UK Investor Visa (Tier 1 Investor Visa)

The UK Investor Visa, also known as the Tier 1 Investor Visa, is designed for high-net-worth individuals who wish to make a substantial financial investment in the United Kingdom. This visa allows investors to live, work, and study in the UK, with the possibility of bringing family members. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and eventually British citizenship.

Key Features

• Investment Requirement: A minimum of £2 million must be invested in UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK-registered companies.
• Residency Pathway: Provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.
• Flexible Residency Requirement: Allows for greater flexibility in the amount of time spent outside the UK compared to other visa categories.
• Family Inclusion: Investors can include their spouse/partner and children under 18 in the application.
• Faster Settlement: Higher levels of investment (£5 million or £10 million) allow for a faster route to settlement.

Eligibility Criteria

1. General Requirements:

   • Age: The applicant must be 18 years or older.
   • Financial Requirement: Must have at least £2 million available to invest in the UK.
   • Source of Funds: The funds must be legally obtained and can be held either in the UK or abroad. If the funds have not been held for 2 years, the applicant must provide evidence of the source of the funds.
   • UK Bank Account: Must have a UK bank account to use for investment purposes.

2. Specific Requirements:

   • Investment Criteria: The investment must be made in UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK-registered companies. The investment cannot be made in companies primarily engaged in property investment, management, or development.
   • Maintenance of Investment: The investment must be maintained for the duration of the visa.

Required Documents

1. Passport: A valid passport or travel document.
2. Evidence of Investment Funds: Proof of at least £2 million available for investment, held in one or more regulated financial institutions.
3. Evidence of Source of Funds: Documentation proving the source of funds, if they have been held for less than 2 years.
4. UK Bank Account: Confirmation from a UK-regulated bank that the applicant has a bank account for investment purposes.
5. Tuberculosis Test: If applicable, a tuberculosis test result for applicants from certain countries.
6. Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate from any country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Application Process

1. Preparation: Gather all required documents, including proof of investment funds and source of funds.
2. Online Application: Complete the online application form on the UK government’s website.
3. Biometrics Appointment: Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
4. Submission of Documents: Submit the required documents online or at a visa application center.
5. Pay the Fees: Pay the visa application fee and any additional fees for priority processing or healthcare surcharge.
6. Decision: Wait for the visa decision, which typically takes around 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.

Cost 

Note: Costs are subject to change and may vary depending on the location of the visa application.

Visa Processing Time 

Note: Processing times are approximate and may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Key Points to Remember

• Investment Flexibility: The visa allows investment in UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK companies, excluding property investment companies.
• Pathway to ILR: After 5 years (or 2-3 years with a higher investment), investors may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• Family Inclusion: The visa allows investors to bring their spouse/partner and children under 18.
• Residency Requirement: Investors must spend at least 6 months of each year in the UK to qualify for ILR.

Conclusion

The UK Investor Visa is an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in the UK and establish residency. With its flexible investment options and the potential for a fast-tracked path to permanent residency, it offers significant benefits for investors and their families. Proper preparation and understanding of the investment requirements and application process are crucial to successfully obtaining this visa.

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