Investor Visas: What You Need to Know

Are you looking for a way to gain permanent residency status in the United Kingdom? If so, you may want to consider applying for an investor visa. An investor visa is a type of visa that allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency status in the UK by making a significant investment in the country's economy. In this blog, we'll take a look at what you need to know about investor visas. 

What is an Investor Visa? 

An investor visa is a type of visa that allows foreign investors to gain permanent residency status in the United Kingdom by investing their capital into the country's economy. In order to be eligible for an investor visa, you must be willing and able to invest a minimum amount of capital into a business venture that will create jobs for UK citizens or legal permanent residents. The amount of investment required depends on the type of investor visa you are applying for and where your business venture will be located within the UK.

Benefits of an Investor Visa 

There are several benefits associated with obtaining an investor visa, including the ability to live and work in the United Kingdom indefinitely, access to excellent education and healthcare systems, and eligibility to eventually apply for citizenship if desired. Additionally, investing in a business venture can bring great financial rewards as well as provide job opportunities for UK citizens or legal residents living in the area where your business is located. 

Requirements for Obtaining an Investor Visa 

In order to obtain an investor visa, there are certain requirements that must be met including having sufficient funds available to invest into your business venture as well as having a sound business plan approved by immigration authorities showing how your investment will create jobs and benefit the local economy. Additionally, it is important that you have no criminal record or history of fraud or financial crime as these will disqualify you from obtaining an investor visa. 

You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have one of the following visas:

  • Global Talent

  • Tier 1 (Investor)

  • Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

Indefinite leave to remain is a way you can settle in the UK. It’s also called ‘settlement’. Getting it means you can live, work, study or claim benefits in the UK without time restrictions. You can use it to become a British citizen.

Time in the UK and financial requirements

You must:

  • have lived in the UK for long enough - this can be from 2 to 5 years

  • meet the financial requirements

The specific eligibility depends on your visa - check the time in the UK and financial requirements.

If you’re not eligible using one of these visas, there are other ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Time on other visas

If you have a Global Talent visa, you can include any time you’ve spent on the following visas to meet the requirements for time spent in the UK:

  • any Tier 1 visa - except Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

  • Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker

  • Scale-up Worker

  • Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) or T2 Minister of Religion

  • Tier 2 (Sportsperson) or T2 Sportsperson

  • Innovator

  • Representative of an Overseas Business

It costs £2,404 for each person applying. You can include your partner and children on the same application form, if they’re eligible.

You’ll each need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - there’s no fee for this.

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service.

Investor visas are a great way for foreign investors seeking permanent residency status in the United Kingdom to gain access to all of its benefits while also providing economic benefits locally through job creation and increased economic activity due to their investments. If you think an investor visa may be right for you, it's important that you understand all of the requirements necessary before submitting your application so that everything goes smoothly throughout the process.

Contact us for more information.

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