Innovator Founder Visa Costs: Government and Preparation Fees

Updated 22 October 2026. The 2023 and 2024 fees previously shown here are outdated. The UK Start-up visa is closed to new applications. A new applicant should budget for the current Innovator Founder route and check official fees immediately before applying.

1. Government visa application fee

GOV.UK publishes the current Innovator Founder application fees for people applying outside the UK and those extending or switching inside the UK. The figures can change, so use the official visa overview and fees section as the live source rather than relying on a fee copied into an older article. Dependants have their own application costs.

2. Endorsement and contact-point fees

The route requires an endorsement from an approved body. The GOV.UK visa overview sets out the endorsement fee and the fees for required contact-point meetings after a successful application. Check the current endorsing-body list and the body’s current process. Payment for preparation services does not buy an endorsement.

3. Immigration health surcharge

Most applicants also pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the online application. The amount depends on the application and can change. Check GOV.UK’s healthcare surcharge guidance when budgeting.

4. Optional business preparation

Our business-plan, market-research, financial-model and pitch preparation services are separate from UKVI and endorsing-body fees. See the current service pricing page or ask for a scoped proposal. No service fee guarantees endorsement or a visa decision.