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TIER 1 INVESTOR VISA

This immigration route has now been closed. The Tier 1 Investor Visa previously catered
to high-net-worth individuals able to commit significant financial investment in the UK.
Important: While new applications are no longer accepted, existing visa holders may still be eligible
to apply for an extension or settlement, subject to meeting the criteria.

Tier 1 Investor Visa route

The Tier 1 Investor Visa route is designed for high-net-worth individuals intending to make a significant financial investment in the UK. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to invest a minimum of £2 million in UK-registered companies over a period of at least five years.
This visa is available to those applying for initial entry as an Investor, individuals seeking to extend their existing Investor visa, applicants switching from another eligible UK visa, and those pursuing settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) under this category.

To qualify for a UK Investor visa, you must demonstrate that:

  1. You have access to at least £2 million, held either solely by you, your partner, or jointly.

  2. These funds are held in a regulated financial institution.

  3. The money is freely transferable to the UK and convertible to GBP.

  4. You have opened an account with a UK-regulated bank for the purpose of investing no less than £2 million in the UK.

Your initial Investor visa will be valid for 3 years and 4 months if applying from outside the UK, or 3 years if applying from within. Within 3 months of entering the Investor category, you must invest at least £2 million in qualifying UK investments and maintain this investment.

Qualifying Investments

The funds must be invested in share capital and/or loan capital of active, trading UK-registered companies.
Certain investments are prohibited, including:

  1. Offshore companies or trusts

  2. Open-ended investment companies

  3. Businesses primarily involved in property investment, management, or development

Extensions & Settlement

Eligibility for a visa extension depends on when your original Investor visa was granted:

  1. Before 6 November 2014

  2. Between 6 November 2014 and 28 March 2019

  3. On or after 29 March 2019

You may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 2, 3, or 5 years, depending on the size of your investment and the date your visa was initially granted.
You can extend your stay for an additional 2 years before applying for settlement after 5 years.

ILR Requirements

To qualify for settlement as an Investor:

  1. You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

  2. You must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English and life in the UK.

Why Choose the Tier 1 Investor Route?

This category offers one of the fastest investor immigration routes among G8 nations, making it a highly attractive option for eligible individuals.

How We Can Help

HARRIS Legal Solicitors, we specialise in advising and representing individuals applying for UK Business Immigration routes, including the Tier 1 Investor Visa.
Our expert immigration team will guide you through each stage of the process, helping to ensure a smooth and successful application for leave to enter, remain, or settle in the UK.

  • You may be able to extend your Tier 1 (Investor) visa for 2 years.

Your family members (‘dependents’) will need to apply separately to extend their visas. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

You should apply before your current visa expires. Read the full guidance on the Tier 1 (Investor) visa before you apply.

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