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.
The official website of 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.
Operating business
In the authorized capital of active UK commercial enterprises
Permanent residence permit (permanent residence) in five years
Operating business
In the authorized capital of active UK commercial enterprises
Permanent residence permit (permanent residence) in three years
Operating business
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.).
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.
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
Personal
For family members
Origin of funds
For documents in other languages, a certified English translation is required.
£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