The Tier 1 Investor Visa authorises high net worth individuals to come to the UK with their immediate family.
For those with a minimum of £2,000,000 to invest in the UK, an application can be made for a Tier 1 Investor Visa.
Genuine immigration expertise
At Halliday Reeves Solicitors, we deal only with immigration, meaning we are genuine experts with the knowledge to put together the best possible visa application on your behalf.
We act for high net worth clients who wish to come to the UK to live, work and invest. If you would like advice and guidance in making a Tier 1 Investor Visa application, we can work with you to put together the right documents in support of your application and check that your investments qualify under current visa regulations.
As immigration specialists, we have an excellent track record of success in obtaining the right visas for our clients. If you an overseas investor and you would like to discuss your options with an expert immigration lawyer, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form and we will be happy to give you an initial free 15-minute consultation.
Tier 1 Investor Visa requirements
You will need to meet the following requirements:
- Be aged 18 or over;
- Have a minimum of £2,000,000 available to invest in the UK;
- Be able to show that the money is wholly under your control;
- Have an account at a regulated UK bank to use for the money;
- Have the funds held in a regulated financial institution;
- Be able to show that you have controlled your investment funds for two years or more or if this is not the case, be able to evidence the source of funds.
The government provides a checklist of supporting documentation and we will go through your application to ensure that as well as the necessary evidence, you can show that the financial institutions have the required regulation.
There is no English language requirement for the initial application, although there will be if an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain is made in the future.
There is also no requirement to show funds for maintenance.
Where can a Tier 1 investment be made?
The investment must be made in an active and trading UK registered company via share capital or loan capital or in UK government bonds.
Investment can be in construction, but it cannot be in businesses that mainly deal with property investment, property development or property management.
Investment cannot be made by way of a bank deposit or in an offshore company or trust or an investment trust company.
What you are entitled to do with a Tier 1 Investor Visa
You can work, study or carry out business in the UK once you have a Tier 1 Investor Visa, although it is not compulsory to do this.
You can also bring your dependants to live in the UK with you. This includes your spouse or civil partner and children aged under 18.
Settling in the UK with a Tier 1 Investor Visa
The visa is initially granted for three years, or three years and four months where the application was made outside of the UK. A request to extend the visa for two years can be made.
If the investment is made for five years, then an application can be made for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
To qualify for this, you will need to show that you have not spent more than 180 days outside of the UK in any 12-month period. You will also need to meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test.
There is an option to accelerate your application for Indefinite Leave to Remain at the end of your visa period. If you invest £5,000,000, then you may be eligible to settle in the UK after three years, while if you invest £10,000,000 then you can apply after two years.
Make A Free Enquiry
At Halliday Reeves Solicitors, we can guide you through the Tier 1 Investor Visa application process to ensure your submission includes all necessary supporting evidence.
Our firm specialises solely in immigration, meaning we have the in-depth knowledge and experience to help our clients with all of their immigration needs.
We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your requirements and advise you on the best course of action in your circumstances.
We have offices in Middlesbrough, Gateshead, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
