- country
- United Kingdom
- eligibility
- For founders setting up an innovative, viable and scalable new business in the UK. Applicant must be at least 18, get their business or idea assessed and endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body (endorsement letter required before applying), have enough personal savings to support themselves (at least £1,270 in the bank for 28 consecutive days), and meet the English language requirement. Cannot join a business that is already trading; investment funds or illegally earned income cannot be used to meet the maintenance requirement.
- processing notes
- Endorsement by an approved endorsing body is required first. From 8 January 2026 the English language requirement is CEFR Level B2 across all four components (per third-party guidance; not confirmed on the fetched GOV.UK eligibility page).