Tier 1 Investor Visa- How does it Work?

INTRODUCTION

The UK government is keen to attract highly skilled individuals, talented individuals, entrepreneurs and investors. This visa route is aimed at individuals who have the funds to invest into the UK. this visa route is an easy way to secure indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Tier 1 Investor Visa- How does it Work_

1. Requirements:

In order to qualify for this visa, you must;

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Be a citizen of a country outside the European Economic Area & Switzerland
  • Have the ability to prove that the investment funds are yours or your partner’s (either spouse, unmarried or same-sex)
  • Have an account with a UK bank, where you can use your funds

In terms of your investment funds, they must;

  • Be a minimum of £2,000,000
  • Be held in an account of a regulated bank (in the UK or overseas)
  • Be disposable in the UK

2. Important Documents Needed for Application:

For your application, you will need to provide the following;

  • A passport/ valid travel identification
    • You will need a blank page in your passport
  • Certificate of your tuberculosis test results (if you are from certain countries where this is a requirement)
  • A criminal record certificate (if you have stayed in any country for at least 12 months or more)
  • A statement which states the following;
    • Your funds are being held in a bank account that is from a bank which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
    • The statement is made by an authorised official
    • The statement is dated 3 months of your application
    • The statement is on official headed paper of the bank
    • Your name and account details
    • You will use this account and the money to invest in the UK
    • The account has been checked for money-laundering

In terms of your investments funds, you will need to provide;

  • Evidence demonstrating that you have the minimum amount of investment funds required ( at least £2,000,000)
  • Evidence of the amount of money you have and where exactly it is being held
  • The origins of the money if you have only had the money for less than 2 years
    • Example: inheritance from a relative
  • Evidence that it is possible for the money to be transferred into the UK and converted into sterling (if it has not already been done)

If the money belongs to your partner, then you will need to demonstrate;

  • Evidence of the nature of your relationship
    • Certificate of marriage or civil partnership, or if unmarried/same-sex, then provide evidence of your long-term relationship (meaning a relationship of at least 2 years)
    • A statement from your partner, which allows you to have control of the funds in the UK
    • A statement from your lawyer, declaring that your application is valid

3. Fees:
  • You will need to pay £1,623 to apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa. It is the same amount if you are extending or switching visas, or if you are applying as a family member.
  • You will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge

4. Bringing Family:

You are able to bring in family members if they are the following;

  • Husband, wife, partner
  • Child under 18
    • Child over 18 if they are currently in the Uk as a dependant
  • Just like you, your family members must apply online

5. The Application:
  • You will need to apply online
  • Your dependants will also need to apply online:
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