The Tier 1 Investor Visa allows for access to the UK through investment into the national economy.
With an outstanding reputation for security, education and quality of life, the UK has become an attractive home for ambitious foreign investors and their families. The Tier 1 Investor Visa is a desirable route for those looking to invest and settle in the UK.
Those who seek to invest in the UK can do so through investing £2,000,000 or more in share capital or loan capital to active and trading UK registered companies.
As a result, they will be granted access to the UK and will be able to:
- work or study
- bring family dependents
- apply to settle 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
A Tier 1 Investor Visa is a great way for successful business people seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain and eventual British Citizenship to begin their path towards permanent settlement. The Tier 1 Investor Visa may be particularly attractive with the several fast track options for settlement in the UK.
Investor Visa requirements
The Investor Visa has certain requirements that must be met in order to be granted. It is important that you make sure that you meet all requirements before applying to increase your chances of a successful application.
You must be 18 or over to apply for this visa and have all of the relevant documentation that proves that the money belongs to either you or your partner (spouse or unmarried partner). You will also have to provide evidence for the investment funds, which will depend on the route visa route taken.
You must also have opened an account with a UK regulated bank to use for your funds which must meet the following requirements:
- held in one or more regulated financial institutions
- free to spend (‘disposable’) in the UK
- in the UK or overseas when you apply
- held for 2 years consecutively; otherwise, you will have to show additional evidence of source of funds proving it was received through gift, deeds of sale, business, will, divorce settlement, award or winning
Details on investments
Companies you can invest in
Qualifying ‘active and trading UK registered companies’ include those who are:
(i) are registered with Companies House in the UK;
(ii) are registered with HM Revenue and Customs for corporation tax and PAYE;
(iii) have accounts and a UK business bank account, both showing regular trading of its own goods or services;
(iv) 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, property management or property development.
You also cannot invest in an offshore company or trust or invest 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.
Conditions under an Investor Visa
Additionally, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach or get public funds while on an Investor Visa. There are also applicable restrictions regarding work as a doctor or dentist, unless:
- you have a primary degree at bachelors level or above in medicine or dentistry from a UK institution that holds a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence or is a UK recognised or listed body
- you worked as a doctor or dentist in training the last time you were in the UK
- neither of those conditions were part of the terms and conditions on a previous visa
How QC Immigration can assist
QC Immigration has an experienced team who will be able to guide you towards the best route available to you in order to give you a great chance of getting your application approved. We will assist by building and resenting a convincing case that highlights why your visa application should be accepted.
Having significant experience working with high net worth individuals and families, we will know what the home office is looking for when reviewing your application. We will use our resources to help ensure that you are able to tick all of the necessary boxes. If you would like to get in touch with a member of our team, you can call us on 0203 637 8633 or email info@qc-immigration.com.
FAQs
How long can I stay under an Investor Visa?
You can come to the UK with an Investor Visa for a maximum of 3 years and 4 months. While residing in the UK you can apply to extend this visa for another 2 years. The earliest you can apply for a Tier 1 Investor Visa is 3 months before you travel to the UK.
Is there a residence requirement for the Investor Visa?
If you wish to achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain in the future, you should spend no more than 180 days outside the UK during any consecutive 12 months.
Can I extend an Investor Visa?
You can apply to extend this visa, which will allow you to stay a further 2 years.
How much does an Investor Visa cost?
Applying for an Investor Visa costs £1,638. If you are looking to switch to this visa, extend your visa or if you are a family member applying, the fee will be the same. Additional fees may apply such as the healthcare surcharge. You can also pay an additional £500 if you’d like a faster decision (5 working days).
What happens if my Tier 1 Investor Visa application Is declined?
If your application is declined, there is an opportunity to appeal your application decision, but a strong case is needed in order to convince the Home Office to change their initial decision. A strong and thorough case must be put together as quickly as possible and all of the relevant documentation must be submitted in a timely manner.
As you have one opportunity to appeal your decision it is advisable to bring on legal support from an experienced team like QC Immigration as they will be able to present the Home Office a thorough case that includes all of the relevant documentation and highlights that you meet all of the relevant requirements.
