Nigerian entrepreneurs: learn everything you need to know about the UK’s start-up visa route (and its replacement), eligibility criteria, endorsement requirements, business idea checklist, and how to apply in 2025.

Introduction

If you’re a Nigerian entrepreneur with big plans and a global mindset, listen carefully: the “Start-up visa UK for Nigerian entrepreneurs” still has relevance, even though the official route has changed. While the original UK Start-up Visa has closed to new applications, the pathway for innovative business founders remains via the Innovator Founder Visa. (GOV.UK)
In this guide you’ll discover exactly what Nigerian entrepreneurs must do to turn their business ideas into UK residency success—how to align with endorsement bodies, meet requirements, perform documented steps and avoid costly mistakes.

What happened to the UK Start-up Visa?

The UK’s original Start-up Visa aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs without requiring investment funds. But since 13 July 2023, no new applications are accepted under that route. (Immigration Barrister)
Instead, the UK now directs you to the Innovator Founder Visa, which is crafted for entrepreneurs who meet higher thresholds of innovation. (GOV.UK)
Important for Nigerian entrepreneurs: If you have been preparing for the Start-up Visa, you must now revise your application strategy and focus on the Innovator Founder route—but much of the “Start-up visa UK for Nigerian entrepreneurs” logic remains relevant (innovation, endorsement, scalability).

Who is eligible? (For Nigerian entrepreneurs)

Here are the core eligibility criteria you must satisfy:

Be 18 years or older. (GOV.UK)
Have a new business idea—you cannot simply join or run an existing business for the Innovator Founder route. (GOV.UK)
Your business idea must be innovative, viable, and scalable – meaning it must show potential for growth and job creation (UK and global market). (Garth Coates)
Your idea must be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body. (GOV.UK)
Meet the English language requirement (at least CEFR B2 or equivalent) unless exempt. (Garth Coates)
Have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK (for the Innovator Founder route you’ll see higher costs). (TheCable)
Not fall foul of UK immigration suitability grounds (serious misconduct, criminal record, previous overstays). (GOV.UK)

For Nigerian applicants, additionally ensure:

Your Nigerian passport and identity documents are in order
Any non-English documents are translated and certified
You demonstrate your Nigerian business-history (if any) and link it to your UK business plan

Key requirements you must prepare (for Nigerian entrepreneurs)

A. Business Endorsement

You must secure a letter of endorsement from a UK endorsing body. This body assesses your business concept against innovation, viability and scalability. (Wise)
As a Nigerian, produce a compelling UK-market plan, show how you will operate from the UK, and indicate growth pathways.

B. Proof of English Language

You may need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B2 level unless you have a degree taught in English or are from certain exempt countries. (Garth Coates)

C. Financial Requirement

You’ll need to show you can support yourself in the UK. Recent guidance states you need at least £1,270 held for at least 28 days if applying from abroad. (TheCable)
Also ensure your endorsing business plan includes realistic financial projections, especially for scalability.

D. Business Plan & Documentation

As a Nigerian entrepreneur:

Create a business plan covering market, UK entry, cost model, growth strategy
Provide proof of funds, bank statements, supporting documents
If you have previous business experience in Nigeria, include reference letters, financial records
Translate any documents not in English and certify them. (GOV.UK)

E. Dependants

You may bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 as dependants. They must meet additional maintenance funds. (Garth Coates)

Application Process for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Here’s the step-by-step path:

Ideate your business and refine the concept
Find an endorsing body in the UK and apply for endorsement letter
Prepare your financial and English documents
Submit your visa application for the Innovator Founder Visa (online) once you have the endorsement letter
Pay visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge
Attend biometric appointment in Nigeria (UK visa application centre)
Decision-making: if successful, you can relocate to the UK as founder of your business
Execute your business plan and meet with your endorsing body at 12- and 24-month milestones (for Innovator Founder). (GOV.UK)
After 3 years (if requirements met) you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (UK settlement). (GOV.UK)

Specific Considerations for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Because the original “Start-up visa UK for Nigerian entrepreneurs” route is closed, you must adopt the Innovator Founder route or another entrepreneurial route.
Some Nigerian candidates may still have endorsement letters from older Start-up route; check validity and switch options.
Business context: consider how your Nigerian business idea translates to UK/ global market—local Nigerian market success alone may not suffice.
Currency and funding: funds in NGN must be converted and shown as UK-relevant GBP amounts in your statements.
Endorsing bodies expect global ambition—not just a niche local Nigerian offering.
Translating and legalising documents from Nigeria: ensure you have certified translations and your business history is credible to UK standards.

Common Pitfalls Nigerian Applicants Should Avoid

Waiting until last minute to secure endorsement letter—these take time
Applying under Start-up route unaware that it’s closed to new applicants. (Immigration Barrister)
Under-estimating the scalability requirement – UK authorities expect growth, job creation and UK market entry.
Poorly translated Nigerian documents or missing certification
Insufficient English proficiency evidence
Not demonstrating genuine intention to run the business actively (just being passive investor).
Relying only on business idea without credible competence or proof of ability to execute.

FAQs

Q1: Can a Nigerian entrepreneur apply for the Start-up Visa UK now?
A1: No — the Start-up Visa route closed for new applications on 13 July 2023. (GOV.UK) You should instead apply for the Innovator Founder Visa.

Q2: How much investment does a Nigerian entrepreneur need for the Innovator Founder Visa?
A2: There is no fixed minimum investment for Innovator Founder (unlike the older Innovator route which required £50,000). However you must show viability and scaling potential. (Sable International)

Q3: Does my business have to be trading already?
A3: No — you must be setting up the business for the first time (or switch into the route). The business should not be well established. (GOV.UK)

Q4: Can family dependants join me in the UK?
A4: Yes — your partner and children under 18 can apply to join you, provided financial requirements are met. (Garth Coates)

Q5: How long before I can settle (ILR) in the UK?
A5: For Innovator Founder visa, you can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 3 years, if requirements met. (GOV.UK)

Takeaway for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

If you’re a Nigerian entrepreneur serious about setting up in the UK: this is your moment of action. The path is clear: you must shift your focus to the Innovator Founder Visa, because the Start-up visa route has closed.
You will need to build a business idea that is not only innovative for Nigeria, but also compelling in the UK/global context. You must secure endorsement, prepare your English and financial proof accurately, convert Nigerian credentials into UK-readable format, and plan your execution thoroughly.

Your business ambition must meet the “innovative, scalable, viable” test — that’s non-negotiable. If you do this and apply with precision, you position yourself for UK residency and global business success.

Remember: this is about the “Start-up visa UK for Nigerian entrepreneurs”—but with the reality of the updated model. Prepare now, act fast, and make your move.