The investor route is closed
The Tier 1 (Investor) visa, which gave residence in return for a large investment, closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022. No other route grants residence simply because money is invested in the UK. A person who wants to live in the UK while investing must qualify under a route that asks for something other than capital alone. See the closed Investor visa.
The routes that remain for investors and business people
| Route | For whom | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder | An experienced business person with a new, innovative, viable and scalable business | Needs an approved endorsing body. No fixed minimum investment, but the plan must be funded. Settlement after three years is possible. |
| Global Talent | A leader or potential leader in academia, research, the arts or digital technology | No job offer or sponsor, endorsed by a recognised body. |
| Skilled Worker | A person employed in a skilled job, including by their own UK company once it holds a sponsor licence | The company must be a genuine, trading business able to meet a sponsor’s duties. |
| UK Expansion Worker | A senior manager or specialist sent to set up a UK branch of an overseas business | Two years at most; no route to settlement. |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | A sole representative of an overseas business, or overseas media staff | Three years initially, with settlement possible after five. |
Investing and living in the UK are two different questions. A non-resident can own UK property, shares or a business without any visa. A visa is needed only to live, work or run the business here.
If you already hold investor status
People who hold, or in the last 12 months held, Tier 1 (Investor) permission can still apply for indefinite leave to remain and for family members to join them. See the closed Investor visa.
Beware of promises of residence by investment
If a company offers a UK “golden visa” or residence in return for money, check the route on the Home Office’s own pages. If it is not listed there, it does not exist. See closed UK visa routes and what replaced them.
How we help
We advise on which route fits your plans and background, including the endorsement process and the sponsor licence a business needs, and prepare the application. A consultation costs from £99.
