeks. Brazilian applicants usually file via São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: GOV.UK — Innovator Founder visa, verified 1 June 2026.
How long until permanent residence in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?+
Arrival → ILR (5 years) → citizenship (6 years). Faster on Global Talent / Innovator Founder (3 years to ILR). The route leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), then British citizenship. See GOV.UK — Citizenship and living in the UK for the qualifying-residence rules.
Is there a minimum investment for the Innovator Founder visa?+
No. Unlike the previous Innovator visa, there is no £50,000 minimum investment threshold. However, applicants still need to demonstrate realistic financial planning and access to funds appropriate to the business plan.
Can two founders apply together?+
Yes. Joint founders can apply under the same business provided each meets the eligibility criteria and each is individually endorsed.