Investor Visa (Tier 1)

An applicant should have a minimum of £2 Million, either own money or money borrowed from a regulated financial investment.  Such money can be available either in UK or abroad, held in 1 or more regulated financial institutions, free to invest in UK in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies.  Entire £2 Million must be invested in UK within 3 months from the date of arrival in the UK.

You can:

  • work or study
  • apply to settle permanently after 2 years if you invest £10 million
  • apply to settle after 3 years if you invest £5 million
  • apply to settle after 5 years if you invest £2 million

You may use, as evidence of funds, investments made in the UK within the 12 months immediately before the date of the application, provided they are held in a UK regulated financial institution.

Switching: You may be able to switch to a Tier 1 (Investor) visa if you are already in the UK on another visa.

Portfolio Investments: 

If the money is already invested in the UK you should use a portfolio of investments produced by a UK regulated financial institution as evidence that the money is available to be invested;

You can supply a breakdown of your investments in a letter from the UK regulated financial institution. This must be on an original letter, on the official letter-headed paper of the institution. The letter must have been issued by an authorised official of that institution.

You can use a letter or portfolio report from a UK regulated financial institution.  Refer Appendix A, 64-SD (ii) of the Immigration Rules for full details on the evidential requirements.

Family members:

Your dependants (spouse and children below 18 years of age) can apply to enter UK with you or join you if you are already in the UK on this visa. Your family members must apply for their own visa.

Settlement – Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

You can apply for settlement under Tier 1 (Investor) once you have reached 5 years’ continuous leave in the United Kingdom under the route.  However, if you meet additional criteria, you may apply for accelerated ILR after a continuous period of either 2 years or 3 years.

Decision time

Normally you get a decision on your visa within:

  • 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
  • 8 weeks, for standard applications if you’re inside the UK. 1 day if you applying through priority service

For more information and assistance please contact us.