UK Investor visa Tier 1
The main way for wealthy people to move to the UK is to obtain an investor visa. The program allows investments in British companies from £ 2 million. For this amount, the applicant receives a temporary residence permit for himself and close relatives, and in the future - permanent residence and citizenship. You can work and study, but it is better to limit your traveling: for the future permanent residence, you need to stay in the UK most of the year.
Program's details
- £2 mln minimum investment
- Returnable investments in five years
- No tests on knowledge of language, history and culture
- Fast moving the decision is made in 1-3 weeks
- The right to work study and do business
- For the whole family spouses and children
- Safety and high quality of life
- Citizenship in five-six years
The official website of the program
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About the Program
The Tier 1 state program has existed since 2008 and has changed several times since then. The last time the changes were introduced in March 2019. Then the minimum investment amount was set at £ 2 million. Investments can be even more - £ 5 million, £ 10 million. In this case, the period through which you can apply for a permanent residence permit is also reduced. With a "minimum" £ 2 million, this is five years, with more significant contributions - three and two years, respectively. However, this option only applies to the main investor and does not include his family members.
Under the current terms of the program, capital can only be invested in private companies registered in the UK. Investments in real estate, government bonds or other assets will not be counted. The investment should be made within three months after obtaining a visa or entering the country; you can also include investments made within the last 12 months in the application. Capital must be retained for the entire duration of the residence permit.
The program is governed by the Immigration Law. In 2019, about a thousand people - applicants and their family members - received a Tier 1 investor visa. In recent years, due to tightening requirements, the number of visa recipients has been decreasing.
Investment Options
- £2 mln
Operating business
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In the authorized capital of active UK commercial enterprises
Permanent residence permit (permanent residence) in five years
- £5 mln
Operating business
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In the authorized capital of active UK commercial enterprises
Permanent residence permit (permanent residence) in three years
- £10 mln
Operating business
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In the authorized capital of active UK commercial enterprises
Permanent residence permit (permanent residence) in two years
Before applying for an investor visa, you must open an investment account in the UK. It must be located in an officially regulated bank, which will conduct its own due diligence. The funds can be placed in another country, but there should be no obstacles to transfer the funds. Also, if the capital is stored in another currency, you should consider the conversion rate to the British pound on the day of the application.
Immigration legislation provides some restrictions on the areas of business in which you can invest under the Tier 1 program. In particular, it should not be an offshore company or legal entity whose main activity is related to real estate management. It is not allowed to attract credit funds as well. In addition, it is necessary to prove that the business is active (submit documents confirming the conduct of activities, payment of taxes, etc.).
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Residence Permit for Family Members
Residence permit can be obtained by a spouse (including civil marriage) and children under 18 years of age together with the applicant.
Adult children can only apply for an extension or change of visa type if they are already in the UK and remain dependent.
Parents cannot be included in the application but can apply on their own or be eligible to live in the UK for other reasons.
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Requirements for the Investor
Investors are not required to take an English proficiency test, confirm the availability of funds for living or defend a business plan, because it is assumed that people with a fortune of 2 million pounds can provide themselves and do not need a job (but this visa does not prohibit to work). However, the knowledge of the language will be required when obtaining permanent residence in a few years.
The following basic requirements are imposed on the investors
- To be over 18 years of age.
- Not to be a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
- To have the required amount.
- To provide proof that the investor, alone or jointly with a spouse or partner, legally owns this amount.
- To have a good reputation and no criminal record.
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Documents
Personal
- Application (submitted online).
- A valid international passport or other international identity document with a blank visa page.
- Tuberculosis test results.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
For family members
- Marriage certificate or other documents confirming the existence of a relationship.
- Birth certificates for children.
- Criminal record certificates for all adults.
Origin of funds
- Proof of the required amount.
- An indication of the source of funds if they have been in your accounts for less than two years (for example, you inherited them from a relative).
- Confirmation that money can be transferred to the UK and converted to Pounds - if not already transferred. Here, special attention is paid to the absence of international sanctions for transfers.
- If the amount includes the partner's money, you will also need:
- proof of a long-term relationship - this can be a marriage certificate or an official civil partnership, as well as other documents confirming that you have been in a relationship for at least two years (joint bank account, mortgage agreement, housing and utility bills, insurance, birth documents of joint children, etc.);
- a statement from the partner that he allows you to manage funds in the UK;
- a letter from a lawyer confirming the authenticity of the partner's statement. - Confirmation that you have a bank account that is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The letter on the official form sheet must be issued within three months of the submission of the application and also contain confirmation of the money laundering check.
For documents in other languages, a certified English translation is required.
Additional Expenses
- Administrative fees
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£1,623 - for applying for each family member. When renewing a visa, the same amount will be charged.
£400 per person per year for UK healthcare. This is not a medical policy issued by a private company, but a mandatory payment included in the application process.
£500 to speed up the process. By paying this amount, you will receive a decision within five business days.
£800 - Fast Track for Family Members Visas. The waiting period will take no longer than two business days
Legal expenses
Legal expenses
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Rights and Obligations
- You may stay in the UK with the first visa for a maximum of three years and four months (or three years - when applying already in the UK). Then you can apply for an extension of the visa for another two years.
- You may apply for permanent residence in five, three or two years - depending on the amount of the investment. In another year, it will be possible to apply for citizenship. By the way, Great Britain does not prohibit having a second citizenship, which means that you will not have to give up your first passport.
- You may work, do business, or study. Please note: you are not allowed to work as an athlete or coach with this visa, as well as do postgraduate practice as a doctor or dentist if you do not have a British diploma.
- For the subsequent receiving a permanent residence permit, you should stay in the country for at least six months during each year.
- You cannot receive financial assistance from the state.
- Since the UK is not part of the Schengen area, holders of a British residence permit do not receive any benefits for traveling in Europe.
The procedure for obtaining
