The Tier 1 (Investor) visa is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland who wish to invest at least £2 million in the UK. This investment allows them and their immediate family members (spouse and children under 18) to enter the UK with certain benefits, and the visa provides pathways toward residency and citizenship.
Initial Visa Requirements
Investment Requirement: Minimum of £2 million to invest in active, trading UK companies (not property investment or government bonds).
Visa Duration: 3 years and 4 months (or 3 years if processed within the UK).
Financial Proof: Must show evidence of £2 million in investable funds.
Investment Account: A UK-based investment account with an FCA-regulated institution is necessary.
Good Character: Applicants must meet good character requirements and have a clean criminal record.
Benefits of Tier 1 Investor Visa
No English language requirement for the initial application.
No maintenance funds are required.
Immediate family members, including spouses and children under 18, can accompany the investor.
Investors can work, study, or engage in business activities.
Visa Duration & Extensions:
Initial Duration: The visa is typically granted for 3 years and 4 months if processed outside the UK (3 years if processed within the UK).
Extensions: After the initial period, a 2-year extension can be applied for, contingent on meeting specific conditions:
Proof of investment activity.
Compliance with entry timelines and residence requirements.
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
Standard Route: Applicants can seek ILR after residing continuously in the UK for 5 years with a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.
Accelerated Route: Investors may apply for ILR sooner:
After 3 years if they invest £5 million.
After 2 years if they invest £10 million.
ILR Eligibility: Requires applicants to:
Pass the “Life in the UK” test.
Demonstrate English language proficiency (B1 level or higher).
Spend no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
Residency Requirements:
To qualify for ILR, applicants should maintain residency in the UK, limiting time abroad to 180 days per year.
For UK citizenship, stricter residency criteria apply no more than 450 days outside the UK in the previous 5 years, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months before application.
Processing Times:
Priority Processing: Decisions can be expedited within 5 working days for those opting for priority service.
Standard Processing: Applications typically take around 3 weeks if submitted from abroad and 8–12 weeks for applicants already residing in the UK.
Additional Notes
Applicants must adhere to the residency requirements for ILR and citizenship if they wish to permanently settle in the UK.
Criminal record checks and good character requirements apply.
This visa presents a structured pathway to UK residency and eventual citizenship, tailored for high-net-worth individuals looking to make substantial investments in the UK. This visa offers a streamlined option for those looking to invest in the UK while providing a clear path to residency and citizenship.
Would you like more information on the application process or specific requirements? Please contact us or send an email.
UK Tier 1 Investor Visa