UK Tier 1 Investor Visa

What Was The UK Investor Visa?

As the UK developed a strong reputation for security, education, and quality of life, it became an attractive destination for ambitious foreign investors and their families. To facilitate investment and settlement in the UK, the Tier 1 Investor Visa was introduced.

The UK Investor Visa, commonly known as the Tier 1 Investor Visa, allowed high-net-worth individuals to invest significant sums into the UK economy with the potential for permanent settlement. It provided the shortest time to permanent settlement of all UK visa types.

Applicants must invest at least £2 million in shares or bonds issued by active and trading UK-registered companies.

First introduced in 1994, the route saw multiple reforms as the government aimed to balance attracting investor migrants with maintaining strict regulatory oversight. This included enhanced KYC measures and consideration of the geopolitical impact of foreign investment.

Over time, key requirements—such as the minimum investment threshold—changed significantly. There was ongoing debate about the route’s overall value in:

• Driving foreign direct investment into the UK
• Stimulating high-net-worth individual spending within the UK
• Attracting entrepreneurial and business talent
• Demonstrating the UK’s openness to global investment

The route was formally closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022.

Visa Pathway

A Tier 1 Investor Visa was previously a great way for successful business people seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain and eventual British Citizenship to begin their path towards permanent residence, as it provided several fast-track settlement options.

Fast-Track Settlement Options

The UK Tier 1 Investor Visa offered a streamlined route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship. It was particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals seeking permanent settlement in the UK.

By investing £2 million or more in share capital or loan capital of active and trading UK-registered companies, applicants could qualify for settlement.

Higher investment amounts provided faster routes to ILR, as outlined below:

These fast-track options applied only to the main visa applicant and did not accelerate settlement or citizenship for dependents.

Dependents

The UK Investor Visa allowed holders to be joined by their partners and children under 18, who could apply as dependents to live in the UK. The fast-track options accelerated Indefinite Leave to Remain for the principal applicant only, not their dependents, and therefore, did not speed up eligibility for citizenship.

Eligibility

You must be 18 or older to apply for this visa and have all the relevant documentation proving that the money belongs to you or your spouse (spouse or unmarried partner). Depending on the visa route taken, you will also have to provide evidence for the investment funds.

You must also have opened an account with a UK-regulated bank to use your funds, which must meet the following requirements:

• held in one or more UK-regulated financial institutions.
• free and available to spend (‘disposable’) in the UK
• in the UK or overseas when you apply
• opened a UK bank account for holding the investment funds

The English Language requirement was not mandatory for the UK Investor visa.

The 2-Year Requirement

The rules around qualifying investments changed frequently when the UK Investor Visa was available. To qualify for the UK Investor Visa, applicants must hold their investment funds for at least 2 consecutive years. If held for less than 2 years, additional evidence of the source of funds was required.

The investment could be passive, meaning the visa holder was not required to be actively involved in the business. However, the funds had to remain invested for the duration of the visa.

Acceptable sources included:

• A gift
• Sale of assets (e.g., property or business)
• Business income
• Inheritance
• Divorce settlement
• Financial awards or winnings

Applicants had to demonstrate to the Home Office that their funds were obtained legally, regardless of the timeframe.

Details on investments

Once you enter the Investor Visa category, you must invest at least £2 million in qualifying investments. This investment must be made within 90 days of either entering the UK or receiving your visa, whichever is later. The £2 million investment funds refer to the price paid by the investor, not the investment's market value.

The rules on eligible investments for Investor Visa applicants changed frequently. For example, before March 2019, investing in UK government bonds was possible. This option was later removed due to the limited economic benefits of these investments to the UK.

Before the route closed, investments could still be made in multinational companies with a registered UK office, even if most of their business activities occurred outside the UK.

Companies you could invest in

Qualifying ‘active and trading UK registered companies’ include those who are:

• are registered with Companies House in the UK;
• are registered with HM Revenue and Customs for corporation tax and PAYE;
• have accounts and a UK business bank account, both showing regular trading of its own goods or services;
• have at least two UK-based employees who are not its directors.

