Isle of Man Startup Visa
Build Your Dream Life
The Isle of Man presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in a stable, well-regulated environment.
As a self-governing British Crown Dependency, it combines the advantages of independence with strong ties to the UK, making it an attractive destination for international business owners.
What Is The Isle of Man Start Up Visa?
The Start Up Visa program is designed specifically for first-time entrepreneurs who want to establish innovative businesses in the Isle of Man. This visa category offers a supportive environment for new business ventures without the high investment requirements found in other programs.
Key Benefits of Isle Of Man Startup Visa
- No minimum investment requirement
- Access to British markets while living on the Isle of Man
- Excellent job opportunities isle of man offers for your future employees
- Option to bring dependents
- Pathway to long-term isle of man residence through the Innovator route
Visa Duration and Residency
The Start Up Visa serves as an entry point for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a long-term presence in the Isle of Man.
While it doesn’t directly lead to permanent residence, it offers a clear pathway through the Innovator route.
- Initial 2 years and 4 months stay (non-extendable)
- No direct route to permanent residence
- Option to switch to the Innovator visa after the initial period
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application.
The requirements are designed to ensure that applicants have both the personal capacity and resources to establish a viable business in the Isle of Man.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet the English language requirement (B2 level)
- Have at least £945 in maintenance funds for 90 days
- Get endorsement from the Department for Enterprise
- Intend to spend the majority of your time managing your business
English Language Requirements
You can prove your English language ability through:
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
- Passing an approved English test at B2 level
- Holding a degree taught in English
- Previous successful visa applications where B2 English was proven
Financial Requirements
Clear proof of funds is essential:
- £945 maintained for 90 consecutive days
- An additional £630 is required for each dependent
- Funds must be from legitimate sources
- The endorsing body can provide maintenance funds if stated in the endorsement letter
360 Global Immigration
The Premier Migration Consultancy in Dubai For Your Immigration & Visa Success.
Business Requirements
Your business proposal must demonstrate clear potential for success and growth in the Isle of Man market.
The Department for Enterprise carefully evaluates each business plan against specific criteria to ensure its viability.
Innovation
Original ideas meeting market needs
Viability
Realistic and achievable plans
Scalability
Potential for growth and jobs in Isle of Man UK
Commitment
Commit to create job opportunities in the Isle of Man
Living and Working
The Isle of Man offers a high quality of life with modern infrastructure, excellent public services, and a welcoming community.
As a Start Up visa holder, you’ll have access to various opportunities while living on the Isle of Man.
- You’ll need an Isle of Man work permit for your business activities
- Access to quality healthcare and education
- Excellent Isle of Man UK resident benefits
- Various jobs in the Isle of Man UK across sectors
Application Process
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Each step must be completed correctly to ensure the best chance of success for your Isle of Man work visa application.
Prepare Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Bank statements showing maintenance funds
- English language evidence
- Business plan and supporting documents
STEP 1
Get Endorsement
- Apply to the Department for Enterprise
- Provide detailed business proposal
- Demonstrate how you meet innovation, viability, and scalability criteria
- Endorsement valid for 3 months
STEP 2
Submit Visa Application
- Pay application fee (£363 per person)
- Optional priority services available:
- Priority: £220 additional
- Super Priority: £800 additional
- Submit supporting documents
- Provide biometrics if required
STEP 3
360 Global Immigration
The Premier Migration Consultancy in Dubai For Your Immigration & Visa Success.
Post-Approval Steps
After 3 years on the innovator founder visa., you can apply for settlement if you meet these criteria:
Years Experience
Planning Your Move
Relocating to a new country requires careful planning and consideration. We assist with every aspect of your move to the Isle of Man, ensuring a smooth transition for you and your family.
- We’ll help with residency isle of man requirements
- Guide you through mann isle regulations
- Support your business establishment
- Assist with long-term planning
360 Global Immigration
The Premier Migration Consultancy in Dubai For Your Immigration & Visa Success.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Isle of Man is not part of the UK. It's a self-governing British Crown Dependency with its own immigration rules and visa system.
No, there's no minimum investment requirement for the Start Up visa, but you must prove you have £945 in maintenance funds.
The visa is valid for 2 years and 4 months and cannot be extended. However, you can switch to an Innovator visa afterward.
Yes, you can bring dependents. Each family member pays £363 for their visa, and you need to show additional maintenance funds of £630 per dependent.
No, you can be part of an entrepreneurial team. You don't need to be the sole founder of the business.
Yes, you can work in another job while developing your business, but you must spend the majority of your time on your business venture.
You need to prove your English language ability at the B2 level through an approved test unless you qualify for an exemption.
Standard processing times vary. You can opt for Priority (£220 extra) or Super Priority (£800 extra) services for faster processing.
You can switch to an Innovator visa, which provides a route to permanent residence.
The Department for Enterprise is the sole endorsing body for Isle of Man Start Up visas.
No, an Isle of Man visa only permits residence in the Isle of Man, though you can visit the UK.
You must inform the Department for Enterprise. Your visa status may be affected if you're no longer pursuing your business plan.
While there's no strict minimum requirement initially, your business plan should show potential for job creation and growth.
Yes, you can study, but your primary focus must be on developing your business.
Your business must be original, viable, and scalable, meeting new or existing market needs in a unique way.
The Department for Enterprise conducts checkpoints at maximum intervals of 6 months.
Yes, if you're currently in eligible categories like Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 4 (with restrictions).
Bank statements showing £945 held for 90 consecutive days before application.
Yes, but all business activities must be approved by your endorsing body.
Priority service costs an additional £220, while Super Priority service costs an additional £800.