Tier 1 (Investor) visa
A Tier 1 (Investor) visa unlocks a secure and fast-track route for investor applicants and their family. The visa enables them to relocate to the UK and enjoy the high living standards, security and renowned education and start the journey towards UK Citizenship. The Investor route requires a substantial investment of £2 m/£5/ or £10m in share or loan capital in active UK businesses. Tier 1 applications are fast: the processing time is just 3-4 weeks. The initial visa is granted for 3 years and 4 months (3 years if processed in the UK).
After this time, applicants can request a 2-year extension provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants who spent a continuous period of 5 years in the UK can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Accelerated routes to settlement can be sought after 3 years with the overall investment of £5 million, or after 2 years with the total of £10 million. Knowledge of the English language is not required for the initial visa, however it is among the requirements for subsequent ILR applications.
Tier 1 (Investor) visa benefits
Tier 1 Investor visa application is extremely fast and straightforward in terms of visa requirements. There is no English proficiency required for entry clearance visas. Besides, there is no requirement to keep a certain level of funds for personal maintenance. It is the most efficient route to obtain the UK citizenship – a permanent and transferable asset, a true investment for generations to come.
TIER 1 (INVESTOR) ROUTES TO SETTLEMENT BASED ON INVESTMENTS MADE
OPTION 1
- £2,000,000
- ILR after 5 years
- Citizenship after 6 years
OPTION 2
- £5,000,000
- ILR after 3 years
- Citizenship after 5 years
OPTION 3
- £10,000,000
- ILR after 2 years
- Citizenship after 5 years
Visa-free travel to 184 countries worldwide
As the first step towards the UK citizenship, the Tier 1 Investor route can certainly enhance an applicant’s travel mobility. Once UK Citizenship is obtained, a British passport puts the world at the fingertips of its holder, providing access to over 184 countries worldwide, including the EU.
Eligibility Criteria for Initial Applications
- Applicant must provide evidence of holding at least £2,000,000 investable funds
- Applicant must have opened a UK investment account at an FCA regulated institution
- There are no English language requirements or language tests in the initial application (only required for subsequent ILR applications)
- There is no individual maintenance requirement
- Applicant is required to meet good character requirements and have a clean criminal records statement.