Restricted investments

There are some restrictions regarding how you can invest the money. You can’t invest in companies mainly engaged in property investment, management, or development.

You can also not invest in an offshore company or trust or in open-ended investment companies, investment trust companies, investment syndicate companies (pooled resource / shared risk entities such as ‘namecos’ operating as part of a banking, underwriting, or insurance syndicate, for example), or pooled investment vehicles. Leveraged investment funds are also unacceptable investments.

Benefits of the Investor Visa UK

The UK Investor Visa offered various benefits, making it an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals and their families seeking residency in the UK. In addition to the opportunity for accelerated settlement, visa holders could enjoy flexibility in work, business, study, and travel.

Key benefits included:

Accelerated Settlement

• Visa holders could apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after just 2 years with a £10 million investment.

Bring Family Members

• You could bring your partner and dependent children under 18 to live with you in the UK.

Freedom to Work

• Investor visa holders were free to work in any role for any employer, change jobs, or become self-employed—except as professional sportspersons or sports coaches. This offered greater flexibility than the Skilled Worker visa, which limited employment to licensed sponsors and specific occupations.
• There were also applicable restrictions regarding work as a doctor or dentist unless:
  • You have a primary degree at bachelor level or above in medicine or dentistry from a UK institution with a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence or was a UK-recognised or listed body.
  • You worked as a doctor or dentist in training the last time you were in the UK, started a new business, bought an existing one, or entered into a business partnership in the UK.

Engage in Business Activities

• In the UK, you could set up a new business, buy an existing one, or enter into a business partnership.

Study Opportunities

• Visa holders and their family members could enrol in short- or long-term courses at UK universities or other educational institutions.

Unrestricted Travel

• You could travel freely to and from the UK without restrictions.

Visa Duration

The initial duration of the Investor Visa was up to 3 years and 4 months if applied from outside the UK and 3 years from within the UK. During this period, visa holders can travel freely in and out of the UK.

Extending Your Investor Visa

If you currently hold a Tier 1 Investor visa—or held one within the last 12 months as your most recent visa—you can still apply to:

• Extend your visa for 2 years
• Settle in the UK (apply for indefinite leave to remain)

The visa extension application must apply before your current visa expires. The extension requirements depend on when your original Tier 1 Investor visa was granted. The key dates that determine the process are:

• Between 6 November 2014 and 28 March 2019
• On or after 29 March 2019

Applications for further leave to remain as a Tier 1 Investor are open until 17 February 2026.

Tier 1 Investor Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain

If you hold a Tier 1 Investor visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after spending 2, 3, or 5 years in the UK. Eligibility depends on when your visa was granted and the level of your qualifying investment.

Key requirements for ILR include:

• Meeting the specified investment thresholds
• Maintaining your investment in qualifying assets
• Not exceeding 180 days of absence from the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period for settlement

Applications for ILR as a Tier 1 (Investor) can be submitted until 17 February 2028.

Once you have held ILR for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, provided you meet the residence and good character requirements.

ILR and British citizenship offer the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions and access to public services.

UK Investor Visa Alternatives

Although the UK Investor Visa is no longer available, there are alternative routes for high-net-worth individuals to consider.

Innovator Founder Visa

For experienced entrepreneurs looking to establish and run an innovative business in the UK, the Innovator Founder visa route can lead to settlement after 3 years, provided the business meets specific growth and innovation criteria.

Global Talent Visa

For individuals recognised as leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology. This Global Talent visa does not require a job offer and provides a flexible route to settlement in the UK.

UK Expansion Worker Visa

For senior employees tasked with expanding an established overseas business into the UK, the UK Expansion Worker visa does not lead directly to settlement, but it can serve as an opportunity to work within the UK for a limited time.

Get Support With a UK Visa

QC Immigration has extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families. Our team will guide you towards the most suitable route, giving you the best chance of securing visa approval. We will assist by building and presenting a strong, persuasive case demonstrating why your application should be accepted.