Moving to the UK from India
Indian citizens relocating to the UK generally need a residence route rather than a visa-free stay. Below are the main options we cover for the UK, plus how to find the one that fits your budget, income, family and goals.
Main routes — the UK
UK Global Talent Visa
The UK Global Talent visa is a residence route for accomplished or rising individuals in three broad fields: academia and research (including science, engineering, humanities, social sciences and medicine), arts and culture (including architecture, fashion, film and TV, and design), and digital technology. Most applicants first secure an endorsement from an approved body recognizing them as a leader ('Exceptional Talent') or potential leader ('Exceptional Promise'), while holders of certain prestigious prizes may apply directly. The route is notable for not requiring a job offer, employer sponsorship or a minimum salary, and for allowing self-employment and company directorship. As of 2026 the program is active; the digital technology pathway is still assessed by Tech Nation, whose endorsing role was renewed, and applications now use a single GOV.UK online stage-one form. It can suit founders, researchers, senior tech professionals and creative leaders who want flexibility and a long-term path toward settlement. This is general information only and an initial route match, not legal advice; professional review is recommended.
View routeUK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker visa is the main employer-sponsored work route into the UK. It is potentially suitable for professionals who have, or can realistically secure, a genuine job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence, in an eligible occupation at the required skill and salary level. As of 2026 the route has tightened: the skill floor returned to degree level (RQF Level 6) from 22 July 2025, the general salary threshold rose, and the English requirement increased for new applicants. It is a relocation route — you live and work in the UK — and over time it can lead to settlement and citizenship, though those settlement rules are being reformed (an 'earned settlement' model with a longer baseline period and faster tracks for higher earners). This is an initial route match for orientation only, not legal advice; rules vary by applicant, location, and current policy.
View routeUK Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder visa is the UK's main route for entrepreneurs who want to build an innovative, scalable business in Britain. Unlike a passive investment scheme, it is built around a genuine venture: your business idea must first be endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body that judges it to be innovative, viable and scalable, and you must stay involved in running it. The route is active in 2026 but is served by only a small number of approved endorsing bodies, and the endorsement step is the real gatekeeper. It can suit founders and operators who relocate to the UK, want their family with them, and are willing to commit to ongoing UK residence and business meetings. It offers a long-term, performance-linked path toward settlement and potentially citizenship. This is general orientation only and not legal advice; it is an initial route match, and professional review is recommended before acting.
View routeHow to start
- 1
Take the free matcher, or send us your details.
- 2
We confirm the best-fit route for your situation.
- 3
A licensed local partner handles the application end to end.
Common questions
This is general route-matching information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by applicant, nationality and current rules; a professional review is recommended.