UK Investor Visa

This visa is for high-net-worth individuals who want to invest a significant amount of money in the United Kingdom. A minimum investment of £2 million is required.

There are no requirements for English language proficiency or proof of maintenance money while in the United Kingdom. The UK investor visa allows you to work in the UK or start and manage a business.

As dependants, investors can bring their partners and children under the age of 18. Dependents have the right to work and study in the UK, and after five years of residency, they will be eligible for indefinite leave to remain if the primary applicant is applying at the same time or has already applied successfully.

Requirements for Tier 1 Investor Visa in Brief

In a summary, the candidate must:

1) Have at least £2 million in personal funds under their control, kept in a regulated financial institution, and readily available in the UK.

2) Have opened an account with a regulated bank in the United Kingdom with the intention of investing at least £2 million in the country.

3) If they are currently or were formerly sponsored by a government or foreign scholarship agency, they would need the unconditional written approval of the sponsoring government or agency.

Requirement to be qualified to apply for the UK Tier 1 Investor Visa

The applicant must have a personal net worth of £2 million or more, as well as a UK regulated bank account. They must invest the entire £2 million in the United Kingdom.

Ownership of money is explained

The applicant must be the sole owner of the £2 million. It may, however, be owned jointly with a partner. If this is the case, keep in mind that if the £2 million is held jointly, you must have control over it – the unrestricted right to transfer and dispose – in order to qualify for tier 1 investor visa. It will be necessary to provide proof of the partnership as well as permission to use the joint finances.

Bank Account in the United Kingdom

Although a tier 1 visa is typically required to create a UK bank account, there are some exceptional institutions that may allow applicants to open a UK bank account even if they do not have a visa. This would be dependent on the individual’s circumstances. It’s possible that you’ll need individualized guidance. Please get in touch with us to see how we can assist you.

Investing in the United Kingdom

The applicant must make a substantial investment in the UK (at least £2 million) in the form of UK share capital or loan capital. Buying stocks or other investments with borrowed money is not permitted.

Transferring money to the United Kingdom

Please keep in mind that if the money is held outside of the United Kingdom, they must be transferred to the United Kingdom, and if authorisation is necessary, it must be obtained before you apply.

If the money is held outside of the United Kingdom, they must be legally transferred. Furthermore, investing through an international business or trust is prohibited.

Indefinite Accelerated Leave to Remain

The applicant can typically apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK; however, if you enhance your investment level, you can reach the ILR stage sooner – this is known as accelerated ILR.

The applicant will be eligible for an expedited ILR if they entered the UK, lived there for at least two years, and had money under their control in the UK worth at least £10 million.

The applicant will be eligible for an expedited ILR if they entered the UK, lived there for at least three years, and had money under their control in the UK worth at least £5 million.