The Business Investor Visa (Tier 1) is a residence-by-investment program. It enables high-net-worth non-EU investors who make a substantial financial investment in the United Kingdom (UK) to live in the UK.
For individuals wishing to invest money and get residency, the United Kingdom is an enticing option. It has long been a popular choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking to live in a secure economic, political, and social environment.
The Business Investor Visa (Tier 1) is a passive investment programme for persons with a net worth of at least £2,000,000. A considerable share or loan capital investment in active trading UK enterprises is possible.
An investor visa in the UK can be an excellent way to gain residency in the United Kingdom. It provides an expedited process and access, allowing investors to earn a living in the country while paving the route to citizenship after only five years.
The initial visa is issued for 3 years and 4 months under the Business Investor Visa (Tier 1) Programme (or 3 years if handled in the UK). If all criteria are met, a subsequent extension can be requested. After 5 years of holding a Tier 1 (Investor) visa and establishing that a £2 million investment has been maintained, applicants are eligible for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Accelerated compensation is offered and depends on the amount of invested capital – 10 million leads to ILR after two years, while 5 million leads to ILR after three years.
You are not required to have an English language qualification under this option; however, an English language requirement must be met when applying for indefinite permission to remain.
To be permitted for the Business Investor Visa (Tier 1), you’ll need to satisfy several requirements, including:
Also, you’ll need to prove that your money belongs to either you or your spouse, unmarried or same-sex partner.
Your funds:
When you apply, your funds may be in the UK or elsewhere. However, if you have retained your investment funds for less than two years, you must verify their source, and the Home Office must be satisfied with their head in every case.
As a first-time UK Investor visa applicant, you will not need to meet any English language, maintenance money, or lodging requirements.
The cost to apply for a Business Investor Visa is £1,623. In addition, you’ll need to pay the Immigration healthcare surcharge during your stay in England.
The Business Investor Visa (Tier 1) is a residence-by-investment program. It enables high-net-worth non-EU investors who make a substantial financial investment in the United Kingdom (UK) to live in the UK.
The investor must meet the following requirements:
• be an adult (over 18 years old)
• have at least £2,000,000 available to invest in the UK
• prove that the money belongs to either the investor, their spouse, or unmarried or same-sex partner
• verify that the funds used for the investment were legally obtained
• have opened a UK bank
• account shows that the investor has held the money used for the investment for at least 2 years
• show that the funds used for the asset is stored in a regulated financial institution
• show that the money is free to spend in the UK
The Business Investor Visa (Tier 1) is valid for 3 years and 4 months and may be renewed for 2 years. After 5 years of residence, the investor can apply for permanent residence.
Yes, the investor is required to spend at least 180 days per year in the UK.
Yes, the investor is free to live, work and study in the UK; however, the Investor may only work as a professional sportsperson, sports coach, doctor or dentist if specific requirements are met).
No, the permit only allows the investor to live and work in the UK.
Yes, the spouse (or life partner) and children under 18 (including adopted children) who are financially dependent on the Investor may be included.
The minimum legal requirement is an investment of £2,000,000 in qualifying assets in the UK until permanent residence is obtained. The investor must show that the funds have been in their possession and control for at least 2 years.
The investor can invest a minimum of £5,000,000, or £10,000,000, which entitles the investor to apply for permanent residence in a shorter period.
• An investment of at least £5,000,000 means the investor can apply for permanent residence after 3 years of UK residence.
• An investment of at least £10,000,000 means the investor can apply for permanent residence after 2 years of UK residence.
Yes, the investor can make additional investments or other acquisitions, such as property.
The investor is always free to withdraw all their investments in the UK whilst holding the Tier 1 (Investor) visa. Still, the investor and dependents will lose their right to reside in the UK as the investment is not maintained anymore. Once the investor has permanent residence, the assets can be sold freely.
Business Investor Visa (Tier 1) holders will become eligible to apply for British citizenship after having lived in the UK for at least 5 years AND having held permanent residence for at least 1 year, subject to meeting language and other requirements.
Yes, there is no restriction on dual (or multiple) citizenship.
