The UK may have closed its Tier 1 Investor Visa, but strategic pathways remain open for global entrepreneurs. From the Innovator Founder visa to self-sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, the UK offers flexible, business-led options for relocation and growth in 2025.
The United Kingdom remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for international investors and entrepreneurs. With its world-class financial services, stable legal environment, and access to global markets, the UK continues to draw ambitious individuals looking to expand their businesses or protect their wealth through strategic relocation. While the formal UK investor visa—the Tier 1 (Investor) route—was officially closed in 2022, alternative pathways remain open and have evolved significantly by 2025.
Today, entrepreneurial individuals can access the UK market through several immigration routes, each tailored to different profiles of business people and investors. Among the most relevant are the Innovator Founder visa, the UK Expansion Worker visa, and Skilled Worker self-sponsorship—all of which offer viable, legal pathways to residency and eventual settlement.
The Innovator Founder visa was designed to replace the former Innovator route and is ideal for individuals launching scalable businesses that are innovative and viable. Unlike previous requirements, applicants no longer need a minimum £50,000 investment but must be endorsed by an authorised UK body. The business idea must be new and not previously operated in the UK, offering a solution to a problem or creating real value in its sector. This visa now allows limited supplementary work, making it more flexible and attractive to founders with international commitments.
The UK Expansion Worker visa is gaining popularity among entrepreneurs operating successful overseas businesses who wish to establish a UK presence. Under this route, a business can apply for a sponsor licence and then assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to a senior employee—often the founder—who will come to the UK to set up the branch or subsidiary. This route doesn’t lead to immediate settlement, but it can be combined with long-term planning to transition into routes that do.
For those already managing businesses abroad, self-sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa is another creative and increasingly used solution. Entrepreneurs incorporate a UK company, apply for a sponsorship licence, and sponsor themselves for a key role. This allows them to live and work in the UK while building a business that aligns with the Skilled Worker rules. If structured properly, this route offers a clear path to Indefinite Leave to Remain and eventually British citizenship.
As Argentina considers introducing its own golden visa, and countries like the UAE and Portugal restructure investor programmes, the UK remains unique for offering genuine business-led migration opportunities without tying residency to real estate or passive capital investment.
As the UK adapts its immigration policies to attract high-impact entrepreneurs and investment-driven growth, the door remains open to those who plan strategically. With expert advice and careful structuring, entering and thriving in the UK market remains not only possible—but rewarding.
At Bridge Partners, we understand that every client’s situation is different. That’s why we provide personalised advice and step-by-step support for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners navigating the UK’s complex immigration system. From setting up your UK company to securing your sponsor licence and submitting your visa application, we guide you through every stage with legal precision and strategic insight.
We also assist with long-term planning, including family relocation, tax advisory, and settlement options. Whether you are launching a new tech company, expanding a global enterprise into the UK, or exploring investor visa alternatives, Bridge Partners offers solutions that are compliant, practical, and built around your goals.